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AQTF 2007 - a COAG Reform

The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) has been revised to improve the quality of training and assessment in the VTE sector, with changes coming into effect from 1 July 2007.

Principles underpinning the changes include:

• reducing the regulatory burden
• streamlining and standardising processes for national consistency
• ensuring stakeholder confidence in quality skills outcomes
• continuous improvement of training & assessment

The new arrangements encourage greater participation of licensing and industry regulatory bodies in ensuring the quality of training, and will also achieve greater national consistency through new standards for State and Territory Registering Bodies (ie, VETAB in NSW).

Outcomes-focussed audits by Registering Bodies will allow RTOs to focus more on the quality of the outcomes of their training and assessment, which in turn will give industry greater confidence in the national training system.

What is in AQTF 2007?

AQTF 2007 includes:

• Three (3) Essential Standards for Registered Training Organisations. The Standards are underpinned by Conditions of Registration and include 3 Quality Indicators;
• Three (3) Standards for Registering Bodies in each State and Territory; and
• Voluntary Excellence Criteria to be introduced from 1 January 2008.

Information documents

On 29 March, the National Quality Council (NQC) endorsed the following documents for Ministerial approval:

• Essential Standards for Registration (Draft date 4 April 2007)
• Standards for Registering Bodies (Draft date 4 April 2007)

Note: You can download these files at the end of this article. The final approved versions will be available in hard copy and electronic versions by June 2007.

RTOs have been asking for more information about Training and Assessment competencies (AQTF 2007 Essential Standard 1.4). Download the draft Training and Assessment Competencies for Trainers and Assessors for AQTF2007 here >>

Consultation Documents

The National Quality Council noted the following documents on 29 March and agreed that they be made available for stakeholder consultation (draft date - 4 April 07):

• Minimum Competency Requirements of the AQTF Audit Team
• National Industry Regulator Engagement Guidelines
• National Risk Management Guidelines
• The Audit Handbook
• Users Guide to the Essential Standards for Registration

The deadline for input into the consultation process is 30 April 2007. Comments and suggestions should be sent to: dfeest.quality@saugov.sa.gov.au

General Information

Information sessions were conducted from February to April in each State and Territory explaining the new framework. View the powerpoint presentation used at the sessions >>

Further documents to download:

• Transition Table
• Frequently Asked Questions