AQTF CONDITION 5 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RTOs

AQTF CONDITION 5 - IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RTOs

Written by Administrator    http://www.rtomanagement.com.au/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=45

Dec 17, 2010 at 09:26 AM

The NQC met on 9 December 2010 to discuss AQTF Condition 5 and the section dealing with options for the protection of student fees paid in advance and agreed to recommend to the Ministerial Council that implementation of this section of Condition 5 be deferred until 1 July 2011. By this date it is anticipated that the NQC will have clear advice and robust options for the protection of student fees, including the criteria for what constitutes an approved tuition assurance scheme. Pending Ministerial Council approval of the 1 July 2011 implementation date, Registering Bodies are requested to not undertake audits in relation to the section of Condition 5 dealing with options for the protection of student fees until advice is received from Ministers. A further update will be provided on the implementation arrangements for AQTF Condition 5 once it becomes available. Background In December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to amendments to the AQTF that strengthen the regulatory requirements underpinning the VET sector. These amendments introduce conditions and standards for initial registration of new providers and strengthen the requirements for ongoing registration, including stronger financial viability and fee protection conditions. The Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment (MCTEE) endorsed the Standards and Conditions in June 2010, the majority of which were to be implemented from 1 July 2010. Conditions 5 and 6 were not required to be implemented until 3 January 2011. Recently RTOs received advice in regard to Condition 6 and the need for RTOs to have a student records management system in place that has the capacity to provide Registering Bodies with AVETMISS compliant data by 3 January 2011. Advice regarding Condition 5 was considered by the National Quality Council (NQC) at their meeting on 9 December 2010  Source: National Quality Council; 'Special bulletin: AQTF CONDITION 5 ?IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RTOs', accessed 17 December 2010, http://www.nqc.tvetaustralia.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/54681/NQC_Special_Bulletin_TAS_-_AQTF_Condition_5_-_December_2010.pdf

E-learning industry under spotlight

e-Learning industry under spotlight

Written by Administrator   http://www.rtomanagement.com.au/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=112&Itemid=45

Feb 07, 2011 at 05:29 PM

The development of the e-learning industry will come under the spotlight at the E-Learning Summit, to be held on 21-22 March in Melbourne.  Supported by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the summit will feature ideas, technologies and strategies to support a range of learners in the tertiary sector. Sessions will cover: Australian university case studies digital marketing campaign analysis latest learning technologies branding in e-learning distance education as a tool for furthering social inclusion effective student support. There will be two international case studies. Dominic Newbould, from the UK-based Open University, will look at maintaining internationally respected programs in the online space.Carmel McNaught, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will provide an insight into planning e-learning infrastructure. Professor James Dalziel, of Macquarie University, will provide a keynote presentation on e-learning in Australian tertiary education, including a snapshot of the current market, characteristics and aspirations of online learners and how to provide successful online learning. There will also be two half day workshops post-summit on 23 March: Building international e-learning networks – looks at how to identify opportunities in foreign universities, negotiating different approaches to assessment and maintaining brand identity while using third party content. How to build an effective digital marketing acquisitions strategy – looks at the ‘nuts and bolts’ of an effective digital acquisition marketing strategy, how to develop effective open source branded content and identifying new target markets. Read the full program or register

Update from the National VET Regulator

Posted

Feb 07, 2011 at 06:15 PM

Interim Chair of the National VET Regulator (NVR), Kaye Schofield, has issued an update on the progress of the new regulation agency. The NVR update says a dedicated Industry Engagement Unit will be established to maintain relationships with industry bodies. It will also work with Industry Skills Councils to identify risks to the quality of VET, and implement measures to increase the confidence of industry in the quality of training and assessment within Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). It is expected that the National Regulatory Model will be finalised by early March, and pending the passing of the legislation in Federal Parliament, the NVR will begin regulating RTOs in New South Wales, the Northern Territory and the ACT in April. It is expected that Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania will follow in late 2011. To read the full January update click here

Government Funding: Eligibility

Are you eligible for government funding?
Post July 1st 2009 the government introduced new support for Securing Jobs for Your Future - Skills Victoria. The government initiatives heavily subsidize qualifications. 

It is the responsibility of an applicant to provide complete and accurate information as required by a training provider for the purpose of determining eligibility.

Do you meet the criteria for eligibility? 
The steps for determining eligibility are:

• 1. Citizenship/ Residency requirements - To be eligible you must be an Australian citizen or resident.
• 2. Age - You must be over 18 to be eligible.
• 3. Prior qualification - If you hold a qualification which is the equivalent or above the course you wish to enrol in, you will not be eligible for funding.

So you think you are eligible, what next?
Contact 0433877755

Funded training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Australian Government incentives

Australian Government incentives

Australian Government incentives may vary and change depending on government policy. Following is an overview of standard and special incentives that currently apply. Check with your local AAC for up-to-date details and to find out which Australian Government employer incentives you are eligible for.

-- End training.com.au information. --

How much funding?
There are various funding programs available managed at both State and Federal Government Departments, including Productivity Places Program and up to $4,000 funding under existing worker traineeships. Alto works closely with the relevant authorities to keep up to date with all the funding opportunities available. It is highly possible Government funding may fully cover the cost of all of you or your staffs training with Alto.

Why
Funding for training is a targeted government initiative and the offer of funding and support to businesses may only be available for a limited time. The time to take advantage of this opportunity is now.

Where
 Alto's accredited courses can be conducted throughout Australia, currently running courses Australia-wide (Metro and Regional). Alto’s programs are also offered onsite to organisations who want to host their own course. Alto arranges quality delivery options that ensure all of our customers' choice and flexibility.


Eligibility
There are guidelines that govern the eligibly for funding. To find out if employees are eligible, employers contact Alto

Fee For Service

Funding is available for many training courses through to Diploma level. Fee for service arrangements are where the student completes the training course provided by Alto and the cost of the course is paid for by the employer. As the course is funded by the Commonwealth government, the course fees are usually fully compensated.

Many employers use this opportunity to reward and encourage their staff with training, and at the same time, boost the productivity of the staff member. It is a well tested and respected understanding that trained staff are more productive, stay longer, boost profits, and have less time off than their untrained counterparts.
Recognised Prior Learning / Recognition of Current Competency (RPL/RCC)

You may have skills, knowledge and experience that could count towards the competencies required for a particular qualification outcome. To gain recognition you can apply to Alto for Recognition of Prior Learning or Recognition of Current Competency or RPL/RCC.