Stay up-to-date with the latest agriculture, horticulture and conservation and land management (AHC) training package updates to ensure that your RTO stays compliant.
Scroll down to learn more about the changes in the newest AHC training package.
July 2023 AHC Training Package Update: ASQA Approves Extended Transition Period for Select AHC Qualifications
In an effort to ensure learners’ success and minimise disadvantages, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has recently given the green light for an extended transition period covering a range of qualifications in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. This AHC training package update provides registered training organisations (RTOs) with additional time for a smooth transition.
The extended transition period encompasses various qualifications, including:
- AHC10216 Certificate I in Agri-food Operations
- AHC10316 Certificate I in Horticulture
- AHC20116 Certificate II in Agriculture
- AHC20416 Certificate II in Horticulture
- AHC30116 Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture
- AHC32816 Certificate III in Rural Operations
- AHC33719 Certificate III in Protected Horticulture
- AHC40116 Certificate IV in Agriculture
- AHC40416 Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture
- AHC50416 Diploma of Horticulture
- AHC51216 Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation
ASQA’s authority to approve extended transition periods is governed by the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. To ensure fairness, ASQA evaluates requests for extensions based on the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, considering genuine disadvantages faced by groups of learners.
This extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period for the AHC training package will conclude on 22 January 2025. RTOs can enrol and commence students in the specified qualifications throughout this timeframe. However, all learners must complete their courses, receive certifications or statements of attainment, or transition to replacement qualifications by the end of the transition period.
Extended Transition Period Benefits Agriculture Learners
The decision to extend the transition date for these qualifications received support from Skills Impact, the Agribusiness Jobs and Skills Council. This move is expected to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, enabling students to unleash their full potential without being burdened by time constraints.
It’s important to emphasise that these qualifications will remain in the scope of RTOs until the end of the approved extended transition period. It ensures that students can continue accessing the necessary resources and support during their learning journey, significantly enhancing their chances of success in their chosen fields.
With this extended timeline, learners are presented with a valuable opportunity to successfully complete training, laying a solid foundation for fulfilling careers in the agriculture domain.
18 May 2023 AHC Training Package Update: Extended Transition Period for AHC20616
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has approved an extended transition period for Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO 31972) about the AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens from the AHC training package. This decision aims to support a specific group of learners and ensure a smooth educational journey.
Ensuring Fairness and High Education Standards
ASQA has the authority to approve transition periods longer than the standard requirements. To maintain fairness, ASQA carefully assesses transition requests based on the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition. The goal is to address potential disadvantages that learners may face if strict timelines are enforced.
Addressing Learner Concerns
Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd presented evidence highlighting the potential disadvantages that learners pursuing the AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens could face.
ASQA responded to these concerns by granting an extended transition period, allowing students sufficient time to complete their training, assessments, and certifications without unnecessary obstacles.
Comprehensive Training and Support
With the new AHC resources training update, Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd can deliver comprehensive training, conduct thorough assessments, and issue certifications for the AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens qualification during the extended period.
This AHC training package update showcases ASQA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive education system.
Embracing Diverse Learning Needs
The extended transition period recognises that learners progress at different paces and have unique learning capabilities. It aims to accommodate diverse learning needs and individual circumstances, ensuring that every student is provided with equal opportunities to thrive and achieve competency.
By granting an extended transition period, ASQA reaffirms its dedication to upholding high education standards while fostering an environment where every learner can flourish and succeed.
February 2023 AHC Training Package Update: ASQA Extends AHC30916 Transition Period
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has approved the transition period extension of ACH30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction to now being until 14 February 2024. This extension follows the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015’s Clauses 1.26 a, b, and c and allows students and trainers more time to complete their course.
RTOs are still able to maintain their scope of registration for the qualification until the end of the new transition period and are required to comply with completion unless they choose to withdraw before the deadline.
January 2023 AHC Training Package Version 9.0 Update
The Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management (AHC) Training Package released its latest version (Version 9.0) last 24 January 2023, with the qualifications and units of competency getting major updates.
To accommodate the recent developments, Compliant Learning Resources is currently developing new AHC resources that are in line with Version 9.0 of the AHC training package and are being made in consultation with industry experts.
Qualifications
Superseded Qualifications
| Superseded Qualifications | Current Qualifications | Equivalency |
| AHC10216 – Certificate I in AgriFood Operations | AHC10222 – Certificate I in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture | AHC10322 – Certificate I in Horticulture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10416 – Certificate I in Permaculture | AHC10422 – Certificate I in Permaculture | Equivalent |
| AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture | AHC20122 – Certificate II in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture | AHC20422 – Certificate II in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC21716 – Certificate II in Permaculture | AHC21722 – Certificate II in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture | AHC30122 – Certificate III in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30416 – Certificate III in Pork Production | AHC30422 – Certificate III in Pork Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30516 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | AHC30522 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture | AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC31516 – Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management | AHC31522 – Certificate III in On Country Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC32516 – Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work | AHC32522 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work | Not equivalent |
| AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | AHC32822 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | Not equivalent |
| AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | AHC33722 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC33816 – Certificate III in Permaculture | AHC33822 – Certificate III in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC1616 – Certificate IV in Organic Farming | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC42116 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | AHC42122 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture | AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation | AHC51222 – Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation | Not equivalent |
| AHC51816 – Diploma of Organic Farming | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC52116 – Diploma of Permaculture | AHC52122 – Diploma of Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC60415 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | AHC60422 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
|
Equivalent |
Deleted Qualifications
| Qualification | Action |
| AHC60216 – Advanced Diploma of Horticulture | Deleted |
Updated Qualifications
| Qualifications | Action |
| AHC20919 – Certificate II in Sports Turf Management | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
| AHC30221 – Certificate III in Dairy Production | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC42421 – Certificate IV in Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC50621 – Diploma of Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC51120 – Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC52021 – Diploma of Landscape Construction Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60319 – Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60520 – Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
Units of Competency and Skill Sets
The units of competency and skill sets also experienced major revisions in which many were added, deleted, and updated. To see what units and skill sets were revised, visit training.gov.au for the complete information.
What RTOs Can Do About AHC Training Updates
The latest revisions for the AHC Version 9.0 has prompted the demand for new AHC resources. While these materials are still in development, your RTO can do these following steps to maintain compliance:
- Update the range of qualifications, units, and skill sets that your organisation is authorised to offer to include the most recent version of the AHC training package.
- Monitor the 12-month transition period and ensure that all learners are utilising the updated materials within that timeframe.
- Ensure that students currently enrolled in units or qualifications that have been removed complete their training within the designated period.
- Submit a request to include new, dissimilar qualifications and units of competency within your organisation’s range of offerings.
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