Key Takeaways:
- Training packages are a cornerstone of the VET sector, outlining the skills and knowledge industries expect workers to have.
- Each Jobs and Skills Council develops training products across different sectors with industry consultation, ensuring training aligns with workforce needs.
- Training packages include nationally endorsed components, such as qualifications, competency standards, and assessment requirements.
- Non-endorsed components, like skill sets and companion volumes, support delivery but are not formally required.
- RTOs use training packages as the basis for developing or sourcing training resources to ensure compliant and effective delivery.
Training packages and accredited courses are the foundations of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system. These training packages are used as the basis for developing the training resources and materials delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs). These contain the specific skills and knowledge that industries have identified for individuals to perform effectively in the workplace. However, training packages do not describe how people should be trained.
Who creates training packages?
Training packages are developed by Jobs and Skills Councils in consultation with industries, enterprises, and/or professional organisations. Each Jobs and Skills Council is an independent, professional organisation that works with Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) in creating and reviewing training packages. There are 10 Jobs and Skills Councils funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, these are:
- BuildSkills Australia
- Future Skills Organisation
- HumanAbility
- Industry Skills Australia
- Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
- Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance
- Powering Skills Organisation Ltd
- Public Skills Australia
- Service and Creative Skills Australia
- Skills Insight
What are the components of training packages?
Training packages contain a set of nationally endorsed components and a collection of non-endorsed components.
Nationally Endorsed Components
Nationally Endorsed Components under the 2023 Standards for Training Packages provide the basis of training and assessment in training packages. A training package must satisfy all Skills Ministers-endorsed components for training to be nationally recognised.
- Qualifications: Contains details of the units of competency that must be accomplished to meet specific AQF qualifications. The ‘packaging rules’ for training packages provide rules on how to arrange units to create a valid AQF qualification.
- Competency Standards: Contain information on the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in the workplace, as defined by the units of competency, which is one of the endorsed components in the Standards for Training Packages (2023).
- Assessment Requirements: Refers to the conditions to be met when assessing a student’s competencies. This ensures that assessors comply with the principles of assessment and rules of evidence and consider the student’s LLND (language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy) skills pre-enrolment.
- Credit Arrangements: Refers to existing endorsed arrangements between training package qualifications and other AQF qualifications or between training packages. This provides information on how previously completed units of competency or recognised learning/work experience can be credited via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Non-endorsed Components
These refer to the other components of a training package that contribute to the successful delivery of a training program but doesn’t require a formal endorsement.
- Skill Sets: Provides information on one or more units of competency selected to meet an identified need or outcome, recognised as non-endorsed components under the 2023 Standards for Training Packages, used where appropriate by industry and RTOs.
- Companion Volume Implementation Guides: Provide support materials that help an RTO interpret and implement the nationally endorsed components but are not themselves endorsed components under the Standards for Training Packages.
Where can I get access to these training packages?
Training packages are developed with public funds and are available in the public domain. You can search and freely download information on training packages from the National Register of VET. However, to deliver training for specific training packages and qualifications, you will have to source learning and assessment materials from experienced instructional designers. Compliant Learning Resources offers complete RTO training materials for a wide variety of qualifications and units of competency.
Our training materials are designed with comprehensive content and built-in compliance features so your RTO can meet regulatory requirements with ease. For more information on how we can help you develop your training resources and materials, or get access to the best training resources, contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Jobs and Skills Councils have to do with training packages?
Jobs and Skills Councils are responsible for creating and maintaining training packages, working with industries and stakeholders to make sure qualifications reflect current workforce demands.
How do training packages connect to training resources used by RTOs?
While training packages outline skills and knowledge requirements, they don’t provide teaching materials. RTOs must source or create training resources aligned to the package so they can deliver compliant, quality training.
Why are endorsed components important in training packages?
Endorsed components are nationally recognised and designed to make sure learners achieve outcomes that meet consistent standards across Australia.
What is the benefit of skill sets within training packages?
Skill sets allow learners to complete specific units that meet industry needs without committing to a full qualification, offering flexibility and targeted upskilling.
Where can RTOs access training packages?
Training packages are available free on the National Register of VET. However, RTOs need to invest in suitable RTO training resources to deliver them effectively and remain compliant.
Conclusion
Understanding the components of training packages and the role of Jobs and Skills Councils is essential for RTOs aiming to deliver nationally recognised outcomes. While training packages define the skills and knowledge industry expects, it is the use of high-quality training resources that allows providers to bring these standards to life in the classroom or workplace.
By staying informed and sourcing reliable materials, RTOs can deliver training that not only meets compliance requirements but also equips learners with the practical skills needed to thrive in Australia’s workforce.
