skills recognition & training (iie-srt) program...

Investing in ExperienceSkills Recognition & Training (IIE-SRT)

PROGRAM GUIDELINESPublication date (26 July 2012)

www.innovation.gov.au/iiesrt

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2Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) | Program Guidelines

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1.1 Overview 1 1.2 At a glance 1 1.3 Why the program is important 2 1.4 How this program relates to other government programs 2

2 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SKILLS CONNECT APPLICATIONS 3

3 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 4 3.1 Industries 4 3.2 Employers 4 3.3 Mature Age Workers 4 3.4 Eligible Skills Assessment & Training 4

4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 6 4.1 Employers 6 4.2 Mature Age Workers 6 4.3 Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 6 4.4 Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research & Tertiary Education (DIISRTE) 6

5 RULES 8 5.1 Funding priorities and limitations 8 5.2 No Double Funding 8 5.3 Compliance with Relevant Laws 8 5.4 Publication of Grants 8 5.5 Program Monitoring 8

6 PROCESSES 9 6.1 Application Assessment 9 6.2 Skills Assessment (or RPL) 10 6.3 Funding Where Gap Training IS NOT Required 10 6.4 Funding Where Gap Training IS Required 11 6.4.1 Initial Payment 11 6.4.2 Completion Payment 12 6.5 GST 12 6.6 Conflict of interest 12

7 MORE INFORMATION 12

8 GLOSSARY & DEFINITION OF TERMS 13

Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) | Program Guidelines 1

1.1 Overview

From 1 July 2012, the Australian Government is investing $20 million over two years to implement the Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) (IIE-SRT) program.

This initiative responds to the recommendations of the report of the Advisory Panel on the Economic Potential of Senior Australians, Realising the economic potential of senior Australians: turning grey into gold. It also supports the Government’s 2010 election commitment to Delivering for Seniors and the Government’s continuing commitment to increase productivity and reduce skills shortages across all sectors of the Australian workforce.

Through the IIE–SRT program employers can apply for grants of up to $4,400 (including GST) to assist their Mature Age Workers (aged 50 years and over) to get qualifications that match their skills. Through a Skills Assessment and, if needed, Gap Training, Mature Age Workers can attain a Nationally Recognised Qualification at the Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level that is relevant to their current or future employment. An Application Form is available on the IIE–SRT website. Where Mature Age Workers already have formal qualifications at the Certificate III or above level, they may be eligible to receive funding for an approved Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package.

The initiative will support up to 5,000 Mature Age Workers over two years, with funding distributed as follows:

Table 1: Funding distribution

Years 2012-13 2013-14 Total

Funding $10 million

$10 million

$20 million

1.2 At a glance

Who can apply:

•Employers operating in Australia who employ Mature Age Workers (aged 50 years or above) under an Award or Certified Agreement

•Small business owners, including sole traders, operating in Australia who are themselves aged 50 years or above

•All industries can apply, however priority will be given to trade relevant industries and employers who seek whole-of-workforce development via the Australian Government Skills Connect initiative.

Funding available:

•Up to $4,400 (including GST) to be paid to employers for each Mature Age Worker for which they apply for funding as follows:

– $3,300 (including GST) payment for completion of a Skills Assessment that recognises the Mature Age Worker’s current competencies, or a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and commencement of Gap Training if required

– $1,100 (including GST) payment for completion of any Gap Training identified in the Skills Assessment or RPL process and delivered by an RTO.

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

http://www.innovation.gov.au/IIESRT



Timeline:

•The program commences on 1 July 2012 and finishes on 30 June 2014.

•Applications for funding may be submitted from 1 July 2012 until the funding appropriation for this program ($10 million per annum) is fully committed and/or program windup activities have commenced. The Department will not accept applications once the annual limit has been reached and will take the necessary steps in communicating with stakeholders if this action needs to be taken.

•All Skills Assessments and Gap Training must be completed, and all documentation provided to DIISRTE, by 31 May 2014 to enable payment to be made prior to the close of the program on 30 June 2014.

Conditions:

•The Skills Assessment, RPL and any Gap Training must relate to the Mature Age Worker’s current or future employment.

•The Skills Assessment, RPL and any Gap Training must relate to a Nationally Recognised Qualification at the Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level.

•The primary objective of the IIE-SRT program is to support Mature Age Workers who do not have formal qualifications at the Certificate III level or above. In keeping with this, Mature Age Workers who already have a qualification at the Certificate III or above level will not be eligible for IIE-SRT funding, with very limited exceptions. DIISRTE, at its absolute discretion, may make exceptions in cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that:

– the Mature Age Worker’s current qualification is not relevant to their current or future employment; or

– the Mature Age Worker is persuing a specific career pathway within a particular industry and the qualification sought is integral to their career progression and provides substantial additional value to the qualification already obtained.

•Alternatively, Mature Age Workers who already have a qualification at the Certificate III level or above may apply for funding to undertake a Skills Assessment and Gap Training (if required) in an approved Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package.

•All other requirements detailed in the IIE-SRT Program Guidelines and Application Form, and any amendments to those documents, must be met.

1.3 Why the program is important

The Australian Government recognises that Mature Age Workers bring an enormous amount of knowledge and capability to the workplace but, for various reasons, these competencies have not been formally recognised through accredited qualifications. The Government understands that the lack of formal qualification can lead to early retirement and career limitations. With an ageing population the Australian Government is focused on ensuring that the skills and knowledge of Mature Age Workers continue to make a contribution to business and the economy.

Through the Government’s investment in skills recognition and gap training, Mature Age Workers will be assisted to remain in the workforce, progress in their jobs, transition to new roles, help develop younger workers, and contribute further to workforce productivity.

1.4 How this program relates to other government programs

IIE-SRT effectively replaces and enhances the More Help for Mature Age Workers program which ended on 30 June 2012.


Australian Government Skills Connect (AGSC) is an integrated approach designed to help link eligible Australian enterprises with a range of skills and workforce development programs and funding. It is the employers’ gateway to information and support that will connect them with Australian Government funding that meets their unique business or industry training and workforce development needs—helping them to build productivity and improve the future of their business.

An application for whole of workforce development funding made through AGSC may include an application for IIE-SRT. Any funding provided through an AGSC application will be dealt with in accordance with these guidelines.

At the discretion of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE), an AGSC Lead Organisation may be entitled to an administration component depending on the size of the workforce development project.

For information about how to apply for funding through AGSC, go to http://www.skills.gov.au/SkillsConnect.

2 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SKILLS CONNECT APPLICATIONS

http://www.skills.gov.au/SkillsConnect



3.1 Industries

While priority will be given to trade relevant industries, all businesses that employ Mature Age Workers, from all employment sectors, will be eligible to apply for funding under the IIE-SRT program. This includes employers from childcare, aged care, hospitality and education – sectors which had previously sought, but were not eligible for, funding under the More Help for Mature Age Workers program.

3.2 Employers

Employers from all industries, who employ Mature Age Workers under an Award or Certified Agreement, are eligible to apply for IIE-SRT funding.

Small business owners, including sole traders, operating in Australia who are themselves Mature Age Workers can also apply.

Employers may apply for IIE-SRT funding as part of a whole of workforce development funding proposal made through AGSC. See http://www.skills.gov.au/SkillsConnect for more information on how to apply for AGSC funding.

Note, the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) itself, or any of its subsidiary RTOs, are not eligible to apply for IIE-SRT funding for their own Mature Age Workers, either directly or through AGSC, where the training is to be provided by that RTO.

Australian Government departments and agencies are not eligible to apply for IIE-SRT funding.

Other government-related entities that meet the eligibility criteria, including state and territory governments, the organisations they establish and local governing bodies, are eligible to apply for IIE-SRT funding.

3.3 Mature Age Workers

Except in the case of small business owners and sole traders, Mature Age Workers cannot apply for IIE-SRT funding on their own behalf. All applications must be made by an employer and it is the employer who will ultimately receive the funding.

For their employer to be eligible for funding, the Mature Age Worker must:

•be 50 years of age or older at the time of application;

•be employed for financial remuneration for 14 hours or more per week under an Australian Award or Certified Agreement (or self employed);

•be an Australian citizen (or permanent resident or humanitarian refugee);

•wish to obtain formal qualifications relevant to their current or future employment, or to have their previous industry experience formally recognised; and

•not be an Apprentice or Trainee.

See Section 6.1 for details of evidence required to support an application for funding.

3.4 Eligible Skills Assessment & Training

To be eligible for funding under the IIE-SRT program, the Skills Assessment or RPL and any identified Gap Training must relate to a Nationally Recognised Qualification (from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level) and be delivered by an RTO.

A Skills Assessment or RPL must be conducted by an RTO which is authorised to deliver the training for the nominated occupation in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework.

3 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA




The Skills Assessment and Gap Training must be relevant to the Mature Age Worker’s current or future work and be targeted at improving their employability.

The primary objective of the IIE-SRT program is to support Mature Age Workers who do not have formal qualifications at the Certificate III level or above. In keeping with this, Mature Age Workers who already have a qualification at the Certificate III or above level will not be eligible for IIE-SRT funding, with very limited exceptions. DIISRTE, at its absolute discretion, may make exceptions in cases where it can be clearly demonstrated that:

•the Mature Age Worker’s current qualification is not relevant to their current or future employment; or

•the Mature Age Worker is pursuing a specific career pathway within a particular industry and the qualification sought is integral to their career progression and provides substantial additional value to the qualification already obtained.

Alternatively, Mature Age Workers with existing Certificate III or above qualifications may be funded for an approved Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package.


4.1 Employers

It is the responsibility of the employer to:

•ensure that all eligibility criteria are met (see Section 3 above);

•complete the application form and provide relevant evidence to DIISRTE for assessment;

•enter into a funding agreement with an RTO for the Skills Assessment or RPL (and any Gap Training identified through this process) once they have been notified that the application is approved by the Program Delegate;

•ensure that the Gap Training does not commence until a Skills Assessment or RPL process has identified that Gap Training is required;

•provide to DIISRTE all documentation requested to prove eligibility and show that relevant criteria have been met for Initial and/or Completion payments;

•retain all required documentation, including those pertaining to eligibility for funding under the IIE-SRT program, for a period of seven years after the approval of the application; and

•pay any costs incurred above the allocated funding.

4.2 Mature Age Workers

It is the responsibility of the Mature Age Worker to provide all necessary information and documentation to support their employer’s application for funding under IIE-SRT. This includes identifying any previous qualifications they have gained at the Certificate III or above level, evidence to support an RPL process, proof of age and proof of identity. See Section 6.1 for details of suitable types of evidence.

It is also the responsibility of the Mature Age Worker to actively participate in the Skills Assessment or RPL process and identified Gap Training.

4.3 Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

RTOs must ensure that a Skills Assessment or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is undertaken before any Gap Training is commenced.

RTOs must inform the employer if the Skills Assessment or Gap Training intended to be delivered does not meet the eligibility criteria listed in Section 3 above.

RTOs must also advise Employers if the intended training is already subject to a government subsidy.

4.4 Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research & Tertiary Education (DIISRTE)

DIISRTE will administer, monitor and review the IIE-SRT program and, at its discretion, vary the Program Guidelines to ensure program delivery continues to align with Government intentions and expectations.

Any amendments to Program Guidelines will be published on the IIE-SRT website and will take effect from the date advertised on the website. Any changes to the Program Guidelines will be binding on employers who applied for funding under a previous version of the Program Guidelines. DIISRTE, at its sole discretion, may waive these obligations.

4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



Where DIISRTE contracts an AGSC Lead Organisation to undertake aspects of IIE-SRT program administration, the Department will monitor these activities and conduct compliance exercises from time to time. These exercises will focus on ensuring that processes undertaken by the AGSC Lead Organisation are consistent with the intent of the IIE-SRT Program as reflected in the Program Guidelines and Application Form.

DIISRTE will monitor RTOs and any irregular activity will be investigated and referred to the National VET Regulator and/or relevant state or territory authority.


5.1 Funding priorities and limitations

All industry sectors are within the scope of the IIE-SRT program but, where there is a conflict for limited funding, preference may be given to trade-relevant qualifications and to applications received through AGSC.

If Program funding for a particular financial year has been exhausted, no further applications for that financial year will be accepted.

As the program finishes on 30 June 2014, all Skills Assessments and Gap Training must be completed, and all documentation provided to DIISRTE, by 31 May 2014 to enable payments to be made prior to the close of the program. In keeping with this arrangement, and in order to allow sufficient time for program closure processes to be undertaken, DIISRTE will determine, at its discretion, an application cut off date after which no new applications will be accepted.

5.2 No Double Funding

Funding is not payable under IIE-SRT for any training activity:

•where the employer, RTO or Mature Age Worker receives payment for a Nationally Recognised Qualification or Skill Set from any other Australian Government sources or state, territory or local government bodies (for example, User Choice, National Workforce Development Fund); or

•where enrolment/participation by the Mature Age Worker in the nominated training course is a requirement or component of another Australian Government, state, territory or local government program under which payment is received by the RTO, the employer or the Mature Age Worker.

Employers must take reasonable steps to confirm that no other payment is received for this training. If an employer receives funding as part of the IIE-SRT program and this is later found to be a double payment, DIISRTE will seek immediate recovery of the funds in question.

5.3 Compliance with Relevant Laws

In administering IIE-SRT, DIISRTE is bound by the provisions of the:

•Privacy Act 1988

•Freedom of Information Act 1982

•Racial Discrimination Act 1975

•Sex Discrimination Act 1984

•Disability Discrimination Act 1992

•Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986.

Organisations should familiarise themselves with these Acts and seek their own legal advice to ensure compliance.

5.4 Publication of Grants

DIISRTE is obliged to publish details of all grants on its website. This information will include the name of the organisation that has received the funding, a brief description of the project, the amount received, and the relevant dates. This information will remain on the Department’s website for a minimum of two years.

5.5 Program Monitoring

DIISRTE will monitor and assess program outcomes, and may conduct compliance monitoring exercises or use feedback and satisfaction surveys to inform ongoing or post-program analysis. Employers will be contacted by the IIE-SRT Program Manager in advance of any compliance monitoring and/or evaluation survey.

Employers must retain, and make available to DIISRTE upon request, all documents pertaining to eligibility for funding under the IIE-SRT program.

5 RULES


Please note that Section 6 of the Program Guidelines applies only to individual employers applying directly for IIE-SRT funding.

Employers applying for IIE-SRT funding through AGSC need to go to the AGSC website at http://www.skills.gov.au/SkillsConnect to apply.

Whether the application is from an individual employer or group of employers, DIISRTE will, when assessing applications, give consideration to value for money and relevance of the course to the worker’s current or future occupation. The Department reserves the right to exclude any application that does not meet the objective of the IIE-SRT Program Guidelines and the application requirements outlined in these Guidelines and the Application Form. The Department also reserves the right to seek further clarification in regard to information provided by the applicant in the Application Form. If this is necessary, the applicant may be asked to submit a revised application.

6.1 Application Assessment

An online application form for the IIE-SRT program is available for individual employers to complete via the program website at www.innovation.gov.au/iiesrt. Employers completing the application form must also provide supporting documents including:

•evidence of age of the Mature Age Worker in the form of a copy of a birth certificate or passport or driver’s licence; and

•evidence that the Mature Age Worker is working at least 14 hours per week in the form of a payslip or approved timesheet.

If, for some reason, you are unable to apply using the online application form, please contact the IIE-SRT Program Manager by email to [email protected] or by mail to the Program Manager at:

Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education GPO Box 9839 (Loc C14MT3) Canberra ACT 2601.

The application will be assessed by appropriately qualified DIISRTE staff on behalf of the Program Delegate. The employer will be advised in writing of the outcome within 20 working days of receipt of a correctly completed application form and all required supporting documentation.

It is strongly recommended that employers not make any skills recognition or training commitments until they have received written confirmation from DIISRTE that their application has been approved.

Applications open on 1 July 2012

6 PROCESSES


http://www.innovation.gov.au/iiesrt

mailto:IIESRT%40innovation.gov.au?subject=


An employer:

•can apply for more than one Mature Age Worker per application;

•cannot nominate more than one qualification for each Mature Age Worker;

•can nominate a subsequent qualification for an individual Mature Age Worker provided that the employer can demonstrate that the Mature Age Worker has completed the first qualification and that the Mature Age Worker is pursuing a specific career pathway in a particular industry. This is at the discretion of DIISRTE and subject to alignment with the objectives of the IIE-SRT program and availability of funding at that time. It is not the intent of the program to enable Mature Age Workers to experiment with or explore different training options.

DIISRTE reserves the right to exclude any application that does not meet the objective of the IIE-SRT program and the application requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines and the Application Form.

DIISRTE also reserves the right to seek further clarification in relation to information provided in the Application Form and, where necessary, require the submission of a revised application.

6.2 Skills Assessment (or RPL)

The Skills Assessment or RPL must result in:

•the awarding of a certificate (at Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level) or, where the Mature Age Worker already has a formal qualification at the Certificate III level or above, the awarding of a Statement of Attainment for an approved Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package; or

•the identification of a skills gap requiring training to attain a Nationally Recognised Qualification or, in the case of Mature Age Workers who already have a qualification at the Certificate III level or above, complete a Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training.

Once an employer has been notified that the IIE-SRT application has been approved by DIISRTE, they have up to six weeks (42 calendar days) to complete a Skills Assessment or RPL process for the respective Mature Age Worker. The qualification must be

consistent with the Eligibility Criteria Section above. If an approved Mature Age Worker does not complete the Skills Assessment or RPL process within 42 calendar days of being notified of approval, DIISRTE may withdraw its approval for IIE-SRT funding.

If the approval is withdrawn, DIISRTE will notify the employer in writing. It is important to note that if an employer chooses to proceed with a Skills Assessment or RPL after receiving notification that approval has been withdrawn, DIISRTE will not be liable to pay any amount in relation to that Skills Assessment or RPL.

If the approval is withdrawn, an employer is eligible to reapply to the program; however, this will be subject to the availability of IIE-SRT funding at that time.

6.3 Funding Where Gap Training IS NOT Required

Where the Skills Assessment or RPL process identifies that no Gap Training is required for the Mature Age Worker to be awarded a Nationally Recognised Qualification at Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level, the employer must submit an invoice to the Program Manager to receive funding of $3,300 (including GST).

The invoice must be provided within 60 calendar days of the completion of the Skills Assessment or RPL and no later than 30 June of the financial year in which the Skills Assessment took place, unless otherwise negotiated with DIISRTE. The invoice must include:

•a date of issue;

•the tax invoice number (or a unique identifying number);

•the employer’s business name and ABN;

•bank account details for payment of the invoice by electronic funds transfer;

•the total amount payable $3,300 (including GST) and separate identification of the GST component;


•evidence of a Skills Assessment or RPL process, for example a letter from the RTO; and

•evidence of successful course completion, for example a formal qualification certificate, assessment results or a letter from the RTO confirming successful completion of the approved course by the Mature Age Worker.

The funding of $3,300 (including GST) must be used to pay for the cost of a Skills Assessment or RPL. Any remaining funds can be used to pay for, or contribute to, the cost of attaining the qualification for the Mature Age Worker, for example:

•administrative expenses involved in arranging a Skills Assessment

•supporting the business to allow the Mature Age Worker to undertake a Skills Assessment while still in employment

•applying for relevant tickets (such as forklift tickets) or licences.

Invoices may be sent by email in PDF format to [email protected] or mailed in hard copy to the Program Manager at the address below. Faxed copies of invoices will not be accepted.

Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) Department of Industry, Innovation Science, Research and Tertiary Education GPO Box 9839 (Loc C14MT3) Canberra ACT 2601.

6.4 Funding Where Gap Training IS Required

If the Skills Assessment or RPL process identifies skill gaps, the Gap Training must be commenced within 60 days of the date the Skills Assessment or RPL is completed.

6.4.1 Initial Payment

Upon completion of the Skills Assessment or RPL and commencement of any identified Gap Training, the employer must submit to the Program Manager the following:

•evidence of completion of a Skills Assessment or RPL process, for example a letter from the RTO;

•evidence of a tax invoice from the RTO clearly showing fees applying for any required Gap Training and any fees for conducting a Skills Assessment or RPL process;

•evidence of commencement of any Gap Training identified in the Skills Assessment or RPL process, for example a letter from the RTO confirming that the Mature Age Worker has participated in face-to-face or equivalent training (such as distance, flexible or e-learning) in the relevant Units of Competency; and

•an invoice that includes:

– a date of issue;

– the tax invoice number (or a unique identifying number);

– the employer’s business name and ABN;

– bank account details for payment of the invoice by electronic funds transfer; and

– the total amount payable ($3,300) and separate identification of the GST component.

This evidence must be provided to the Program Manager within 60 days of the commencement of the Gap Training and no later than 30 June of the financial year in which the Gap Training took place, unless otherwise negotiated with DIISRTE. On receipt of this evidence, the employer will be paid an initial payment of $3,300 (including GST).

As per Section 6.3, the Initial Payment of $3,300 (including GST) must be used to pay for the cost of a Skills Assessment or RPL and any Gap Training. Any remaining funds can be used to pay for, or contribute to, the cost of attaining the qualification for the Mature Age Worker.

mailto:[email protected]


6.4.2 Completion Payment

Once the Gap Training has been successfully completed, the employer must submit a correctly rendered invoice to the Program Manager within 60 days of the completion of Gap Training, and no later than 30 June of the financial year in which the Gap Training took place, unless otherwise agreed by DIISRTE. The invoice must include:

•a date of issue

•the tax invoice number (or a unique identifying number)

•the employer’s business name and ABN

•bank account details for payment of the invoice by electronic funds transfer

•the total amount payable $1,100 (including GST) and separate identification of the GST component

•evidence of successful course completion, for example a formal qualification certificate, assessment results or a letter from the RTO confirming successful completion of the approved course by the Mature Age Worker.

Invoices may be sent by email in PDF format to [email protected] or mailed in hard copy to the Program Manager at the address below. Faxed copies of invoices will not be accepted.

Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) Department of Industry, Innovation Science, Research and Tertiary Education GPO Box 9839 (Loc C14MT3) Canberra ACT 2601.

The Completion Payment does not apply to circumstances where Gap Training is not required.

6.5 GST

Generally, IIE-SRT funding will attract GST. If your organisation is subject to any GST exemptions you should ensure that this is clear on your Application Form to ensure that appropriate adjustments can be made to your payments. Organisations should seek their own independent advice on taxation treatment of the IIE-SRT funding.

6.6 Conflictofinterest

Applications will be assessed by appropriately qualified staff, led by the IIE-SRT Program Manager. Staff involved in the assessment process will be required to declare any perceived or actual conflict of interest or confidentiality issues before undertaking an assessment.

Employers are required to disclose to DIISRTE in their application for IIE-SRT funding, any situation or relationship which may constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest. Where a conflict of interest is identified, the employer should specify how they propose to address the issue and manage the potential for conflicts to arise. For more information, contact the IIE-SRT Program Manager.

7 MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions, please contact the Program Manager by email to [email protected] or by mail to:

Program Manager Investing in Experience (Skills Recognition & Training) Department of Industry, Innovation Science, Research and Tertiary Education GPO Box 9839 (Loc C14MT3) Canberra ACT 2601.






ApprenticeA person, contracted to an employer, undergoing training for a recognised apprenticeable occupation during an established period and registered with the appropriate State or Territory training authority.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)The AQF is a system that recognises and endorses qualifications in Australia. It covers schools, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education courses, ensuring the course design, units, projects, modules and assessment procedures are relevant and of a high standard.

The AQF is also responsible for policies covering transfers between institutions and recognition of prior learning (RPL) credits.

Courses that are accredited under the AQF and delivered by RTOs are nationally recognised.

Australian Quality Training FrameworkThe Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) is the national set of standards which assures nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia’s vocational education and training system.

Completion PaymentSee detail at Section 6.4.2

Gap TrainingFor the purpose of administering the IIE-SRT program, Gap Training is defined as the training identified through a Skills Assessment or RPL process. The training is to be conducted by an RTO scoped to deliver the respective qualification at the Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level. In the case of Mature Age Workers who already hold a qualification at Certificate III or above level, the training is to be conducted by an RTO scoped to deliver an approved Skill Set from within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package.

Initial PaymentSee detail under Section 6.4.1.

Mature Age WorkerFor the purpose of administering the IIE-SRT program, a Mature Age Worker is defined as a person who:• is aged 50 years or over; and• employed for financial remuneration for

14 hours or more per week under an Australian Award or Certified Agreement (or self employed); and

• an Australian citizen (or permanent resident or humanitarian refugee); and

• wishes to obtain formal qualifications relevant to their current or future employment, or to have their previous industry experience formally recognised.

Nationally Recognised QualificationA Nationally Recognised Qualification is a qualification that is developed under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and delivered by a RTO.

This means that it meets the standards required by industry and the qualification gained is recognised across Australia.

See www.training.gov.au for a list of nationally recognised qualifications.

8 GLOSSARY & DEFINITION OF TERMS

www.training.gov.au


Nationally Endorsed Training PackageA Nationally Endorsed Training Package is a set of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications used to recognise and assess the skills and knowledge people need to perform effectively in the workplace.

Training Packages are a key resource for RTOs in the delivery of structured, accredited training.

A Training Package states what competencies need to be achieved but does not prescribe how an individual should be trained. It is the responsibility of the RTO, through its trainers, to develop teaching strategies and assessment methods to meet the needs, abilities and circumstances of learners.

Program DelegateThe Head of Division, Industry Skills Division, will be the delegate for IIE-SRT.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)The acknowledgement of a person’s skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject or module of a course delivered by a Registered Training Organisation.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO)RTOs are Government-approved providers and assessors of nationally recognised training. This means simply that RTOs are recognised as providers of quality training, and are the only organisations that can issue nationally recognised qualifications.

A list of RTOs can be found at www.training.gov.au.

Skill SetA Skill Set is defined by the National Quality Council (NQC) as those single units or combinations of units of study which link to a licence or regulatory requirement, or defined industry need.[1] Industry Skills Councils (ISCs), as Training Package developers determine and name skill sets in their Training Packages according to the NQC definition.

Lists of Training Package Skill Sets can be found at www.training.gov.au.

Skills AssessmentFor the purpose of administering the IIE-SRT program, a Skills Assessment is defined as an activity by which the competencies of the Mature Age Worker are assessed against a Nationally Recognised Qualification or, in the case of Mature Age Workers who already have a qualification at the Certificate III or above level, a Skill Set contained within a Nationally Endorsed Training Package.

The Skills Assessment must be conducted by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that is scoped and qualified to deliver the Nationally Recognised Qualification against which the Mature Age Worker is being assessed.

TraineeA person receiving training or undertaking a traineeship registered with the appropriate State or Territory training authority.

Unit of CompetencyA Unit of Competency is the nationally agreed statement of the skills and knowledge required for effective performance in a particular job or job function.

A unit of competency specifies the knowledge and skills, and the application of that knowledge and skills, to the standard of performance expected in the workplace. It is the smallest unit that can be assessed and recognised. Units of competency must be adhered to in training and assessment to ensure consistency of outcomes.

Units of Competency in Training Packages are developed by industry to meet the identified skill needs of industry. Each unit of competency identifies a discrete workplace requirement and includes the knowledge and skills that underpin competency as well as language, literacy and numeracy; and occupational health and safety requirements. The units of competency must be adhered to in assessment to ensure consistency of outcomes.

(Continued next page)

www.training.gov.au

www.training.gov.au


They provide the basis for:• recognition of skills within and

across industries• work organisation reviews and options• development of training• assessment• certification• credit transfer and articulation.

Each unit of competency describes:• a specific work activity• the conditions under which it is conducted• the evidence that may be gathered in order

to determine whether the activity is being performed in a competent manner.

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