Delivery of a VET program is undertaken by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). RTOs are providers and assessors of nationally recognised training. An RTO may be a TAFE, adult and community education provider, group training company, private provider or school.
Under the AQTF, only RTOs may issue VET qualifications or Statements of Attainment. In order to comply with these arrangements, a school offering VCE VET programs can form a partnership with an RTO, or register as an RTO in its own right. Assessment must be conducted by or under the auspices of an RTO. Cooperative arrangements may be established between schools and RTOs for the delivery and assessment of components of a training program. A school not registered as an RTO but intending to deliver training must do so under the auspices of an RTO.
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) maintains responsibility for the regulation of RTOs that deliver training solely in Victoria.
RTOs in Victoria, which deliver courses to international students and/or deliver courses in another Australian state or territory (other than Victoria and Western Australia), have their registration managed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The VRQA's application form for RTO registration and conditions of registration are available from:
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
VET Registration Branch
Email: vrqa.schools@edumail.vic.gov.au
Tel: (03) 9651 3288 or (03) 9651 3244
Website: www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/registration/vet/reg/default.htm
Further information on ASQA is available from:
Tel: 1300 701 801
Website: www.asqa.gov.au/for-training-organisations/for-training-organisations.html
Under the AQTF, all quality assurance requirements in relation to training delivery, assessment and certification are the responsibility of RTOs. This must be in accordance with the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration (Version 2010). This publication is available on the following website: www.training.com.au
Standard 1 of the AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration (Version 2010) addresses the issue of the RTO providing quality training and assessment across all of its operations.
Element 1.3 requires that:
'Staff, facilities, equipment, and training and assessment materials used by the RTO are consistent with the requirements of the Training Package or accredited course and the RTOs own training and assessment strategies.'
Element 1.4 states that:
‘Training and assessment is delivered by trainers and assessors who:
(a) have the necessary training and assessment competencies as determined by the National Quality Council or its successors, and
(b) have the relevant vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered or assessed, and
(c) can demonstrate current industry skills directly relevant to the training/assessment being undertaken, and
(d) continue to develop their Vocational Education and Training (VET) knowledge and skills as well as their industry currency and trainer/assessor competence.’
Training.gov.au (TGA) is the official national register of information on training packages, qualifications, courses, units of competency and RTOs. TGA provides a search and browse function that allows you to find specific RTOs that are registered to provide training in one or more states: http://training.gov.au
RTOs are responsible for the delivery, assessment and certification of VET qualifications. It is their responsibility to ensure that all units of competency required for a particular VET qualification are achieved to the standard specified by the performance criteria, and are assessed according to the assessment requirements specified in each unit of competency.
The following options are available for the delivery of a VET training program where VET is to be provided for students enrolled at school:
Option 1: Schools as RTOs
Schools may apply to become an RTO for the provision of VET qualifications.
Schools that register to deliver training become responsible for all elements of delivery, assessment and quality assurance, as well as the awarding of qualifications and Statements of Attainment.
A school registered as an RTO is responsible for enrolling its students with the VCAA in the relevant certificate and units of competency and for entering results on VASS when units of competency have been achieved. The school is also responsible for provision of enrolment, results and other data within the VET training sector.
Option 2: School and RTO partnerships
A school in partnership with an RTO is not required to register as a training organisation, because any delivery by the school will be auspiced by the RTO.
The home school is responsible for enrolling their students with the VCAA and for entering student results on VASS according to VCAA timelines.
The RTO is responsible for awarding qualifications and issuing Statements of Attainment for completed VET training.
School and RTO partnerships may work in the following ways:
CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS
Government schools requiring information on the contractual arrangements needed for the delivery of VET programs should visit the following webpage:
Non-government schools should refer to the Catholic Education Office (CEO) or Independent Schools Victoria for advice: