Registered Training Organisation Student Handbook

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Registered Training Organisation

Student Handbook

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RTOEF5

Student Handbook V1 Feb 2015

APlus Contact Details

ADDRESS: POSTAL ADDRESS:

Level 1 / 192-198 High St NORTHCOTE VIC 3070

PO BOX 2065 PRESTON DC 3072

BUSINESS HOURS: WEB:

Monday – Friday 8.30 AM - 4.30 PM

www.aplus.org.au

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Reception

Student Administration Officer

Training Operations Coordinator

RTO Operations Manager

Phone: (03) 9481 5999 Phone: (03) 9481 9120 Fax: (03) 9482 7593

Denise Mercouriou

Phone: (03) 9481 9125 Fax: (03) 9482 7593

Email: [email protected]

Richard Babovic

Phone: (03) 9307 4900 Fax: (03) 8390 6149

Email: [email protected]

APlus Skills Centre

APlus Apprentice + Trainee Services (APlus) provides students with the opportunity to attend our training facilities at our Northcote office.

Our skills centre has a dedicated computer training room available to all enrolled students who may require time away from the workplace to complete tasks/assessments, practice skills or seek additional assistance in achieving competency. The skills centre is open every Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Attendance at the skills centre can contribute to the withdrawal time required for the traineeship see ‘Structured Workplace Withdrawal’ below. A skilled Training and Assessment Coordinator is available on hand to assist all trainees who have booked. Bookings are essential. If you would like to attend please either advise your assigned Training and Assessment Coordinator or contact the RTO Administration Officer on 9481 9120.

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RTOEF5

Approved By: Next Review

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Welcome to APlus Apprentice + Trainee Services (APlus)

APlus provides employment and training opportunities for Australian Apprentices and Trainees. Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provides a range of services to ensure you successfully achieve your vocational training and education goals. The training services offered include on-the-job and/or off-the-job training and classroom based workshops. This handbook will provide you with the information needed to get you started. You can also refer to our website for more information and services offered by APlus. www.aplus.org.au

Training Delivery

Courses currently offered

 FSK20113 – Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways

 BSB20115 – Certificate II in Business

 BSB30115 – Certificate III in Business

 BSB30415 – Certificate III in Business Administration

 BSB30915 – Certificate III in Business Administration (Education)

 BSB40215 – Certificate IV in Business

 BSB40515 – Certificate IV in Business Administration

 CHC30212 – Certificate III in Aged Care Work

 CHC30312 – Certificate III in Home and Community Care

 CHC30408 – Certificate III in Disability

 HLT32912 – Certificate III in Health Administration

 CHC30213 - Certificate III in Education Support

AQTF Levels

Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (no minimum amount of units required)

The units from this qualification are used in conjunction with the other vocational qualifications that are delivered at APlus. Following the evaluation of the initial Pre-training assessment if core skill gaps are identified, specific units can be delivered to assist the student to achieve the ACSF levels for language literacy and numeracy required to complete their vocational qualification.

Initially a team teach approach is applied between the Vocational and Foundation Skills Trainer/Assessor but can lead to or include classroom sessions and activities to ensure that the students achieve the desired ACSF level for the Vocational qualification which is evaluated through a post diagnostic test.

Certificate II in Business - 12 Units to complete

This certificate would prepare a person to perform duties in a workplace such as answering the telephone, filing, handle mail, use business technology, work as part of a team and produce word processing/spreadsheet documents. This certificate is at a basic level, working under direct supervision with some written activities required. Related job roles are administration assistants, clerical workers, data entry operators, office junior and receptionist.

Certificate III in Business – 12 Units to complete

Certificate III in Business Administration – 13 units to complete

This certificate would prepare/enhance a person to perform duties in the workplace such as maintain business resources, organise workplace information, process customer complaints, work effectively in teams and with diversity. You will also learn various Microsoft Office packages from basic to intermediate or advanced levels. This certificate’s is more complex; with minimal supervision. It requires you to have the numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents and produce spreadsheets, which are at a reasonable level. Related job roles are data entry operator, general office clerk, payroll officer, and customer service officer.

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Certificate III in Business Administration (Education) -13 units to complete

This certificate requires a broad range of performance, skills and knowledge which is applied in the workplace. It requires you to be able to evaluate and analyse current practices, implement new ideas and some leadership and guidance to others is practiced and/or performed. You complete units such as organise meetings, address customer needs, monitor a safe workplace, develop teams and individuals, promote products and services and write complex documents. It requires you to have a high level of numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents and produce spreadsheets, which are at a reasonable level. Related job roles are in senior administration positions within schools or an educational environment.

Certificate IV in Business – 10 Units to complete

Certificate IV in Business Administration – 10 Units to complete

This certificate requires a broad range of performance, skills and knowledge which is applied in the workplace. It requires you to be able to evaluate and analyse current practices, implement new ideas and some leadership and guidance to others is practiced and/or performed. You complete units such as organise meetings, address customer needs, monitor a safe workplace, develop teams and individuals, promote products and services and write complex documents. It requires you to have a high level of numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents and produce spreadsheets, which are at a reasonable level. Related job roles are in senior administration positions, project officer and team leader/co-ordinator roles.

Certificate III in Health Administration – 15 units to complete

This certificate requires a broad range of performance, skills and knowledge which is applied in the workplace. This certificate would prepare/enhance a person to perform duties in the workplace such as maintain medical records, organise workplace information, contribute to effective workplace relationships, interpret and apply medical terminology and maintain patient records.This certificate’s is more complex; with minimal supervision. It requires you to have the numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents and produce spreadsheets, which are at a reasonable level.

Related job roles are with in medical centres, Aged Care facilities and any medical/health type organisations.

Certificate III in Aged Care Work – 14 units to complete

This certificate would prepare a person to care for and provide physical and sociological support to the elderly in low/high care and dementia facilities. You will gain skills such as providing personal care, occupational health and safety, infection control, communication, team work and develop compassion and empathy to care for elderly. This course requires you to have the numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents as well as read and interpret workplace

documentation.

Certificate III in Home and Community Care – 14 units to complete

This certificate would prepare a person to care and provide physical and sociological support to the elderly living within their own homes in our community. You will gain skills such as providing personal care, occupational health and safety, maintaining client’s independence, along with activities of daily living. You will gain skills to be able to communicate within our growing multicultural society. This course requires you to have the numeracy and literacy skills to complete workplace documentation.

Certificate III in Disability – 14 units to complete

This certificate would prepare a person to care and provide physical and sociological support to the people living within disabilities in our community. You will gain skills such as providing personal care, occupational health and safety,

maintaining client’s independence, along with activities of daily living. You will gain skills to be able to communicate within our growing multicultural society. This course requires you to have the numeracy and literacy skills to complete workplace documentation.

Certificate III in Education Support – 17 units to complete

This certificate requires a broad range of performance, skills and knowledge which is applied in the workplace. It requires you to be able to evaluate and analyse current practices, implement new ideas and some leadership and guidance to others is practiced and/or performed. You complete units such as support behaviour of children and young people, work effectively in an education team, support development of reading, writing and numeracy skills. It requires you to have a high level of numeracy and literacy skills to complete written documents, which are at a reasonable level. Related job roles are Education Support officers in Schools.

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Flexible Delivery of Training

Language, Literacy & Numeracy

All vocational training and education courses include language, literacy and numeracy tasks. As a result our Training and Assessment Coordinators provide materials, resources and assessment tasks at a level of complexity required in the workplace only as required by each competency. Training and Assessment Coordinators will provide opportunities for repeated and supported practice and reasonable adjustments will be made according to need.

At your induction session you will complete a pre-training assessment, A formal assessment of your literacy and numeracy levels will be determined, please feel free to discuss any special needs or requirements you may have. We will do as much as we can to support you so that you will successfully complete your course. This may include referral to support services and agencies according to need for assistance with language, literacy and numeracy and Foundation Skills.

Non Traineeship

If you enrol as a non-trainee this mean you are completing a qualification that is supported by you. You have the flexibility to complete the qualification at your own pace, either in a class room environment or self-pace at home or work. The completion of the course is dependent on you and how long you want to take to complete it or if you choose to complete one of our structured courses they all vary in duration.

Work Experience/Practical Placement

Work experience and/or practical placement may be compulsory for some qualifications offered at APlus. Where this is the case, students must attend as a means of combining the learning concepts of that particular course. Each work

experience and/or practical placement varies in required hours. It is up to the student to seek the work experience and/or practical placement however APlus will assist in providing you with the skills required to seek experience and/or

placement.

You must show evidence of attending your work experience/practical placement by completed the required booklet and have this signed off by a supervisor of the company you attended.

If you are unable to attend an allocated placement day you are required to do the following:

 Notify the employer of your absenteeism as soon as possible

 Notify APlus Training and Assessment Coordinator/assessor as soon as possible

Failure to notify the above parties, may lead to your placement being cancelled and could affect the outcome of your course.

Traineeship

There are two components to a traineeship, theoretical (off-the-job) and workplace training (on-the-job), as a trainee you have the choice to take advantage of our flexible delivery options. Your training consultant will visit you and your workplace supervisor to negotiate the training plan which outlines the competencies you will undertake, how training occurs and the way you will be assessed. Delivery can be in the workplace and/or classroom based.

How long is the course?

Your training contract outlines the duration of your traineeship, however the qualification is competency based and can be achieved prior to your end date. As a guide the duration of the course is twelve months.

What qualifications will you receive?

As part of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion, students will be awarded with a certificate listing those competencies achieved. Your qualification provides a pathway for articulation to higher levels of study. If you do not complete the whole qualification then you will be issued with a statement of attainment listing those competencies achieved.

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Training and Assessment

Training Plan

The training plan is a working document which is flexible and outlines the requirements of your course, it includes the following:

 Signatures of all parties

 Units of competency to be delivered

 Unit start and end dates

 Nominal hours

 Assessment outcomes & methods

Structured Training

As a trainee you are required to undertake structured training in the workplace. This means you are to be withdrawn from normal work duties to attend structured training/learning activities. Those completing Certificate II level are required to be withdrawn from work duties for a minimum of 1.5 hours per week, Certificate III level and above are required to be withdrawn from work duties for a minimum of 3 hours per week (Pro rata applies to part time trainees).

Structured training/ learning activities includes any of the following:

 Attending ‘in-house’ training e.g. Computer, Occupational health and safety

 Training / instruction delivered by my supervisor or other staff

 Reading workplace policies/ procedures

 Workplace practice of theory components in line with individual training plans, while under direction of supervisor

 Completing theoretical/practical components e.g. Assessment tasks in preparation for assessment

 Undertaking research in workplace policies and procedures

 Attending training courses

 Monthly RTO visits

 Staff or team meeting

 Working on set projects and/ or assessment activities

 Internet research

Structured Workplace Withdrawal Log

In line with Government requirements for traineeships you are required to record your structured training/learning activities. On the form provided you must record the structured training/learning activities you have undertaken each week. These activities are to be signed off by your direct workplace supervisor and yourself. You must submit this form to your Training and Assessment Coordinator monthly. See appendix 2 for a copy of the form used.

Training and Assessment Visits

Training and Assessment visits are conducted approximately 8-10 times in a 1 year apprenticeship/traineeship. These visits are on-site visits and appointment times are set up with the apprentice/trainee and/or supervisor, with your training consultant from APlus. For a four year apprenticeship, training and assessment will combine block training apprentices as well as on the job visits.

Assessments are conducted in many ways and these can include:

 Observation

 Demonstration

 Work Samples

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Delivery and Assessment Instructions

Method of delivery

All units are supported by a learner guide that contains a number of assessment activities that APlus refers to as ‘learner activities’. Learner activities are in place to check that you have absorbed the information learnt and that you are ready for assessment. Your Training and Assessment Coordinator/assessor will direct you as to what learner activities you should complete and hand in for checking. These learner activities are not part of the overall assessment.

The learner activities may include you researching your organisation and collecting information from your workplace to show your assessor. You will be required to hand in your written responses to your assessor. It is preferred that you word process all your activities and please ensure that you follow the ‘submission of written assessment’ document as your guide to presentation requirements. If you are not able to word process then legible hand writing is appropriate.

Units may be delivered in a number of formats such as traditional class room delivery or self-paced in the class room/skills centre or at work. Your Training and Assessment Coordinator is available in the class room and outside scheduled classes/visits or you are able to email or phone him/her – see the front of the student handbook for Training and Assessment Coordinator contact details.

Method of assessment

Once you and your Training and Assessment Coordinator feel that you have completed the required learning, you will complete a number of assessments. Listed below are the methods used to gather evidence to deem you competent. APlus uses a combination of assessments. You must achieve a satisfactory result for each individual assessment and combined, they give you the over result of ‘competent’.

Preferred Methods of assessment used:

Written assessments, project or research:

Written assessment could contain case studies, research or projects. It is expected that responses to questions be answered in paragraph format.

Written questions & answers assessments:

Various questions relating to the unit that may require short answers that may be in point form.

Verbal questions:

The assessor will verbally ask you a number of questions and record the responses given.

Observations check lists:

This student will be observed by an APlus assessor performing the competencies required either in an appropriate simulated environment or a real workplace. (The assessor must insure that it is a safe and supportive environment).

3rd Party reports:

Verification of workplace competency by a workplace supervisor, this will be provided by the assessor to your workplace.

Work samples:

These include current documents that you may have designed and implemented in the workplace and you would like to submit as evidence for your overall assessment.

Submission of Written Assignments

As part of your assessment for all units APlus Apprentice + Trainee Services (APlus) as the RTO are required to assess your employability skills. Included in these are communication skills, planning and organising and technology skills. This means that you must demonstrate these in the way that you submit your written assignments. We therefore expect that your assignments will be professionally presented.

The following are the guidelines for submission of assignment work:

 Word process your assignment

 Assignment must be printed on A4 paper.

 Clearly display the unit name & code at the top of each page.

 Number and type all questions and answers.

 Number all pages and ensure your name is displayed on each page

 Complete Submission cover sheet – Your Training and Assessment Coordinator will provide you with this when a new unit is delivered.

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 Do not bind your assignment as this makes it difficult to file in your folders

 Staple or clip all pages of your assignment together.

 With IT units you may need to demonstrate various skills to your Training and Assessment Coordinator so save your completed assignment on a USB or email to your Training and Assessment Coordinator.

 When quoting from research (eg. Reference books, internet sites) ensure that you use appropriate footnotes, quotation marks, etc in order to identify the source e.g. “Culture refers to the social behaviour, lifestyle and characteristics that can describe a group of people” (taken from Page 8 of Work effectively with diversity – Small print learner guide) or use any other referencing method such as Harvard referencing.

You can email or phone your Training and Assessment Coordinator with any questions relating to activities or assignments at any time.

Credit Transfer (CT)

APlus has a policy of recognising any Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications or Statements of Attainments issued by any other registered training organisation (RTO). A credit transfer will be applied to any units of competency which apply to the current qualification being undertaken.

National Recognition (NR) & Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a form of assessment used to determine whether a person has achieved through formal or informal learning and experience, the required learning outcomes of a module or units of competency. The RPL process does incur a charge per module.

RPL & CT Policy & Procedure

Assessment Policy

APlus Apprentice + Trainee Services students may apply for Credit Transfer (CT) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they are enrolled to study and they have already completed an AQF nationally recognised qualification or completed units of competency within the accredited course.

APlus is committed to providing quality training and assessment by ensuring that all business and operational activities comply with the AQTF 2010 Essential Standard for Continuing Registration.

There are two ways a student can gain recognition: .

 Credit transfer assesses the initial course or subject that an individual is using to claim access to, or the award of credit in, a destination course. The assessment determines the extent to which the client’s initial course or subject is equivalent to the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in a qualification. This may include credit transfer based on formal learning that is outside the AQF. (AQTF Users’ Guide 2010)

 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that assesses an individual’s non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to, and/or partial or total completion of, a qualification (AQTF Users’ Guide 2010). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) looks at the full range of one’s skills and knowledge. These skills and knowledge might come from:

 Formal Training : school, TAFE, College, University, Industry courses, In-service training

 Life Experience : family responsibilities, hobbies, community involvement, volunteer work

 Work Experience : what you learn on the job, informal training

RPL Procedures

Where a candidate wishes to make an application for NR or CT the following procedure is to be completed: 1. Student completes an enrolment form and indicates that NR or CT will be sought

2. Student is provided with the appropriate application form

3. Student completes the application form and attaches the following information

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11  Proof of identification by means of photo identification if applicable

4. AQF qualifications and/or statement of attainment provided by students must clearly identify the following information:

 Nationally recognised training

 Name of RTO issuing the AQF qualification or statement of attainment  National provider number of RTO

 Full name of the student

 The qualification and/or units of competency attained

5. Upon receiving proof of identification a photo copy is to be taken and attached to application 6. Application is submitted to the allocated Training and Assessment Coordinator/assessor and then

forwarded to Administration Assistant for processing

Where a candidate wishes to make an application for RPL the following procedure is to be completed: 1. Student completes an enrolment form and indicates that RPL will be sought

2. Student is provided with the appropriate application form and RPL kit

3. Student is required to collect supporting evidence/documents and record this in the RPL kit provided, 4. Student submits documentation to their allocated assessor and an interview is booked to review the

supporting evidence

5. It is determined at this point if there is further evidence required and it is collected by means of a competency conversation or practical tasks for any gaps identified

6. RPL is either granted or further training is required

See APlus RPL kit for more information and instructions, below are more detailed steps in the RPL process + flow chart

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Rights and Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

As a student you have a responsibility to:

 Advise your Training and Assessment Coordinator if you have previous skills and knowledge you believe may be relevant so that these skills can be recognized.

 Maintain monthly contact with your Training and Assessment Coordinator via face to face visits, phone or email to keep them advised of your progress

 Maintain the ‘Structured Workplace Withdrawal log’ and provide a copy to your Training and Assessment Coordinator each visit.

 Complete all training, learning and assessment tasks set for you and ensure you bring this information to your appointment with your Training and Assessment Coordinator

 Seek feedback from your workplace supervisor and Training and Assessment Coordinator on your progress

 Meet attendance and behaviour requirements

 Seek assistance when you are experiencing difficulties

Attendance and Behaviour

APlus encourages all students to be responsible and active participants in the learning process and should:

 Treat teachers/Training and Assessment Coordinators, APlus staff and fellow students with politeness

and respect

 Reject inappropriate behaviour or statements associated with disability, ethnicity, culture, gender, age

marital status, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity.

 Maintain an 80% attendance rate (minimum) to complete program requirements

While you are participating in a traineeship program your attendance at each session becomes critical to the overall benefit you may gain. As a trainee you are responsible for notifying your Training and Assessment Coordinator if you are unable to keep an appointment.

If you are not meeting your responsibilities as a trainee, your workplace supervisor will be advised and you will be required to undertake counselling, in line with our disciplinary procedures; continuation of issues may lead to eventual cancellation of your training contract.

Training Records

It is a requirement with each module, that two 2 forms of assessment are conducted. All work must be that of the apprentice/trainee and not be the work of others: claimed as their own. This is known as plagiarism and will result in a failed assessment and / or disciplinary action.

Students may appeal against assessment outcomes. If you decide to appeal your concerns should be confirmed in writing and addressed to the RTO Operations Manager, who will review the appeal and contact you to discuss and arrange a reassessment if appropriate.

Resources

APlus has a strong focus on your successful completion of your traineeship. Therefore, we will endeavour to offer a variety of resources where needed to enhance learning opportunities. These could include:

 Workbooks

 Assignments

 Training materials

 Videos

 On-going advice

 Workshops

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Complaints, Appeals and Grievances

If at any stage during your traineeship you have any concerns or issues, please discuss them with your Training and Assessment Coordinator, Business Consultant or contact the APlus RTO Operations Manager. A copy of the grievance policy and form is available on request. We have an established process for dealing with complaints, appeals and grievances which ensures that that we will respond to you, in writing, in a timely manner and will endeavour to ensure a satisfactory solution as soon as possible.

Privacy Policy

APlus has a detailed privacy policy which states we will not disclose any information we gather about you to any third party. We use the information collected only for the services we provide and for statistical input on the government vocational education and training system. If a third party requests information about you we will obtain your written consent prior to release of any information.

Access & Equity

APlus provides training services on an equitable basis regardless of gender, race, cultural, marital or parental status, religious belief, socio-economic status, disability, or other backgrounds of our trainee’s. It is illegal to discriminate on basis of these characteristics. Our staff is trained in the principles of access and equity and we have developed our policies and procedures to ensure that our training services support these principles.

Welfare & Guidance

The (RTO) Trainer and Assessor is responsible for your training and working with you toward gaining your qualification. The (GTO) Business Consultant ensures that you are receiving adequate supervision, that you are placed in a safe working environment and is responsible for the employment aspect of the traineeship. Should you have any concerns, these can be raised with your Business Consultant. Every effort will be made to assist you to gain access to any external agency which may be able to assist with any issues which may be impacting on your work performance.

Mentor Program and Referral Program

Are you having a tough time at the moment and don’t know where to start? A Mentor is available to you free-of-charge to provide you confidential support with the following:

Mental Health support such as Counselling, referrals to our Employee Assistance Program and support with obtaining Mental Health Plans from your GP.

Centrelink assistance such as support with filling out forms, applying for a Health Care Card or applying for payments.

Housing assistance such as emergency housing support and referrals to housing services in your local area.

Medical support such as help finding a doctor in your local area or assistance with family planning.

Drug and Alcohol support such as referrals to counselling from external agencies such as: YSAS, Turning Point and Youth Projects.

Referrals to family counsellors and assistance with sourcing material aid.

To access mentoring support, please contact Gemma on:

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The Victorian Student Number (VSN)

What is the Victorian Student Number (VSN)?

The VSN is a student identification number that will be assigned by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to all students in government and non-government schools, and students up to the age of 25 in Vocational Education and Training Organisations. The number, which is unique to each student, will be used as a key identifier on a student’s records, and will remain with the student throughout his or her education, until reaching the age of 25. The VSN is nine digits long, randomly assigned, and tied to stable information about the student (name, date of birth, gender).

Why is the VSN being introduced?

The introduction of the Victorian Student Number will provide the capability to accurately detect patterns of student movement through, and departure from, the Victorian education and training system. It will greatly improve the collection and analysis of timely and accurate data about education pathways in Victoria.

Why do students need to have a VSN?

In a large and diverse education system such as Victoria’s, a standard, centrally assigned student number is the best way to identify individual students. Using reference number to collect and store data helps avoids the errors and confusion when names are misspelled, changed, or mistaken for other similar names.

Most Australian states either have already or are intending to introduce a student number, and the practice is common in many other countries, including New Zealand and Canada.

Where will the VSN appear? The VSN will appear:

 On common student communications, such as enrolment confirmations, exit notifications and VSN notifications;

 On applications made by the student for the enrolment in a school or training organisation.

Why does the government need information on students?

The Department collects information to tack improvements made to the education system, to identify areas that require further improvement, to analyse trends and to identify future needs. The VSN will improve the accuracy, reliability and completeness of this information, providing a better basis for assessing needs and developing policies to meet them. The improved quality of information will also result in more accurate reporting to the community on the state’s education and training system.

Will the privacy of personal information be protected?

Yes, security is built in component of VSN system and the number itself. Because the VSN is randomly assigned, personal information about the student cannot be inferred from VSN. The student records maintained in the VSN system contain minimal information about each student – name, date of birth and gender together with the date of admission and exit from each school and institution attended. The VSN system does not contain other student data such as academic

achievements and outcomes, health or welfare information.

Access to the data in the VSN system is strictly limited and the database itself will be maintained in the fully secure environment. The information will be used only for educational purposes consistent with the usage provisions of the legislation.

The legislation includes criminal offences for use of the data for other that prescribed purposes. Commonwealth and State Privacy Principles have also been used to guide the design of the VSN.

Are students entitled to see the information stored on the VSN system about themselves?

Yes. The system complies with the state and national requirements governing access to and disclosure of personal information, and protection of privacy.

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What does the education community think of the new system?

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with a wide range of education and training stakeholders throughout the development and design of the VSN.

Care has been taken to minimise the administrative demands that the VSN places on schools and training providers. There has been broad support from the education sector for the introduction of the VSN.

How can I find out more?

For further information about the VSN, visit the Victorian Education website at

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/vsn/vetinfo.htm

Unique Student Identifier

Purpose

The Victorian Government has an ongoing interest in improving the quality and targeting of Foundation Skills training. The USI is a component of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Reform Agenda and will assist the continued

development of transparency in the VET sector. It will help build a consistent, national system for the storage of training information and will assist in quality assurance and future growth.

A USI is effectively an account or reference number made up of numbers and letters. The USI will allow all of an individual’s training records, entered in the national VET data collection, to be linked. The USI will make it easier for students to find, collate and authenticate their VET achievements into a single transcript. It will also ensure that students’ VET records are not lost.

The USI will be available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life and be recorded with any nationally recognised VET course that is undertaken from when the USI comes into effect.

Unique initiative will:

Seamlessly link information about a student’s VET achievements, regardless of where they studied

Enable students to easily access secure digital transcripts of their achievements Give students access to, and more control over, their educational information

There will be significant benefits for training providers resulting from the introduction of the USI. For example, the USI initiative will enable students to provide training providers with access to an online authenticated record of student attainment. This will assist with the recording of enrolment details and will help to streamline the assessment of course prerequisites, credit transfer and the assessment of eligibility for funding assistance.

In the longer term, training providers will benefit from longitudinal data on course completions which will inform the development of future VET sector policy initiatives.

You can apply on line or give AGA permission to apply on your behalf.

Student Access to Records

All trainees are welcome to view their respective records upon request to your Training and Assessment Coordinator.

Cheating & Plagiarism Policy

The APlus Apprentice + Trainee Services (APlus) RTO is committed to ensuring that when a participant submits work for assessment they understand their individual responsibilities.

This policy provides guidance for Training and Assessment Coordinators/assessors and participants to assist in the prevention of, and identification of, cheating and plagiarism as well managing it in a consistent and equitable manner. Cheating is an attempt to benefit from another person’s work in order to achieve an outcome, for which the student has not produced the required work.

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Plagiarism is taking another person’s work/idea and representing it as the student’s own. This may result from deliberate and intentional copying of information. Plagiarism may also be accidental and arise from a lack of knowledge or

awareness. Sources which can be used for plagiarism include social media, books, magazines, TV, radio, newspapers, internet sites, photos, recordings, etc.

Policy:

 Cheating and plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and will be treated by APlus as an extremely serious matter

 APlus staff have a duty to ensure that all participants in training courses understand what constitutes cheating and plagiarism, and to minimise the opportunity for this to happen

 Training and Assessment Coordinators/assessors must take reasonable steps to ensure all participants who submit work are aware of the APlus policy and procedures to avoid cheating and plagiarism

 If a participant is found to have breached the cheating and plagiarism policy they will be provided with an opportunity to respond. This must be referred to the RTO manager for required action, i.e. they may be asked to resubmit their work

 Depending on the severity of the breach the RTO manger may issue the participant with an automatic fail for that task/unit/course as relevant, and may also be requested to leave the course

Procedure:

 Ensure all Training and Assessment Coordinators/assessors and participants are aware of the Cheating & Plagiarism Policy and the consequences of non-adherence

 All work submitted for assessment must be accompanied by an APlus “Submission Coversheet”. See attached Coversheet

 Ensure that references to resources used in the production of student work are made as per the instructions of the Training and Assessment Coordinators/assessors

 Ensure that all students are made aware of the policy and procedure, this is referred to in the student handbook

Detecting Cheating & Plagiarism:

Training and Assessment Coordinators/assessors should:

 Compare participant’s work against sample assessments

 Look for inconsistency in writing styles within a document

 Undertake ‘spot checks’ of participant’s work, by using online checking methods

Mobile phones

The use of mobile phones for personal calls and SMS whilst in training sessions is strictly forbidden, except outside of training sessions (i.e. morning and lunch breaks). Aside from being unprofessional, mobile phone use during training is a serious safety issue which APlus treats very seriously. In commencing your training with AGA, you agree not to use any mobile phone or personal entertainment equipment during training times, and to give your instructors your full and undivided attention at all training times.

Smoking

All APlus training centres have a designated smoking area. Smoking is not permitted outside of this area, for safety and health reasons. Smoking is not permitted inside any office, workshop or training centre.

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Student Fees and Charges

Trainees are invoiced for tuition, student services administration fees (SSAF- this includes administration, consumables, kitchen & bathroom amenities, cleaning, phone calls and electricity) and a resource fee (books and photocopying) on commencement of training. Tuition Fees are based on the number of hours per course. SSAF and resource fees vary depending on what qualification you enrol in. Concessions are available for Health Care/Pensioner card holders (HCC). Fee for service is for those students who are not eligible for government funding and cannot take advantage of the indicative tuition fees & charges.

Eligibility Requirements

The RTO must apply the following requirements to determine whether an individual is eligible for government subsidised training under this Schedule 1 and thereby be an Eligible Individual for the purpose of this Agreement.

To be eligible, an individual must meet Victorian Training Guarantee requirements as follows:

a. An individual must be: an Australian citizen; or a holder of a permanent visa; or a New Zealand citizen;

and

b. An individual must enrol and commence training in a course or qualification provided by the RTO between the later of 1 January 2015 or when this Agreement is executed, and 31 December 2015 inclusive and be:

 under 20 years of age (as at 1 January 2015) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training; or

 over 20 years of age (as at 1 January 2015) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in an Approved Foundation Skills List course; or

 over 20 years of age (as at 1 January 2015) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training as an Apprentice (not Trainee); or

 over 20 years of age (as at 1 January 2015) and seeking to enrol in training in the Victorian Certificate of Education or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Intermediate or Senior); or

 over 20 years of age (as at 1 January 2015) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in a course that is at a higher qualification level than the highest qualification held at the time of the scheduled commencement of training

In addition to meeting the requirements, an individual in only eligible to:

 commence a maximum of two government subsidised courses in a calendar year. Where an individual is enrolled in a course(s) that is scheduled to commence at a later date in that calendar year, this course(s) must be counted for the purpose of this clause when assessing eligibility;

 undertake a maximum of two government subsidised courses at any one time;

 commence a maximum of two government subsidised courses at the same level within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in their lifetime; and

 commence a maximum of two government subsidised accredited courses with the title ‘Course in…’ in their lifetime.

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Indicative Nominal Course Hours

Each course has nominal hours attached to it, below is a table indicating what the indicative course hours are – this may vary depending on what units you select in the course and the nominal hours attached to the unit of competency.

Tuition Fees table

Nationally Recognised Qualifications In di c a ti v e SCH SSAF c ha rge s Res ou rce s Fe e s ( c la s s s e ts + c on s um a bl e s ) Res ou rce s (b oo k s th a t n e e d to pu rch a s e d by s tud e nts ) Non HC C Hold e r In di c a ti v e T ui tio n Fe e s Curr e nt HC C Hold e r In di c a ti v e T ui tio n Fe e s Fe e F or S e rvi c e

Hourly rate * by qualification nominal hours $5.00*NH $1.00*NH

Certificate II in Business 350 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $1,880.00 $480.00 $1,600.00 Certificate III in Business 440 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,330.00 $570.00 $2,800.00 Certificate III in Business

Admin

440 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,330.00 $570.00 $2,800.00

Certificate IV in Business 460 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,430.00 $590.00 $3,200.00 Certificate IV in Business

Admin

520 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,730.00 $650.00 $3,200.00

Certificate III in Business Admin

(Education)

423 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,245.00 $553.00 $3,200.00

Hourly rate * by qualification nominal hours $4.00*NH $.80*NH

Certificate III in Health Admin 490 $100.00 $30.00 $0.00 $2,090.00 $522.00 $3,200.00 Certificate III in Education

Support

598 $150.00 $30.00 $90.00 $2,662.00 $748.40 $3,200.00

Certificate III in Aged Care 460 $150.00 $30.00 $90.00 $2,110.00 $638.00 $3,600.00 Certificate III in HACC 415 $150.00 $30.00 $90.00 $1,930.00 $602.00 $3,600.00 Certificate III in Disability 588 $150.00 $30.00 $90.00 $2,622.00 $740.40 $3,600.00

If you do not have a Health Care Card we recommend you contact Centrelink to determine your eligibility. Contact Centrelink on 13 10 21 or www.centrelink.gov.au. Please note that an application for a Health Card Care needs to be made prior to enrolment, you will be given adequate time to complete this, if this is not completed within the agreed timeframe full fees will apply.

To qualify for the Health Care Card and Pensioner Card concession you must provide proof at the time of enrolment that you are the card holder, or the dependant spouse or dependent child of the card holder. Otherwise full fees will apply.

Payment Options

APlus RTO fees can be paid via money order, cheque, electronic funds transfer or cash. If you are employed & paid by APlus you can arrange for the fees to be deducted from your weekly pay. If you wish to pay your invoice via this option please contact your Training and Assessment Coordinator.

Refunds

If a student withdraws, by written notice, from any enrolment at any time up until 4 weeks after the scheduled

commencement date of the course, and has paid tuition fees, APlus will refund the tuition fees of units not commenced. After this date, no refund is available to participants who leave before finishing the course unless the student can provide a medical certificate or show extreme personal hardship. In that case, fees may be refunded on a pro-rata basis, minus the SSAF & Resources fee. However, should participants wish to finalise incomplete competencies in the future, the original fee payment can be used as credit towards that course within six months of initial payment. Students need to see the course co-ordinator for details. In the event that APlus offers short courses or qualifications on a FFS basis an initial non-refundable administration fee/deposit of $150 will apply to all courses. Such fees are payable 2 weeks before course commencement. Should APlus cancel a course, participants are entitled to a full refund (or pro rata refund) or transfer of funds to another or future course. In this event, students will be given their preferred option.

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If a student wishes to change enrolment to another course delivered concurrently with the enrolled course, the fees paid will be transferable to the new course. A second administration fee will not be charged.

This policy addresses the requirements of AQTF Condition 5 for Registered Training Organisations and has been developed with consideration of access and equity principles and legislative requirements.

Non-payment of fees

Invoices are to be paid within 30 days of receipt; an overdue notice will be issue if payment is not received within this timeframe. Failure to pay the full amount may result in loss of access to enrolment record information, and academic transcripts/certificates, as well as the suspension of training services.

Feedback

Aplus is committed to continuous improvement and use a variety of surveys, client feedback forms and Industry Consultation to determine the need for improvements to training and assessment.

RTO’s are required to collect and use data on three Quality Indicators.

 Competency completion

 Learner engagement

 Employer Satisfaction

Traineeships: In line with AQTF principles we are required to provide both you and your supervisor with a survey relating to the information and standard of training and assessment. This survey is completely anonymous and is required for statistical purposes, your cooperation and completion of such surveys will help us improve our services. We value your input and encourage you to offer feedback and suggestions at any time. You may be contacted by Government Departments for surveying and or auditing purposes.

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Glossary - Terms and Meanings

Credit Transfer (CT)

Giving credit for a unit of study done in another course which is the same unit in the current course of study.

Host Employer

A workplace used by APlus for our apprentices/trainees on-the-job training.

Training Contract

All apprentices/trainees are required to sign a Training Contract with the apprenticeship/traineeship

Administration Branch (AAB). It is a legal contract between the employer APlus and the new apprentice/trainee.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of an apprentice’s/trainees skills and knowledge (known as competencies) acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in units of competency.

Registered Training Provider

A training organisation registered with the State Training Board to deliver apprenticeship/traineeship training. APlus is your training provider.

Training Plan

A Training Plan outlines the training to be completed by the apprentice/trainee and the certificate level of the qualification to be attained.

Graduation

This term indicates the successful completion of a Training Contract.

Structured Workplace based training

Refers to the practical training provided in the workplace by the Host Employer and the delivery mode of training used by APlus.

Off The Job Training or Campus based Training

The component of training that is provided by APlus as your Registered Training Organisation.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

Safe work practices and working environments.

Managing Diversity

Recognising the different needs of our employees and their work and life goals, cultural background, education and training needs.

Training

Congratulations on being selected to undertake an apprenticeship/traineeship with your host employer, prior to

commencement you attended an enrolment and induction day to complete the necessary paperwork and prepare for the workplace

AQTF

Australian Quality Training Framework

AQF

Australian Quality Framework

RTO

Registered Training Organisation

GTO

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Registered Training Organisation Student Handbook