Recently, I was asked by a person studying for their Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification:
“What is ‘amount of training’?”
The term ‘amount of training’ has a particular meaning in the Australian VET system.
The importance of quantity of training
Many people talk about the quality of training, however, the quantity of training a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivers is as important as the quality of the training. An RTO must ensure that the amount of training provided to a learner is sufficient. ASQA has published a guide to help RTOs determine if the amount of training is compliant with the Standards for RTOs 2015, clauses 1.1 and 1.2. [1]
Clause 1.1
The RTO’s training and assessment strategies and practices, including the amount of training they provide, are consistent with the requirements of training packages and VET accredited courses and enable each learner to meet the requirements for each unit of competency or module in which they are enrolled. [2]
Clause 1.2
For the purposes of Clause 1.1, the RTO determines the amount of training they provide to each learner with regard to: [2]
- the existing skills, knowledge and the experience of the learner;
- the mode of delivery; and
- where a full qualification is not being delivered, the number of units and/or modules being delivered as a proportion of the full qualification.
What is ‘amount of training’?
ASQA describes ‘amount of training’ as an amount of time that a provider anticipates a learner would reasonably need to undertake the training. This amount of training must be suitable for the typical learner to gain the knowledge and skills specified in the relevant training product. [1]
The amount of training an RTO provides is determined by:
- characteristics and needs of learners
- training product being delivered
- mode or modes of delivery.
Learner characteristics and how it impacts the amount of training required
Understanding the characteristics and needs of learners enables an RTO to identify an amount of training that reasonably supports a learner to fully absorb the required knowledge and develop the required skills over time in a range of situations they would experience in the workplace. The learner should have the opportunity to practice and apply these skills and knowledge requirements prior to assessment.
The time taken for a learner to develop the capabilities required by a training product will differ based on a learner’s: [1]
- existing knowledge and skills
- previous or current industry experience
- language, literacy and numeracy skills
- disability that may impede learning
- motivation and time to learn.
Training product and how it impacts the amount of training required
Each training product describes the knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills required to be considered competent. The amount of training required for a training product is influenced by: [1]
- amount, breadth and depth of knowledge required
- amount, type and complexity of skills required
- application of knowledge and skills required
- any work placement requirements.
Delivery mode and how it impacts the amount of training required
Delivery modes can include one, or a combination, of: [1]
- face-to-face, group-based training delivered by a trainer
- synchronous or real-time online learning delivered by a trainer
- asynchronous or self-paced online learning, that is included as a measurable, set exercise
- other forms of self-paced delivery, where a student undertakes training in their own time and location
- workplace delivery, including training activity conducted in the workplace by an RTO or an employer.
ASQA acknowledges that the amount of training will vary depending on which mode of delivery the RTO has selected with some delivery modes enabling learners to develop the required skills and knowledge in a shorter timeframe.
In conclusion
An RTO must determine how long it will take to deliver learners training so that they are prepared and ready to undertake assessment. Determining a suitable amount of training will require the RTO to consider: [1]
- characteristic and needs of learners
- requirements specified by the training product
- mode or modes of delivery to be used.
The following is a checklist that may be used when checking if the amount of training described in an RTO’s training and assessment strategy is appropriate.
References:
[1] https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/guides/guide-determining-amount-training accessed 17 October 2023
[2] https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2014L01377 accessed 17 October 2023
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