Assistant Minister Karen Andrews MP at the at the Federal VET Policy Forum.
Key stakeholders from the vocational education and training (VET) sector, including decisions makers and thought leaders from TAFE Organisations, Private Registered Training Organisations and Community Education Providers met in Melbourne on 16/07/2018 at the Federal VET Policy Forum to discuss the future of the Australian VET Sector, which has been plagued by scandal and poor government policy.
Shadow Minister Senator Doug Cameron at the Federal VET Policy Forum
The forum was held at the VET Development Centre, and was organised and hosted by Audit Express, an assurance and advisory firm that specialises in education policy.
Kevin Ekendahl, CEO of Audit Express said that his team had organised the forum to promote cohesion and harmony within the vocational education and training sector, and to encourage all providers to work together to build a stronger sector. “For too long our sector has been used as a political football, we organised this forum to promote good policy in VET as we’ve seen the detrimental effects bad policy has on our sector, students and the economy” said Mr Ekendahl.
The forum was attended by more than 100 guests, representing some of Australia’s largest and highly regarded TAFE’s, RTO’s and Community Education Providers. The forum kicked off with presentations from Mary Faraone, Chair of TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Rod Camm, CEO of the Australian Council of Private Education & Training (ACPET) and Don Perlgut, CEO of Community Colleges Australia (CCA), who each presented the challenges, concerns and needs of their parts of the VET sector.
Mary Faraone, Chair of Tafe Directors Australia, called for the removal of the 20% tax of students who take on a VET Student Loan. Ms Faraone said that VET is currently a “hard sell”, as evidenced by the decline in government-funded training, and the impact of issues such as demand driven university admissions and the VET student loan scandal. Ms Faraone also shared her concerns about the prospect of a looming skills mismatch – “people without jobs and jobs without people”, and that this is worsened by funding being uneven across states and territories, and student choices distorted by differing taxation and support arrangements between university and VET.
Don Perlgut, CEO of Community Colleges described the VET Sector as being the “Middle Child” of the greater education sector, and gave a plea for our government to demonstrate National Leadership, “calling for our national politicians to provide real vision and leadership in Australia’s VET space, developing bi-partisan approaches to national challenges”. Mr Perlgut noted that “it’s time for proper funding: don’t tell me that we don’t have the money, because we surely do, when we are considering tax cuts across the board”.
Rod Camm, CEO of the Australian Council of Private Education and Training (ACPET) said that “we need a vision, we need a national policy framework and we need to take ideology out of VET”. He also said that “the current construct of our system has to have a fundamental rethink”.
The forum attendees also heard from Assistant Minister Karen Andrews, who delivered her vision for VET, which was focussed on building on the past, securing our future. The Assistant Minister spoke about her support of innovation in the VET Sector, in particular of her support for micro-credentials, skill sets and innovative training programs that lead to employment for students. Assistant Minster Andrews also outlined the review of the AQF that is currently taking place. You can read more about the Assistant Minister’s announcements here.
Finally, the forum heard from the Shadow Minister Senator Doug Cameron, who spoke of his commitment to ensuring that a full inquiry of the VET Sector will take place should Labor win the upcoming Federal election. Senator Cameron also spoke of his unwavering support for TAFE’s, re-iterating that 2/3 of funding of VET will go directly to TAFE under a Labor led government. You can read Senator Cameron’s speech here.
Both Minister Andrews and Shadow Minister Cameron agreed on a number of key points, including the reality that training packages are currently outdated, in many cases not responsive to the needs of industry or current job roles, and that structure of both training packages the overall Australian qualifications framework is in desperate need of a rethink. Senator Cameron said that qualifications were narrow and not fit for purpose. He then raised the question “are Training Packages operating for public good?”.
One thing was clear from all presenters and the agreeable audience, that is the current Training Packages and the framework in which they operate are not working and are in desperate need of a re-think and new direction.
Sector representatives from TDA, ACPET and CCA all described a perceived “lack of a VET Policy vision at a federal level, on all sides of government”. There was also an overwhelming support from both the guests attending the forum and also from the panel of industry representatives for both sides of government to put good policy before ideology moving forward.
Attendees at the forum took to twitter throughout and after the forum with mixed views of support and frustration.
Call to action
1. In the lead up to this Federal Election the team from Audit Express encourage you to participate in the policy discussion, especially when it comes to Vocational Education and Training. You can do this by following the three key industry representatives and member organisations, which can be followed here:
2. Keep in close contact with your relevant member organisation or industry representative organisation. If you see or hear something happening in the VET Sector that you disagree with or are unhappy with, or if you are passionate about a particular topic or issue, always remember that “the pen is mightier than the sword”. Never underestimate the power of writing to the minister, or your local senator or member of parliament. For more information on contacting your local senator or MP, click here.
3. Be active and vocal on social media about the issues that you care about!
UPDATE – This event is fully booked. All ticket allocations were exhausted in less than 10 hours. We are however hoping to live-stream this event, so please watch this space.
The Australian VET Sector has experienced significant change and transformation over recent years.
If you have solutions and want to make a difference, we want your input!
This event will put the issues and needs of the VET Sector in the spotlight, and back onto the federal policy agenda.
The Federal VET Forum & Panel Discussion will set the scene and put the issue of VET front and centre in the lead up to the Federal Election. This event brings together thought-leaders and key stakeholders from the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector, and will provide a platform for discussion, debate and also for concerns about landscape and policy of the VET sector to be voiced.
Hear from the Federal Assistant Minister Karen Andrews, as she delivers her position and vision for the Australian VET Sector beyond 2018.
Hear from the Shadow Minister, Senator Doug Cameron about his plans to review the National Vocational Education and Training sector if his party wins the next the Federal election.
Learn about the various issues and challenges faced by the three key types of training providers in the sector (Private/TAFE/Community) with the VET Sector Stakeholder Panel discussion, which includes:
Rod Camm, CEO of ACPET
Craig Robertson, CEO of Tafe Directors Australia
Don Perlgut, CEO of Community Colleges Australia
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_separator][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/264616558/eb0755300f” title=”Federal VET Policy Forum 16/07/2018″][vc_separator][vc_column_text]
[emaillocker id=6291][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1504679716308{background-color: #8dc63f !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6916″ alignment=”center”][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”1″ title=”What is the VET Student Loans program and how can my organisation apply?”][vc_tta_section title=”What is the VET Student Loans Program?” tab_id=”1504676679503-97cfeeb7-5649″][vc_column_text]
Overview
The VET Student Loans (VSL) program is an income contingent loan offered by the Australian Federal Government that helps eligible students pay for some vocational education and training (VET) diploma level or above courses. VSL courses can only be offered by a limited number of registered training organisations (RTOs) that have been reviewed and authorised by the Federal Department of Education as an approved provider of the VET Student Loans program.
Eligible VSL Courses
VET Student Loans are only available for the following higher level VET qualifications:
Applicants should check the approved course list to ensure that they offer at least one course on the approved course list, before applying.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”VET Student Loans Approved Provider Application Criteria” tab_id=”1504676679555-e44bcb35-8645″][vc_column_text]
Carrying on business in Australia and having its central management and control in Australia, and
Being a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
To apply to become a VSL course provider, an organisation must demonstrate that it meets the course provider requirements set out in the VET Student Loans Act 2016 (Part 4, Division 1) and the VET Student Loan Rules 2016 (Division 3), made under the Act.
The VET Student Loans Act 2016 (Part 4, Division 1)requirements include:
(2) To meet the course provider requirementsthe body must:
(a) be a body corporate that is not a trustee; and
(b) be established under the law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and
(c) carry on business in Australia and have its central management and control in Australia; and
(d) be a registered training organisation; and
(e) meet the provider suitability requirements; and
(f) be a fit and proper person; and
(g) be a party to an approved tuition assurance arrangement; and
(h) be a member of an approved external dispute resolution scheme.
Note:If Part IIE of the Ombudsman Act 1976 (VET Student Loans Ombudsman) is an external dispute resolution scheme, all approved course providers are taken to be members of the scheme (see section 42BA).
26 Provider suitability requirements:
(2) The provider suitability requirements may deal with the following in relation to a course provider:
Division 3 of the VET Student Loans Rules 2016, sets out the General requirements for course providers and provides further details as to what each suitability requirement listed above, would look like. This includes the following:
To demonstrate that your RTO meets the general requirements, you will need to outline that you are:
Committed to:
the delivery of high quality vocational education and training: and
achieving the best outcomes for students; and
act efficiently, honestly and fairly in all dealings with students, stakeholders and the Commonwealth (including the National VET Regulator); and
have a record of satisfactory conduct in relation to any previous vocational education and training:
provided by the provider; and
for which the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory provided funding (including by way of loans to students).
Your RTO’s Financial Performance in the previous 3 years must demonstrate that your RTO is financially viable, which includes:
having sound financial management
having at least 20 percent of revenue from sources other than Australian Government income contingent loans (for applicants with more than 100 student enrolments in 2016)
being able to pay your debts as and when they are due
having annually audited financial statements by an independent qualified auditor
having worker’s compensation and adequate public liability insurance
The RTO Management and Governance systems and processes, which include:
robust management and governance structures,
clearly defined decision-making processes,
relevant resources and human resource management processes,
systems to maintain records ensure data integrity and the reporting of data consistently, accurately and on time
The experience and expertise available in the RTO for the delivery of services, including:
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the delivery of VET training,
the level of expertise of the RTO trainers and assessors,
the level of expertise of the RTO’s management and high managerial agents,
history of delivering high quality Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications
track record of providing state subsidized courses – eg. listed on a preferred provider register
how your training processes have benefitted students – eg. References or articles and good news stories indicating that your training has benefitted the community at a local, state or national level.
Legislation and standards the RTO complies with and how it ensures reporting and other legislative requirements such as OH&S, anti-discrimination, privacy, etc., are being met.
The RTO’s student support processes and how the RTO monitors student progress that assists in high student outcomes and course completion rates. The RTO will also need to include in the application:
Completion rates for each of its courses
Levels of student engagement in the past 3 years
surveys that measure student satisfaction and the results of these surveys
QI indicator survey outcomes
Number and type of complaints received and actions taken for improvement
Processes and methodology for determining student academic suitability for a course
The RTO links with industry and the workplace that ensure workplace needs are met and employment outcomes are improved. This may include:
Industry advisory boards and the impact of their input
Student placement arrangements with employers
Memberships with professional associations and how they assist with the currency of course delivery
RTO involvement in relevant industry presentations, conferences, etc.
Projects undertaken with peak employer organisations
the Application Submission Outline – provides a format for applicants to address:
the course provider requirements
the provider suitability requirements
evidence to support claims against each of the requirements
the VSL Workbook – contains ten (10) worksheets, which must all be completed. Some of these include forms that need to be uploaded to HITS as pdf documents. The VSL Workbook addresses the following information:
Applicant’s Details
Key Personnel Details – for each Key Personnel
Financial Performance (Forms C1, C2)
Course History
Industry References (example only)
Proposed Approved Course Details
Senior Authorised Officers’ Declaration and Authorisation (Forms G1, G2, G3)
The Application Submission Outline and the VSL Workbook are not publicly available and will only be provided to applicants who register their interest in applying for approval.
All application documents must be submitted to the Department in accordance with the requirements of Part B of the Approved Course Provider Application Guide found on the Department’s website https://docs.education.gov.au/node/44981
Application Approval
In accordance with the Act, for an application to be approved, it must be submitted in the form provided by the Secretary and be accompanied by the Application Fee.
According to the VSL Information for new providers Fact Sheet released early in 2017, stringent requirements will be placed on VSL course providers and only high quality, trusted providers will be approved.
Under the VSL approval arrangements, RTOs will be appraised and evaluated against:
Their relationships with industry
The RTO’s previous 3-year track record of student completion rates and employment outcomes
Any articulation arrangements with higher education providers
The provider’s track record of delivering education and training
Providers will also be assessed against their:
Financial performance
Strong management and governance
Course scope and fees
Application Fee
An application fee of $5,110 applies to this application round (opening on 30 August 2017).
The Application fee ($5,110) is required to be paid before the RTO’s application can be assessed and payment is required within 14 days, after receiving an invoice from The Department, following lodgement of your application on HITS.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How to apply to become a VET Student Loans Approved Provider” tab_id=”1504677612723-44a51734-3b5e”][vc_column_text]
Timelines
The VET Student Loans program commenced on 1 January 2017. The first applications round for eligible organisations to apply to become VSL course providers, closed on 20 February 2017.
A second application round opened on 30 August 2017 and is due to close at 11.59pm on 26 September 2017 (Canberra time).
Deadline for submission of any questions providers may have, is 4pm Wednesday 13 September 2017.
Information sessions for interested providers, were held in Canberra on Tuesday 5th September 2017.
HELP Information Technology System (HITS)
You must have an active account with HITS in order to submit your VSL application. If you do not have a HITS account, you need to complete the HITS Credentials application form and submit this to the Department as soon as possible.
Steps to preparing and submitting your application
Check the threshold criteria to ensure you are eligible to apply to become an approved VSL course provider.
If you already have a HITS account, determine if it’s active by logging onto HITS using your existing user ID and password.
If you do not have a HITS account, complete the HITS Credentials application form and submit this to the Department.
Get your annual financial statements for the current year as well as the previous 2 years signed off by an independent qualified auditor; also obtain auditor’s declaration of compliance and report on your financial performance during the three financial periods. Financials can often take the most amount of time to prepare, so the first thing that you need to do is ensure that your organisation’s financials meet the Financial performance requirements.
Collect industry/employer or other bodies’ referrals as evidence that your courses meet workplace needs and improve employer outcomes for students.
Start addressing the Course Provider and Provider SuitabilityRequirements as outlined in the VSL – Application Submission outline.
Concurrently, gather information for the completion of Forms A – G in the VSL Workbook including information on:
Your student completion and engagement rates;
Student satisfaction rates;
Your financial Performance in the past 3 years and
Information and credentials on your key personnel.
Check all application documents including attached evidence to ensure their accuracy and compliance with the application requirements.
Check file names against recommended naming conventions listed in the Approved Course Provider Application Guide.
Pay the invoice for your $5110.00 application fee.
As mentioned above all applicants are required to pay an Application fee of ($5,110). This fee is required to be paid before the RTO’s application can be assessed and it must be paid within 14 days after receipt of an invoice, following the lodgement of your application on HITS.
Submit your application on time!
Don’t forget to submit your application through HITS, before11:59pm on Tuesday 26 September 2017.
The Department will not accept the late submission of applications.
Disclaimer The information provided in this update is our analysis and interpretation of the VET Student Loans application requirements. This information should not be solely relied on for the purpose of your application. Always refer to the information provided by The Department, this will always be the source of truth. For more information please contact Audit Express Pty Ltd.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Need help with your application?”]If your organisation needs help completing the VET Students Loans application get in touch with the team at Audit Express by phoning 1300 73 55 41 or click here to send us an email.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row] [/emaillocker]
The Victorian Department of Education and Training (The Department) has announced that it’s call for expressions of Interest for Skills First 2018-19 VET Funding Contracts will open at 2pm on Friday the 1st of September 2017, and will close on Thursday the 28th of September 2017.
It is understood that applying organisations will be able to apply for either a “Standard” or “Restricted” funding contract, which is consistent with the current 2017 Skills First VET Funding Contracts.
Successful applicants will be offered a 2 year contract, that will be valid throughout the 2018 and 2019 calendar years.
[emaillocker id=6291]The Department has advised that it is hoping to provide applying organisations of their outcome in November 2017.
A suite of information will be published on the The Department’s Skills Victoria Training System (SVTS) when the Call for EOI opens on 1/9/2017, including draft VET Funding Contracts and supporting information to assist providers with completing the application process.
Information sessions will be held in Melbourne, Geelong, Traralgon and Bendigo in the first week of September. Providers can register now via SVTS. Places will be limited to three attendees per training provider.
For more information on how to apply for a Skills First 2018 – 2019 Funding Contract please complete your details on the registration form at the end of this post to attend our FREE WEBINAR on “How to apply for a Skills First 2018 – 2019 Funding Contract“.
The Good News
There is some really good news in this years’ Skills First contract application process, in that the Victorian state government has listened to our feedback and calls for longer contract durations. As already mentioned, successful applicants will be offered a 2 year contract, that will be valid throughout the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. This is a great outcome and will offer quality training providers greater certainty and stability. This will also allow providers to invest in their business to deliver quality training.
It is also really pleasing to hear that the Department will allow training providers up until 16/10/2017 to provide the required financial information, including financials that have been audited by an ASIC Registered Auditor.
Get Your Financials Ready NOW!
The Department has advised that training provider applicants will need to submit their audited financial statements for the two most recently completed full financial years. These financial statements must be accompanied by independent audit reports completed by an ASIC registered auditor. Applicants are encouraged to prepare this documentation as soon as possible. If your organisation has not already started work on this, do not delay – now is the time to start work on this important task.
Learn Local Training Providers that are applying for a restricted contract must have audited financial statements, but will be pleased to hear that they are exempted from the requirement for the auditor to be an ASIC Registered Auditor. That is unless they are applying for a standard contract, in which case Learn Local Training Providers must utilise an ASIC Registered Auditor.
The requirement to submit audited financials is arguably the most challenging part of the application process, and the one sticking point that has seen countless applications rejected over previous years. Having financials audited by an ASIC Registered Auditor is no small task. If your organisation is looking for an ASIC Registered Auditor that is experienced in supporting training providers to apply for VET Funding Contracts, please get in touch and we will happily introduce you to one of our reputable contacts.
The To Do List
Register online at eduweb.vic.gov.au/svts/Events to attend the Department’s 2018 Provider Selection Process Information Sessions. These sessions are targeted towards training providers that are considering lodging an expression of interest for a Skills First 2018-19 VET Funding Contract
Continue to monitor SVTS daily for further updates and announcements throughout the application process
Register your details on the form below to attend our FREE LIVE WEBINAR on Monday 4th September where we will unpack the Skills First contract for you and discuss what is involved in the application process, or click on the following link if the form below isn’t working on your device: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6372504797326981891
Contact the team at Audit Express if you have any questions, or require support completing your application
We are pleased to announce that the annual Community Colleges Australia (CCA) Conference held in Melbourne was a great success.
The team at Audit Express tilt their hat to their colleagues at CCA for delivering their best conference yet, which comprised an impressive list of speakers that travelled from across the globe to present their thoughts, ideas and concepts to the conference delegates. There was a noteworthy attendance at the conference by the Federal Assistant Minister Karen Andrews, Shadow Minister Doug Cameron and Victorian Minister Gail Tierney – it is understood that our Victorian Shadow Minister Stephanie Ryan sent her apologies and was unable to attend due to being on her HONEYMOON <3 Congratulations Stephanie!
Other outstanding speakers included ASQA, the VRQA and our very own CEO at Audit Express Kevin Ekendahl!
We highly recommend attending this conference in 2018 to show your support for the community education sector, which we understand will be held in Sydney.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”salbii” c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Child Safe Standards – Changes Ahead! Is your organisation ready?” tab_id=”1498091586612-4bd016ff-53c0″][vc_single_image image=”6129″ title=”Child Safe Standards”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-users” add_icon=”true” title=”What are the Child Safe Standards?” tab_id=”1498089365586-a2b69477-3854″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]The Victorian Government has introduced compulsory minimum standards for organisations that provide services for children to help protect children from abuse.
The Child Safe Standards are part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Betrayal of Trust Inquiry (the 2013 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations).
Organisations that operate in the state of Victoria that provide services or facilities for children must implement Child Safe Standards to protect them from abuse.
Training Organisations that are located in Victoria and deliver senior secondary education and training, or courses to CRICOS students under the age of 18, must have systems in place to:
reduce the risk of reportable conduct being committed by a worker or volunteer;
enable any person to notify the head of the organisation (i.e. the CEO, or Executive Officer) of a ‘reportable allegation’; and
investigate and respond to a ‘reportable allegation’ against a worker or volunteer.
The Scheme requires the head of your organisation to:
notify the CCYP of ‘reportable allegations’ within 3 business days after becoming aware of them;
give the CCYP further, detailed information about the allegation within 30 days; and
after the investigation has concluded, give the CCYP information regarding the investigation outcomes, including the investigation findings.
The Child Safe Standards came into force over two stages:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]
Stage 1 – Roll out of Child Safe Standards
[emaillocker id=6291]
From 1 January 2016 the Standards applied to organisations that receive government funding and provide services for children
From 1 January 2017 other organisations that provide services or facilities for children but don’t receive government funding are also required to meet the standards.
Victorian organisations are now required to comply with the Child Safe Standards regardless of whether they do, or don’t receive government funding.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]
Stage 2 – Roll out of Reportable Conduct and Organisational Duty of Care
From 01 July 2017 the Reportable Conduct Scheme commences in Victoria. It was introduced to enable an independent body, the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP), to have oversight over an organisation’s systems and processes to prevent and respond to allegations of child abuse.
This will include TAFEs, training providers and organisations registered with the Adult Community and Further Education Board that provide senior secondary education or courses to international students.
From 01 January 2018, the Scheme applies to:
-Residential facilities of boarding schools.
-Overnight camps for children.
-Other disability service providers that provide services for children, including those registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
From 01 January 2019, the Scheme applies to:
-Approved education and care services (e.g. kindergartens, after hours care services).
-Childrens services (e.g. occasional care providers).
-Statutory bodies that have responsibility for children, such as public museums and galleries.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-exclamation-triangle” add_icon=”true” title=”What does your organisation need to do?” tab_id=”1498089365633-95fc3169-b7a6″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]
Revise your organisations Child Safe Policy (you should already have this in place. If not this should be developed and implemented ASAP!)
Develop and implement systems and processes to identify, respond to, investigate, and if necessary notify the CCYP of reportable allegations made against the workers and/or volunteers of your organisation
Communicate with the staff and volunteers in your organisation to ensure that they understand their obligations in relation to Child Safety
Ensure that the staff and volunteers in your organisation understand what types of allegations are reportable
Ensure that the staff and volunteers in your organisation understand that any allegations of a reportable nature should be raised with the head of your organisation, for them to report to the CCYP; and
Finally ensure that your organisation has developed and implemented processes to enable the head of your organisation to report allegations to the CCYP.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-check” add_icon=”true” title=”Want more information or help implementing Child Safe Processes into your organisation?” tab_id=”1498090510861-6e6ce7dd-ec93″][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]More information can be found at the CCYP’s website https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/reportable-conduct-scheme/
[/emaillocker][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”zoomIn”]If you would like help with the development and implementation of Child Safe Policies, Procedures and Business Processes for your organisation please get in touch with the team at Audit Express today! Phone 1300735541[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]
What we know so far
