Handbook

Certificate IV in Community Services Work (CHC42015)

Diploma in Youth Work (CHC50413)

Note: These qualifications and units are all current at the revision date of this student handbook

Boarding Fundamentals                      $400

Certificate IV CHC40215                     $1200

Diploma of Youth Work CHC50413    $2000

 

Payment options 

Payment Plans – Individual staff member paying
Certificate IV: Deposit $200 and $100 per month,
Diploma: Deposit $200 and $200 per month,

Full payment on enrolment: 10% discount

 

Payment Plans – Employer is paying
a. Full payment on enrolment: 10% discount
b. Face to face workshops: 50% after the workshop, 50% on completion
c. Distance or on-line training: 50% after commencement, 50% on completion

All enrolment fees are fully refundable up to the time training commences. Once training has commenced (support material emailed out, ‘on-line’ commenced, ‘face to face’ commenced) then an administration fee of $250 is non-refundable.

If for some reason the RTO had to close or could not continue the training, learners could choose between;

• Having all fees paid refunded.
• An alternative RTO engaged by BTA to complete training.

If there are likely to be any changes to the provision of training including,

• any changes in the training process or content,
• any changes of trainers and assessors,
• cessation or temporary cessation of training,
• sale of the RTO training business,

Then all learners currently involved in training will be advised in writing as soon as practicable.

The Certificate IV in Community Services Work (CHC42015) and Diploma of Youth Work (CHC51408) can be carried out in modes;

• Face to face
• Distance
• On line

Face to Face is recommended because supervisors and managers benefit from the discussion, the interaction, and the group activities. Trainers will travel to your boarding residence anywhere in Australia if there are at least five learners in the group to be trained and depending on location of residence and numbers of trainees, there may be a travel and accommodation cost. Please note that there may be restrictions on travel due to coronavirus restrictions in some States and Territories.

Learners must enrol for the training at least six weeks prior to the ‘face to face’ component of the training. The on-line log in details, or the support material and assessments will be emailed and learners will be required to complete and submit assessments prior to the workshop. BTA uses ‘Zoom’ online conference facilities to work with learners during this period.

Learners may be assessed in order to ascertain if their Literacy and Numeracy skills are sufficient to successfully undertake the training program. This is usually via interview or completion of an exercise contained in the proposed training program.

Individuals who require help with their literacy and numeracy can access information about their nearest LLN provider by calling The Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506 or refer to their website at www.literacyline.edu.au. Any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the learner. BTA staff will support learners if they need to upgrade literacy and numeracy skills before commencing the training.

ACCESS AND EQUITY PRINCIPLES

BTA will meet the needs of individuals and the community through the implementation of access and equity principles to ensure the fair allocation of resources and the right to equal opportunity without discrimination. BTA offers opportunities for people to participate in the vocational education and training system, and in associated decisions, which affect their lives.

BTA prohibits discrimination towards any group or individuals in any form including:

• Gender
• Pregnancy
• Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or ethno-religious background
• Marital status
• Homosexuality
• Age

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ACCESS AND EQUITY

BTA applies access and equity principles to all programs and provides timely information and suitable support to assist clients to identify and achieve their desired outcomes.

Access and Equity issues are considered during training, product development and in training and assessment.

Competency Based Training and Assessment

Competency-based training (CBT) is an approach to vocational education and training that places emphasis on what a person can do in the workplace rather than what they know as a result of completing a program of training.

Competency-based training programs are made up of units broken into segments which are called elements. These are based on standards set by industry, and assessments are designed to ensure each learner has achieved all the elements (skills and knowledge) required by each unit in order to gain their course qualification. Each course is made up of the required number of core units and elective subjects which have been chosen to offer you the best all around knowledge and skills base.

Assessment methods are detailed in the Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS) for each course. BTA applies the principles of validity, reliability, fairness, and flexibility in all assessments.

The objective of assessment is for the client to show that they have achieved competency in the unit(s). Clients may be assessed by one or more of the following methods.

Observation / demonstration of skills (may be to a third person such as a boarding manager,

• Case study
• Multiple choice
• Written short answers
• Project
• Portfolio material,
• or any other method outlined in the Training and Assessment Strategy (TAS).

Learners will be advised of the assessment methodology before training commences.

TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT STANDARDS

BTA staff are appropriately qualified and experienced to deliver the training and assessment offered. Assessments will meet national assessment principles including recognition of prior learning and credit transfer. Sufficient training materials and physical resources will be provided to you in order for you to achieve the learning outcomes of the training program. Appeals procedures are in place for clients who are not satisfied with assessment or training.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING

BTA provides learners with learning flexibility by taking their personal situations into consideration so as (a) to maximise learning outcomes, and (b) to optimise access to learning activities. Any flexible arrangements agreed to must still adhere to the course assessment standards and requirements.

Structured training may be conducted in a classroom, in the workplace, online or a mix of all methods; it may be delivered in various modes including face-to-face interaction, online interaction, or distance.

Learners should initially discuss possible flexible arrangements with their trainer. If the desired change is deemed feasible, authorisation should then be obtained from the training manager.

ASSESSMENT PRESENTATION

Written assessment documents such as projects, case study scenarios, written answers to questions, portfolios and research reports can be submitted by fax, email, or by mail. On line learners can submit material on line.

RESITTING ASSESSMENTS

In the event of a ‘not yet competent’ outcome the learner will have an opportunity to re-do the assessments for that unit. The trainers will support learners who need to re-do assessments. Every effort will be made by the staff of BTA to ensure a successful outcome for learners.

Recognition of Other Qualifications/Credit Transfer

BTA recognises Australian Qualification Framework qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are issued by any other Registered Training Organisations.

Learners may be entitled to a credit transfer if they have completed units of competency from a relevant National Training Package. The training must be less than five years old, unless the practice that the learner was involved in after the training was the same as the training. If for example a learner was involved in child care training five or six years ago, and then worked in the child care industry for five years, then the training would still be relevant because it has been supported by the subsequent practice.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognised Current Competencies (RCC):

Learners who have completed appropriate training or who, through prior learning and experience, have gained the required skills/competencies stipulated for the modules of the course may be granted credit. Learners who believe this applies to them, may make an application for RPL or RCC.

BTA advises all applicants of RPL opportunities and procedures upon enrolment. The‘performance criteria’ of the course module sets the RPL benchmark and evidence for credit of prior learning may include:

• Evidence of current competencies
• Performance, demonstration or skills tests
• Workplace or other pertinent observation
• Oral presentation
• Portfolio, logbook, task book, projects or assignments
• Written presentation
• Interview
• Simulations

BTA’s preferred way to deal with substantiated RPL claims is to allow the learner to do the assessments without doing the training.

A candidate may appeal an unsuccessful claim (see complaints and appeals).

COMPLAINTS

BTA seeks to prevent complaints by ensuring that training is relevant, interesting, consistent with Commonwealth Standards (2015) and consistent with the learner’s expectations. BTA also ensures timely response to enquiries, assessments and completions. BTA expects courteous, respectful, fair, and helpful behaviour from BTA office staff and trainers. Where learners are involved in ‘face to face’ training there is an expectation of respectful cooperative behaviour towards the trainer and other learners.

In the event of a complaint, the learner is required to follow the following procedures to ensure the issue is resolved.

The learner must first try to resolve the problem by talking to their BTA Trainer.

Should the problem still be unresolved, the following procedure must be followed:

Request a Student Complaint Form from your BTA trainer or contact BTA to obtain a copy of the form.

Fill out all required details on the form and attached any relevant documentation.

Submit the form to BTA via the contact email or postal address provided on the form.

Upon receipt BTA will address the issue.

The learner will receive a written statement of the outcome from the Trainer and/or training manager within 14 days of the complaint being received.

All records of any complaints are kept on file. If the complaint is still unresolved, BTA clients may lodge a complaint with an independent third party agreeable to both parties. If still unresolved after this process they may lodge a complaint with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA): 1300 701 801 or email complaintsteam@asqa.gov.au

 

To deal with complaints and appeals, the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness will apply by:

• operating in a fair and unbiased way
• informing those involved of the allegations
• providing those involved an opportunity to present their side of the story.

Where more than sixty calendar days may be required to finalize the complaint, we will inform the complainant in writing the reasons and keep them up to date with progress.

APPEALS

BTA seeks to prevent appeals by ensuring learners are satisfied with the training and assessment process. All staff are expected to be fair, courteous and helpful in all dealing with clients.

Should an appeal about any assessment be made, this will be treated seriously, investigated thoroughly and dealt with according to the merit of the complaint.

The circumstances and results of any appeal are analysed by the training manager and appropriate improvements made to prevent recurrence of the problem. Appeals must be resolved within 21 days of receiving the appeal. All records of any appeals are kept on file.

Appeal Procedure

Request a Student Appeal Form from your trainer, or contact BTA to obtain the form.

Fill out all required details on the form and attached any relevant documentation.

Submit the form to BTA via contact email or postal address provided on the form.

Upon receipt BTA will address and review the appeal.

The learner will receive a written statement of the outcome from the Trainer and/or Managing Director within 21 days of the appeal being received.

If the appeal is still unresolved, the client may lodge the appeal with an independent third party agreeable to both parties. Learners may also seek legal advice through the usual processes if they feel unsatisfied.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following apply to all persons, staff and learners:

An individual’s property is to be respected and not interfered with without consent of the owner. Look after your own possessions. BTA accepts no responsibility for personal property lost or stolen at training sessions.

Nobody has the right to interfere with another person’s ability to learn, through disruption of classes or harassment of any kind.

No aggressive physical contact or verbal abuse is to occur between any persons.

Smoking is not permitted inside training facilities.

Alcohol and other drug use in training facilities or while undertaking BTA activities is not permitted.

Intoxicated persons and persons affected by other drugs are not permitted inside training facilities and will be asked to leave.

Clothing and behaviour should be appropriate to the course being undertaken and not cause offence to anyone.

Mobile phones are to be turned off during classes and in study areas.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Clients at all times must maintain appropriate behaviour and follow BTA rules.

In the case of minor breaches, a warning will be given. In the case of major or repeated breaches, the client may be requested to leave the course.

The training manager will oversee all disciplinary matters.

A learner will be issued with a certificate on completion. If a learner completes only one or more modules but not a complete qualification, a Statement of Attainment will be issued.

A Statement of Attendance may be issued where appropriate.

Before certification is issued the training manager verifies competency has been properly assessed, all tasks complete, and all fees paid. Once all is deemed in order, the training manager authorises issue of the relevant certificate.

When a client has completed their course and a certificate has been issued, the client’s file is archived. A reference is made of the client name, client number, and certificate number in the archive filing register.

BTA have put into place a range of strategies to make sure that certificates cannot be fraudulently printed or copied.

The certificate has a BTA logo watermark under the writing covering most of the document from sided to side.

The certificate number has five digits so certificate number 86 will have the number 00086.

The paper used to print the certificates has a microprint security line, a minute font which can only be viewed through a magnify glass. If the document is copied, the text will blur rendering the message unreadable.

The paper has a security warning band, which lists the security features incorporated into the document

The paper has a copy preventative background (pantograph). When unauthorized persons try to copy or scan the original, a “COPY” hidden message appears.

The paper has solvent reactive ink, which provides visible protection against acids, bases, bleaches and solvents. The ink smudges when touched by one of these substances.

The paper has a Heat Sensitive Red Thermochromic Icon. Thermochromic inks are sensitive to temperature changes and will disappear when heat from your breath or finger is applied and reappear once cooled.

If you believe that a certificate or statement of attainment with BTA (Boarding Training Australia) logo or heading is fraudulent, please contact BTA or ASQA (http://www.asqa.gov.au/complaint) immediately.

BTA has the right to refuse to provide services (including training, assessment, and course materials) to clients who have outstanding accounts. BTA shall not be liable for any failure to provide services

BTA complies with the Privacy Amendment Act 2012. Information collected on clients is only used for the purpose of delivery or our services.

Use And Disclosure Of Personal Information

Sensitive personal information will only be collected, as required, from clients. Such information is treated as confidential within BTA and is used for the purpose for which it was collected or for a related purpose. This includes:

• Providing the training services.
• Informing clients about additional or upcoming courses available.
• Gathering feedback from learners regarding training for BTA’s market analysis and course development.

BTA does not disclose sensitive personal information to other third parties without permission or instruction from the learner unless required by Law to do so.

Information About Clients From Third Parties

BTA may need to source or verify information about clients from a third party. Wherever possible this will be done with the learner’s authorisation, or if not possible, BTA will inform the learner when such information is collected.

Security Of Personal Information

In line with new technology, BTA continually improves the security of personal information collected. BTA takes all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of persons by:

• Securing all files with personal information in locked cabinets
• Only providing authorised staff with access to personal information
• Destroying information after the required retention period
• Ensuring computer security at all times by the use of cloud storage
• Password access to the computer systems
• Not releasing information to third parties without prior written authorisation

Rights To Access Information

Under the Privacy Act, learners have the right to access personal and course progression information held about them. If the information is incorrect, they have the right to require BTA to amend the information.

To access the information and course progress learners are required to contact the training manager in writing requesting access. The training manager must verify the learner’s identity through either presentation of appropriate identification or answering a series of specific security questions. Both the learner and the training manager, as an official record of the access and identity verification, must sign the request for access form. There may be a waiting period of up to seven (7) days before access is granted.

Staff Confidentiality

Staff must be aware of the Privacy Act 2001, and its requirements, and must at all times ensure learner information remains confidential.

No staff member is to release any information about learners to any third party unless prior written authorisation is obtained from the client or disclosure is required by law.

Authorised Third Parties

Learners may nominate third parties they wish to access their records. The Training manager ensures a third party access form is completed and the details for the third party are obtained. These details will be entered into the learner’s file.

Any staff member who receives a request for information from a person claiming to be authorised must verify this authorisation and any related conditions through either a password or question list check prior to releasing any information.

CODES OF PRACTICE

Each of the key areas of best practice is outlined in more detail in the following pages.

Ensuring learner’s rights as a consumer are protected and that each receives the services detailed in their agreement with BTA.

1.1 Marketing of training and assessment services

BTA markets and advertises its products and services in an ethical manner. BTA accurately represents recognised training products and services to prospective learners and clients. BTA promotes only what it has on scope and is able to deliver and does so in a manner which is designed to support the training needs of the Boarding and Community Services industry. BTA gains written permission from a learner or residential organisation before using information about that individual or organisation in any marketing materials.

BTA ensures learners and clients are provided with full details of conditions in any contract arrangements with the organisation. This includes any costs or charges that a learner or their site may incur as a direct result of their engagement the delivery and assessment of their course. No false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other training organisation or qualification.

 

1.2 Financial standards

BTA has measures in place to ensure that learners and clients receive a refund of fees for services not provided, including services not provided as a result of the financial failure of the organisation. Where necessary; alternative provision will be made for learners to access services not provided to the learner.

BTA ensures that the contractual and financial relationship between the learner/client and the organisation is fully and properly documented, and that copies of the documentation are made available to the learner/client.

Documentation includes:

the rights and responsibilities of learners,

costs of training and assessment services, and issuance of qualifications,

payment arrangements and refund conditions,

any other matters that place obligations on learners or clients.

BTA has a refund policy that is fair and equitable and this policy is made available to all learners and clients prior to enrolment.

 

1.3 Issuance of qualifications

BTA issues qualifications and Statements of Attainment to learners who meet the required outcomes of a qualification or unit of competency, in accordance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, Standard three, schedules four and five.

 

1.4 Provision of information

BTA supplies accurate, relevant and up-to-date information to prospective learners and employers regarding course offerings, content, availability, policies and procedures, funding/costs and assessment as a part of ongoing commitment to transparency and equity. BTA supplies this information to learners and clients prior to enrolment and regularly reviews all information provided to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

 

BTA fully cooperates with the VET regulator ASQA by;

providing accurate and truthful responses to information requests from the VET Regulator relevant to BTA’s registration,

by providing quality/performance indicator data (AVETMIS and Student and employer satisfaction surveys),

by providing information about substantial changes to its operations or any event that would significantly affect BTA’s ability to comply with the 2015 standards within 90 calendar days of the change occurring

by providing information about significant changes to its ownership within 90 calendar days of the change occurring,

providing notification to ASQA of any written agreement entered into under Clause 2.3 for the delivery of services on its behalf, within 30 calendar days of that agreement being entered into or prior to the obligations under the agreement taking effect, whichever occurs first, and within 30 calendar days of the agreement coming to an end.

 

1.5 Record keeping

BTA keeps complete and accurate records of the attendance and progress of learners, as well as financial records that reflect all payments and charges and the balance due, and provides copies of these records to learners on request.

BTA ensures that all records pertaining to individuals including academic, financial and other records maintained by the Registered Training Organisation are complete and accurate. The records are managed confidentially and are not divulged to third parties unless authorised by the learner or as required under law. Learners may view their own records to confirm their accuracy and completeness.

 

BTA has the following arrangements in place for secure handling of student data and all training resources;

Current student records;

• in locked filing cabinet,
• on cloud based database
• backed up to external hard drive.

Past student records

• Archived in locked storage room
• On cloud based database
• Hard copy of certificate in file
• Digital copy of certificate in cloud based dropbox
• Digital copy of certificate backed up to external hard drive.

Training resources

• Hard copy files
• Digital copies on dropbox
• Digital copies backed up to external hard drive.

 

1.6 State and Commonwealth legislation

BTA complies with Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to its operations.

BTA ensures staff, current learners and employers are informed of any changes to legislative and regulatory requirements that affect the services delivered.

 

That as a Registered Training Organisation, BTA adheres to the principles of access and equity and meets its legal obligations whilst maximising learner outcomes

 

2.1 Access and Equity

BTA aims to ensure ample opportunity to complete training and assessments regardless of any perceived disability or disadvantage and regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, disability, ethnic origin, age or race, and will:

Deliver training in a non‐discriminatory, open and respectful manner;

Ensure personnel are appropriately skilled in access and equity issues, including cultural awareness and sensitivity to the requirements of Learners with special needs;

Ensure facilities provide reasonable access to Learners of all levels of mobility, and physical and intellectual capacity;

Conduct Learner selection for training opportunities in a manner that includes and reflects the diverse Learner population;

Learners are responsible for behaving in a courteous, sensitive and non- discriminatory manner when dealing with staff, clients, consultants, learners or the broader community.

BTA endeavours to meet everyone’s diverse learning needs. To assist the RTO in this process, learners are invited to inform trainers and assessors involved with training programs of any special considerations or requirements they may have (e.g. disabilities and/or special learning difficulties), or of any Access and Equity issues arise during participation in training.

 

2.2 Child protection

BTA staff, maintains current knowledge and practice in relation to child protection, child safety and mandatory notification practices for each State and Territory. Although the staff does not generally work with learners under the age of 18, we recognise that the working context within which we are situated, student residential organisations (BTA), has a direct focus in this area, and that from time to time staff may be in contact with younger students. As such BTA personnel put in place the required practices and processes in working with children and fully undertake their legal obligation in regard to child safety and child protection.

 

2.3 Recruitment / enrolment

BTA

conducts recruitment of learners in a non-discriminatory and responsible manner at all times.

ensures that the educational and experiential background of intending learners is assessed by suitably qualified staff and/or agents and provides for the training of such staff and agents, as appropriate.

provides offers of program placement to applicants based on an assessment of the extent to which the qualifications, proficiency and aspirations of the applicant are matched by the training opportunity offered.

NOTE: Two of the qualifications offered by BTA are contextualised qualifications. To achieve competency in these qualifications learners must be working in the student residential industry or be able to access significant work placement hours in the student residential industry.

 

2.4 Support services

BTA provides adequate protection for the health, safety and welfare of learners.

 

2.5 Grievance mechanism (complaints and appeals)

BTA ensures that learners and clients have access to a fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances and provides an avenue for learners to appeal against decisions, which affect the learners’ progress. Every effort is made by BTA to effectively resolve learners’/clients’ grievances.

For this purpose, the BTA grievance policy clearly provides a mechanism for concerns and complaints to be dealt with in a fair and constructive manner in accordance with BTA Policy and practice.

Where a grievance cannot be resolved internally, BTA advises learners and clients of the appropriate body as to where they can seek further assistance. This will be the ASQA complaints team.

Where a complaint or appeal has been made, BTA undertake to securely maintains records of the complaint or appeals and the outcomes, and to maintain a complaints and appeals log.

BTA will seek to identify potential causes of complaints and appeals and takes appropriate corrective action to eliminate or mitigate the likelihood of reoccurrence.

 

As an organisation BTA staff and management engage the industry in the operations of the RTO so that learners and the industry sector can be confident that the qualifications issues by BTA: RTO are recognised and valued by the industry.

3.1 Quality Control

BTA seeks feedback from learners and clients on their satisfaction with services they have received, and seeks to improve its services in accordance with their expectations.

BTA seeks feedback in compliance with AQTF Standards requirements though validation, moderation and audit processes.

 

3.2 Industry engagement

BTA is committed to the provision of contextualised and recognised training programs which reflect and include the values, policies, perspectives and practices current to the industry sector. BTA engage regularly with relevant industry representatives to evaluate our training and assessment services. This ensures that BTA graduates hold the required skills and knowledge to undertake the standard of performance required in student residential care worksites.

BTA training and assessment strategies are developed in consultation with the student residential care industry to ensure that training is consistent with current industry practice.. Where training and assessment occurs in the workplace, evidence of performance will contribute to the assessment process.

 

Assuring the quality of the training and assessment provided across all of the program areas within the RTO

 

4.1 Provision of Training and Assessment Services

BTA has policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the delivery of training and assessment services, and which safeguard the interests and welfare of learners and/or clients.

BTA is committed to the principle and practice of continuous improvement of the service it offers and will seek both learner and industry feedback on the training and assessment services received.

BTA has the capacity to deliver and assess the vocational qualifications for which it has been registered, provides adequate facilities, and use methods and materials appropriate to the learning and assessment needs of learners.

BTA monitors and assesses the performance and progress of its learners.

BTA ensures that training staff are not only suitably qualified but are also sensitive to the cultural and learning needs of learners. Training is provided for BTA staff as required.

BTA ensures that assessments are conducted in a manner, which meets the endorsed components of the relevant Training Package(s) and/or accredited programs. It also offers learning and assessment processes that as far as practicable meet the individual learning needs of learners.

BTA as a Registered Training Organisation ensures that its operations comply with Standards for NVR Registered Training organisations 2012.

 

Meeting individual learner needs by assessing their current skills and knowledge prior to the commencement of training.

 

5.1 RPL

BTA recognises that many of the student residential care industry supervisors have many years of experience, and have skills and knowledge relevant to work roles and responsibilities that are also relevant to course outcomes.

BTA will where possible assist each learner to gain recognition for these existing skills, abilities and knowledge through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

 

5.2 Recognition of qualifications issued by other RTOs and educational institutions.

BTA recognises the AQF Qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other RTO’s and educational institutions recognised in the AQF. National recognition obligations are reflected in our organisation’s policies and procedures and information to staff and clients. Credit for units of competency (that are current) with another RTO will automatically be granted towards the completion of the qualification being undertaken with BTA

 

Signed

 

Steven J Florisson

Training Manager

October 2019