Employer Information

What is the difference between on and off the job training?

Training in Victoria can be delivered off the job (for example RTO based classroom delivery) or as structured workplace based training (or a combination of both). All trainees and apprentices must have a training plan, (signed by all parties) which specifies, amongst other requirements, where and how the training will occur for each competency.
If the apprentice or trainee is completing all or part of their structured training at their place of employment, Skills Victoria terms this as “Workplace Based Training".

What is structured training withdrawal?

Structured training withdrawal is withdrawal time from routine work duties for learning activities. Employers need to give trainees a minimum of 3 hours per week for full time staff, and 1.5 hours per week for part time staff.
Structured training could include:

How often will the trainer visit?

Our trainers visit the workplace every 4-6 weeks, and make contact with both the trainee and supervisor every month for training and support.

What is a training plan?

A training plan is document that states how training will be delivered to a participant and how the units of competency that make up a qualification will be assessed.

Can I change my training plan?

A training plan may be changed if all parties agree to the change and sign a new plan.� However, the qualification to be issued to the participant must remain the same as that which would have been issued under the original training plan.

What is a Training Package?

Training Packages are a Government initiative designed to make training more flexible and affordable for industry.� A Training Package comprises three nationally endorsed components. They are:

• National Competency Standards
• National Assessment Guidelines
• National Qualifications

Training Packages also contain resources to support delivery and assessment. The Training Package concept is designed to provide greater flexibility in getting competency to the standards required.
Training Packages provide guidance on assessment and provides Employers, New Apprentices and Assessors with the benefits of having an industry benchmark for training and assessment requirements.� Training Packages also provide a career pathway. Qualifications range from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma Levels.

What are Competency Standards?

Within each Training Package, competency standards endeavour to advance quality and consistency in current and future work practices. The standards form the basis through consistent and valid assessment. The assessment guidelines, in each Training Package, provide overall guidance on the relationship of competency standards to the conditions for assessment to occur.

Competency standards identify the skills, knowledge and attributes needed by a person to perform a job. The achievement of these competencies leads to a nationally recognised credential. You also benefit by being able to access national qualifications through a variety of pathways.

What is AQF?

The Australian Quality Framework (AQF) provides a nationally consistent flexible framework for all qualifications gained through the workplace. This means that qualifications are designed to be consistent and to be recognised across Australia.

Pinnacle Training Solutions’ Workplace Assessor will discuss with you and your employer the competencies of the relevant AQF Certificate you will be undertaking. A range of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment can be issued in accordance with individual Training Packages.

The AQF is based on achieving competency. Competency standards are grouped according to the level of complexity and autonomy that is required to apply the knowledge and skills in the workplace.

Are assessments competency based?

Yes, all assessments in VET are competency based. This means that learners are not assessed against each other, but against standard criteria.  All decisions about whether a person is competent are based upon evidence provided by the candidate. If there is not sufficient evidence provided by the candidate, they will receive a mark of “Not Yet Competent”. This mark will be changed to “Competent” once the candidate has provided the additional information requested by the assessor.

Can I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or Recognition of Current Competencies?

In some cases, a trainee may have already gained some skills for the proposed training.� These skills may have been gained through either their current work, previous work or through formal training undertaken at a different RTO.� If this is the case, the trainee must be assessed on the units before training commences and if they are deemed competent, they will not need to undergo any further training in that module.

Will PTS accept qualification and statements of attainments from other RTO’s?

PTS will accept any Nationally Recognised Qualification obtained at another RTO.� In these cases, the competencies will be automatically transferred on receipt of a completion certificate or a statement of attainment.

Can you accommodate for employees with learning disabilities?

Pinnacle Training Solutions conducts a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (L,L and N) assessment on each participant before training commences. If the participant’s L, L and N skills are found to be lacking, Pinnacle can arrange outside specialised training to bring the skills to the required level. Furthermore, Pinnacle Training Solutions will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the special needs of trainees where they may require special assistance with language, numeracy or literacy skills.