Agency Training Plan (ATP) Resource Kit
Appendix 3
The Community Services Training Package
What is it?
- The framework for national skill recognition in the industry
- Covers approx 50% of the Community Services workforce
- Aged Care Work
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Work
- Children's Services
- Child Protection/Juvenile Justice/Statutory Supervision
- Community Housing Work
- Community Work
- Disability Work
- Mental health Work
- Youth Work
- Defines New Apprenticeships pathways
- Focuses on workplace assessment
What's Inside?
- National Competency Standards
- Qualifications Framework which defines the national qualifications for the industry
- Assessment Guidelines to ensure the specific needs of the industry are met. Assessment Guidelines include principles for assessment, assessor requirements, advice on choosing assessor training programs and for conducting assessments
- Resources to assist Training Package users will be developed on an ongoing basis
Benefits for Employers
- Training targeted to workplace needs
- Flexible training structures
- Workplace assessment can lead to a National Qualification
- New Apprenticeships recruitment pathways
Benefits for Employees
- Career pathways are broadened by acquiring common competencies
- On the job training can be assessed and recognised
- New apprenticeships are available
Benefits for Training Providers
- National benchmarks for training/assessment
- National recognition of training/assessment
- National implementation guidelines
- Flexible delivery options
How is the Community Services Training Package Different?
The Community Services Training Package:
- Does not rely on accreditation of courses
- Relies on assessment against competency standards to award national qualifications
Allows for:
- Training on and off the job
- Customisation by organisations
- New Apprenticeships pathways
- Direct assessment against the competency standard
Components of the Community Services Training Package CH99
- Common Units - provide for transferability
- Specialisation Units - ensure consistency
- Optional Units - provide greater flexibility
The required number and combination of units are defined in the "packaging rules" for each qualification level.
What will happen to previously endorsed competency standards?
Previously endorsed competency standards will be reviewed and changed as necessary to meet the technical requirements of Training Packages.
What will happen to previously accredited training?
Existing courses, which match requirements defined in the competency standards as the Training Package, will continue to be useful for training provision. Where courses do not match, they will be replaced by more relevant training.
Who can issue qualifications?
Only Registered Training Organisations (RTO's) may issue a qualification in the Community Services Training Package CHC99. A Registered Training Organisations must:
- Be registered by the State or Territory Training Authority
- Meet the conditions in the Assessment Guidelines for the Community Services Training Package CHC99
- Ensure that the candidate is competent in all aspects of all the units of competency required for a qualification
A statement of Attainment may be awarded for competency in individual units.
More Information about the Community Services Training Package?
Go to the Community Services and Health Training Australia (CSHTA) website at www.cshta.com.au for more information about the package, specific competencies and how it works. CSHTA is the National Industry Training Advisory Body for the Community and Health Industries recently reviewed with up to date information about Community Services and Health Training Australia.
You can also order from them hard copies of the common Competencies, Disability Work and assessment manuals. These are around $80 for the set.