The times they are a changing...again, for Certificate IV TAE
The VET industry in Australia is one of constant change and reform. Once again, the requirements for trainers and assessors are set to change as the minimum qualification for working in the industry – the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is updated and integrated into the new TAE Training Package.
It will have a new code (TAE40114), a new core unit (TAELLN411) and the units of competency will be streamlined to meet the new Standards for Training Packages endorsed on 16 November 2012. It will still consist of 10 units, although it increases to 8 core and 2 electives (from 7 core and 3 electives under TAE40110) to make way for the new core unit TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills.
However, it is the proposed additions to entry requirements, context for demonstrating facilitation competency and minimum qualifications for practitioners conducting the training that are creating the most buzz about the update.
The second review of the proposed TAE40114 has just been undertaken and proposed changes to the Certificate IV qualification include:
- A new entry requirement (“Those entering this program must already hold at least one unit of competency or qualification that they intend to use as the basis of the vocational training they will deliver and assess after completion of TAE40114”);
- An updated requirement in the unit TAEDEL401 that candidates “deliver to a minimum of 8 individuals”; and
- Incorporation in each of the core units a requirement that practitioners must hold the TAE50114 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training or equivalent.
Some of these proposed changes are intuitive and continue IBSA’s commitment to improving the robustness of the qualification. However, they should be introduced with caution as changes to entry requirements will limit access for industry trainers and others in non-competency-based environments. Furthermore, raising the number of candidates required to be an audience for group facilitation will certainly disadvantage learners in remote areas, indigenous Australians and RTOs in the not-for-profit sector.
Earlier this year, IBSA called for wide consultation on these draft proposals and my observation was that the overwhelming response via their feedback hub was that these requirements too oppressive. As such, these proposed changes may be reworked prior to endorsement.
IBSA has planned that TAE40114 will be added to endorsed changes to the TAE Training Package in June 2014. They have been on-track to meet this deadline but unrelated changes to SCOTESE and the NSSC may delay the endorsement of upcoming training package changes. It will only be after the changes to the TAE Training Package have been endorsed that RTOs will be able to create new Training and Assessment Strategies and associated tools and resources and add TAE40114 to their scope then commence delivery. This process typically takes several months. However, MRWED has already implemented changes to support learners during the transition. From 1st April 2014 the unit TAELLN411 has been integrated into the MRWED delivery of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. For students who already possess TAE40110, a 1 day LLN workshop, online, correspondence and RPL options are available now to enable them to obtain TAELLN411. Additionally, MRWED has identified a variety of personnel, administrative and technology solutions to support new learners, if and when all the proposed extra requirements are put into effect.
Marc Ratcliffe
CEO, MRWED