AQTF 2007
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) 2007 has been developed through an extensive consultation and engagement process with industry, regulators and licensing bodies, peak provider associations, individual RTOs, Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
Revisions to the AQTF have been driven by the economic imperative to facilitate more rapid skilling to combat the current skills shortages in Australia.
On 10 February 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) commissioned a review of the AQTF, requesting reform in a number of areas including a requirement for audits to move towards a more outcomes-focus, an increased emphasis on skills outcomes over inputs and processes, provision of greater scope for RTOs to develop the innovation and flexibility required by industry and employers, as well as better national consistency in the revised system. The National Quality Council undertook to revise the AQTF to meet these COAG decisions.
Throughout the consultation process, it became increasingly clear that the need to build increased confidence in the quality of training outcomes and in the VET System as a whole was of high importance to industry stakeholders and regulatory and licensing bodies. The AQTF 2007 is built around the need for RTOs and registration bodies to work closely with industry in achieving COAG’s vision of providing the necessary skills demanded by industry.
The new Framework adopts a modern approach to regulation, taking into account recent trends in regulatory reform, particularly the move towards a more flexible and responsive regulatory focus.
A key feature of the revised framework is the underpinning concept of ‘continuous improvement’, with increased opportunities for RTO’s to demonstrate excellence in quality training delivery and assessment. RTOs can expect auditors to continue to ask for evidence of effective continuous improvement strategies and approaches.
The ultimate aim of the new Framework is to raise the quality of VET outcomes for the clients of the National Training System. The AQTF 2007 provides a more logical and robust framework and encourages greater flexibility, national consistency, innovation and excellence
From 1st July 2007, the AQTF 2007 will be the tool used to regulate the activity of RTOs across Australia. This is in keeping with COAG's vision that VET has a vital role to play in Australia’s economic future.
The AQTF 2007 had been designed to clearly focus on continuously increasing the quality of the skills outcomes of Australia’s VET Sector.
AQTF 2007 Workshops are being held across the country during February, March and early April to provide RTOs and other stakeholders with a first-hand description of the structure and operation of the new system. A second round of workshops will be held throughout April and May to provide RTOs with details of registration and auditing under the new Framework.
Further information in regard to the AQTF 2007 and its progress can be found at the following website – www.training.com.au
Print this page | last updated: 13 Aug 2007 1:36pm