Staying Connected in VET eZine | November 2020 | Volume 15

Australia’s biannual VET eZine

NOVEMBER 2020

®

Volume 15 | Free

VET STAYING CONNECTED IN

Investment in VET Brings a Sigh of Relief Supporting and Enhancing Careers Throughout all Ages Understanding the Value of Assessment in VET

EDUCATE INSPIRE EMPOWER

GOT A BURNING COMPLIANCE QUESTION? We are now hosting a members-only monthly opportunity to engage in personalised Compliance Chats. Experience the support, guidance and expertise you need - wherever you are in Australia.

velgtraining.com

07 3866 0888

CONTENTS Staying Connected in VET November 2020 Volume 15

EDUCATE INSPIRE

EMPOWER

4

16

EDITORIAL Investment in VET Brings a Sigh of Relief

7

ADAM BOYTON, NATIONAL SKILLS COMMISSIONER National Skills Commission Update

8

ROB CRISPE, GENERAL MANAGER ASQA’s Reform Journey

10

TIFFANY BLIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ROB BRIGHT, CLOUD ASSESS

Supporting and Enhancing Careers Throughout All Ages and Stages

Understanding the Value of Assessment in Vocational Education

12

18

MELANIE ALEXANDRA

VELG TRAINING

Let’s Celebrate a Commitment to Quality and Continuous Improvement!

The Resilience and Reinvention of VET

15

CHRISTINA NORTH, COMPLIANCE OFFICER Reflecting on the Systematic Validation Process

20

WORLDSKILLS AUSTRALIA

Update on the 2021 WorldSkills National Championships

1

Staying Connected in VET

WELCOME

LETTER FROM THE CEO Michelle Weaver

Welcome to the 15th edition of the Staying Connected in VET eZine. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you, whatever your role in the VET sector, on making it through one of the most extraordinary years we have seen. Your commitment and dedication to pivoting your approach to delivering quality outcomes for students is not only commendable but greatly valued.

As a small family business, we here at Velg Training have definitely had to hone our skills this year and take up the challenge of these unprecedented times to create positives out of negatives.

Early 2020 was an exciting time! I was so proud of all the hard work my team had put in to ensuring that our signature, face-to-face conferences were ready to go for 2020, and of the amazing line up we had in our programs. But of course, that came to a standing halt, stopped short by the relentlessness of a pandemic none of us could have ever foreseen. It was difficult to watch their efforts be put into a holding pattern. The impact of this unparalled situation has been felt on so many levels.

However, true to their nature, the team here proactively refocussed, and shifted into development of online offerings that sit outside the box. Our priority was to be a conduit of useful, supportive information and to truly connect with our members during a time of such seeming disconnection.

2

velgtraining.com

We released a range of free or low cost events to the VET Community to help RTOs with transitioning during COVID-19 – stepping away from compliancebased content, and into valuable advice and expertise relating to managing teams remotely, HR and JobKeeper and coping with the changes forced upon so many RTOs doing their best to deliver quality programs.

Our Going Online special events aimed to step practitioners through the nitty gritty when it comes to transitioning (at the coalface) the traditional face-toface learning and assessment methods to a remote or blended online offering for students.

We also showcased six highly regarded corporate speakers, to offer management insights into the topics of Cyber Security, Mental Health, Marketing and Online Presence, Future Business performance and the Future of Consumers.

Along with our popular Focus Week webinars, we launched our very first TAE PD Week – a collaboration with MRWED Training and Assessment, to provide targeted PD to 1300+ trainers and assessors who wanted something that directly aligned with the 9 core units from their TAE qualification.

We developed a free 4-week Member PD Challenge – a personal challenge to encourage members to invest in their continued learning, and explore the PD resources they have exclusive access to, all available online.

November 2020 Volume 15

“As a small family business, we here at Velg Training have definitely had to hone our skills this year and take up the challenge of these unprecedented times to create positives out of negatives.”

Velg Virtual Training was launched – our first intensive, 3 hour, online workshop offering, that allowed for a truly interactive experience. Our new-look National VET PD Week, also incorporated an extra 30 minute ‘let’s talk about’ component. This extra half hour allowed attendees to have their specific questions addressed by our VET experts.

Our Velg2Go online learning offerings have continued to diversify, with the launch of 8 (so far) 90-minute modules of independent content. These Short Courses have proven to be the perfect option for those who prefer autonomous, bite-sized, micro learning.

Our simple solution to checking assessment mapping came to life with Unit Drop, providing an easy service where assessment is checked against the unit to confirm unit coverage, highlight any gaps in existing mapping and assessment all reported via a simple but comprehensive summary.

One of our most creative solutions to the restraints put on us in the exhibition space that is integrated with large face to face events, was the release of our very first Virtual VET Expo. Designed to facilitate the connection between our VET Community and exhibitors who would usually exhibit at our major events, we wanted to create an option that would help build your ability to connect with providers who are experts in helping you via the services and products they have. Virtual engagement was high on our 3D, interactive, online exhibition space with over 1500 registrants for this free event.

This year also saw us celebrating some inspirational and innovative initiatives. We reviewed our records (going back 3 website versions and invoicing systems) and identified some incredible data... We acknowledged and celebrated members who have been with us for more than a decade!

We launched our supportive Administrator Tool Box – to assist our corporate members in maximising the benefits of their membership and increase engagement in their teams.

And lastly, our launch of Compliance Chats has provided the opportunity for our members to gain access to free support, guidance and expertise through a personalised, one-on-one chat with a VET Expert, every month!

Looking back, it is quite incredible what we have all managed to achieve in the face of the adversity that has been COVID-19. Here at Velg Training the inspiration has come from the comments and feedback we receive from our members about the support they have felt and their success stories. We are encouraged and empowered by the resulting 10,300+ practitioners trained via our online events since January 2020 and look to a future filled with hope, that we can return to our beloved conferences again and continue to offer the highest quality professional development, no matter the medium.

As always, I thank and acknowledge our article contributors for this issue, and our advertisers. Their commitment to supporting this publication in a year where so much has occurred, is so incredibly valued.

I wish you, the reader, a successful remainder of 2020, and hope you embrace the upcoming Christmas break with a sense of true joy. May you and your loved ones stay safe and connected. Happy reading!

Michelle Weaver CEO and Founder of Velg Training

@velgtraining www.velgtraining.com Velg Training

velgtraining.com

3

Staying Connected in VET

EDUCATE

INVESTMENT IN VET BRINGS A SIGH OF RELIEF Editorial Many Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) were relieved to hear the announcement that the Australian Government has committed to investing in strengthening Australia’s skills and training system with the introduction of their $2 billion Job Trainer Skills Package.

Comprising two distinct components the skills package is made up of $1.5 billion to keep apprentices and trainees employed, and $500 million for school leavers and job seekers wishing to access funding for vocational education and training courses. The Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy is designed to help businesses manage the challenges associated with cashflow that is needed to keep trainees and apprentices. This component of the package brings about a real buzz for RTOs across the nation who have, in some cases, suffered financially at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4

velgtraining.com

It is expected that JobTrainer will support over 340,000 free or lowcost courses (as long as states and territories match that federal funding), and will provide a muchneeded boost to enrolment numbers in the near future.

“This component of the package brings about a real buzz for RTOs across the nation...”

Many of these training places will be for courses designed around new, or existing, skill sets which will provide students with pathways into new industries and full qualifications through upskilling and reskilling for jobs of the future. The National Skills Commission (NSC) have given priority to a number of courses identified as meeting a future need in terms of both job opportunity and growth. These courses are from industries such as

wholesale trade, manufacturing, social assistance and healthcare and retail.

Training places covered under the JobTrainer Fund are found on the Your Careers website and MySkills websites.

Led by Commissioner Adam Boynton, the NSC has been engaging with stakeholders across industry and government to forecast labour market demand for skills and acquire advice on options for efficient price modelling.

In a year full of adaptation across the training sector positivity is being generated by the federal intention to demystify funding and subsidy levels.

When it comes to rebuilding the future capability of workers, this may just be a ray of hope for RTOs and result in a rejuvenation in the skills training arena.

You can view the original Job Trainer announcement from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website here.

The Future of Assessment The Award Winning Online Training & Assessment Solution Have compliance peace of mind and create exceptional learner experiences.

cloudassess.com.au

Mapping?

Say ‘Good-bye’ to Copy-and-Paste.

Generate instant mapping templates from training.gov.au with a single click.

Work online: create & edit maps in one place.

Receive alerts when a unit you work with is updated.

Download Maps as Excel, Word, & PDF files.

Make compliance more manageable than ever.

Sync information directly from training.gov.au.

Secure data storage for all accounts.

Instantly generate mapping templates for any unit.

Excellent support and personal service.

7-DAY

FREE TRIAL

Sign up for your free trial at magicmap.com.au/7day

November 2020 Volume 15

NATIONAL SKILLS COMMISSION UPDATE Adam Boyton, National Skills Commissioner This is a year that will be remembered for many things. A global pandemic and near unprecedented disruption to our lives and our economy.

The National Skills Commission’s labour market analysis has already underscored the impact of COVID-19 on our labour market, as well as the signs of recovery underway.

The most recent ABS Labour Force Survey figures show employment rebounded strongly in October, increasing by 178,800 over the month (and by 648,500 since the trough in May), although it remains 223,100 below the level recorded in March 2020 (when Australia recorded its 100th case of COVID-19).

Also supporting signs of recovery is the NSC’s monitoring of internet vacancies. The October Internet Vacancy Index data showed job advertisements have now increased for six consecutive months, more than doubling (up 83,300 job advertisements) since the unprecedented series low recorded in April. However, nationally, recruitment activity remains 2.3% lower over the year. Encouragingly, the level of recruitment activity in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory now exceeds pre COVID-19 levels.

The Treasury expects the broad labour market recovery to continue, with the unemployment rate to decline over the coming years.

But that’s not to say there won’t be a persistent legacy from the shock to our economy and our labour market from the pandemic. There most undoubtedly will be.

Which makes me think, what will the enduring legacy of this year be

for the VET sector? Will it be one of disrupted learning, or perhaps new ways of learning?

Or will it be something very different?

Will 2020 instead be remembered as the year VET got the status and attention it deserved? The year that the importance of the sector to our economy and to Australians – in helping drive an economic and jobs recovery, and in delivering a diverse and critical path of learning for so many – became front of mind?

There is reason to think this year and coming years will underscore just how important the sector is.

That importance is reflected in the significant investment being undertaken by governments across Australia through the JobTrainer program in re-skilling and up-skilling in response to the pandemic.

It’s reflected in the importance of occupations with a VET pathway in making sure Australians got the essential services, goods and care they needed during the worst of the pandemic.

This year has also seen the passage of the National Skills Commissioner Act. Broadly, the Act establishes the role of the National Skills Commissioner – a role that brings together labour market analysis, including of Australia’s current, emerging and future workforce skills needs; work on pricing of VET qualifications and assessment of the returns from undertaking VET study. It also places on the Commissioner a requirement to inform the public, as well as government.

Adam Boyton National Skills Commissioner

The National Skills Commission developing intelligence on Australia’s labour market, workforce changes and current and emerging skills needs.

The NSC will drive long-term improvements across the skills system to bring together existing data and develop new capability in skills analysis, and improved data and advice on VET pricing and outcomes. Visit: nationalskillscommission.gov.au for more information

I am excited by the opportunity to help reinforce and strengthen the role of VET as a crucial part of our education and economic infrastructure as we continue to emerge from the shadow of the pandemic.

velgtraining.com

7

Staying Connected in VET

EDUCATE

ASQA’S REFORM JOURNEY: EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT FROM THE INSIDE OUT Rob Crispe, General Manager, Engagement and Education, ASQA Having recently joined the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to oversee its Engagement and Education Group, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of a defining period of transformation for ASQA and the broader VET sector.

This is driven by ASQA’s evolving regulatory approach in response to the findings of the Braithwaite and Joyce Reviews, and the Rapid Review of ASQA’s Regulatory Practices and Processes, all of which reinforced the need for engagement, education and communication to be at the centre of our role as the national regulator.

Our Regulatory Strategy places a high priority on delivering effective education and engagement strategies with, and for, the sector. This is to support ASQA to achieve its regulatory objectives, and to help ensure quality VET outcomes. We know that to do this well, we firstly need to focus on building a clear sense within ASQA about the agency’s role and purpose, and how our different regulatory functions work together. This is what I call an ‘inside out’ educative approach…our intent and strategies must start from within the agency, and are intrinsically linked to our organisational culture and capability.

This also includes the continuous improvement of our systems and processes for sharing information,

8

velgtraining.com

sharing knowledge and promoting a consistent understanding of priorities across the agency.

Our external sector engagement strategies see us striving to provide responsive and fit-for-purpose educative information that is aligned to, and informed by, the Regulatory Strategy and key reform imperatives.

For example, we continue to provide timely guidance on large-scale training package transitions such as the emerging Business Services Training (BSB) and HLT First Aid package changes, respectively.

“...we continue to provide timely guidance on large-scale training package transitions...”

In addition, we are responding to new and evolving challenges faced by providers’ rapid transition to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of this key area of focus, we are undertaking a strategic review to better understand the benefits, opportunities and risks presented by online learning. While this work is ongoing, its findings will support the sector to continue providing quality student outcomes.

Through our Stakeholder Liaison Group and Provider Roundtable, we have established important relationships for communicating

more effectively with the sector and engaging meaningfully on important issues. Through these relationships, we are committed to building a clearer and more consistent understanding of ASQA’s regulatory expectations, while promoting a culture and systems of self-assurance and continuous quality improvement. This will ultimately be a key measure of the success of our engagement strategies.

These are just a few initiatives that are enabling ASQA to better support providers in maintaining a quality and trusted VET sector, and I look forward to working with our diverse stakeholders to continue enhancing our approach to engagement and education - from the inside out.

Rob Crispe commenced as ASQA’s General Manager Engagement and Education in September 2020. He is responsible for leading stakeholder engagement and communications strategies to support ASQA’s evolving regulatory role and a high quality Australian VET sector. Rob brings his years of experience across learning and development, corporate communications, program management and policy roles within federal government.

NEW RESOURCES FOR

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE

NEW

AVAILABLE AS

Learner Guides Assessment Support Packs Work Placement Journals

Print eBooks Digital subscription

REQUEST A SAMPLE

P: 03 9820 1300 E: samples@aspirelr.com.au W: aspirelr.com.au

Membership Velg Training Membership supports your compliance with the National VET Standards.

As a member you have access to programs and resources that assist in the continued development of knowledge and practice of vocational training, learning and assessment.

Membership is available to all VET practitioners from private, public and enterprise training organisations as well as VET consultants.

Velg Training prides itself on being a member serving organisation.

Member Benefits • Free professional development

• Discounts on all events

• Compliance Chats

• Store & upload your PD*

• Access to Knowledge Hub

• Weekly Members eNews

*Available to Member Plus options only

Individual

Individual+

Corporate

Corporate+

$299/year incl.GST

$399/year incl.GST

$999/year incl.GST

$1499/year incl.GST

For more information regarding Velg Training Membership please contact members@velgtraining.com

Staying Connected in VET

INSPIRE

SUPPORTING AND ENHANCING CAREERS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES AND STAGES Tiffany Blight, Executive Director of the National Careers Institute As COVID-19 continues to change the way we work and do business, there has never been a more important time for people to have up-to-date and accurate information about where the career opportunities are now, and will be in the future.

The National Careers Institute (NCI) is working to ensure Australians have better access and information about their education, training and employment options to help them with greater employability and a clear understanding of where their career opportunities lie.

In my role as the NCI’s Executive Director, I am focused on ensuring we reach this goal, through the delivery of a number of programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance careers information - while highlighting and promoting the benefits of vocational education and training (VET).

To do this, we are working hand in hand with the National Skills Commission (NSC). It is the NSC’s world leading labour market intelligence which underpins our work, like the very new

10

velgtraining.com

Your Career website which launched by the Australian Government last month.

Your Career at YourCareer.gov.au supports people at all ages and career stages make informed career decisions now, and as the economy recovers.

Visitors to Your Career can interact with a range of tools to help them take the next step in their career – whether it is transferring their skills, starting out, or returning to the workforce.

To ensure school leavers are supported through their transition from finishing school to work - and all things in between - we introduced the School Leavers Information Kit and the School Leavers Information Service. Both are part of a targeted support package for young people to help them tackle the uncertainty around leaving school and choosing the right career pathway.

The Kit, and information about the Service, can be found on the School Leavers Support page of the Your Career website.

To top off the year, we have just last week delivered the 26th annual Australian Training Awards for the

VET sector – the first time it was delivered in a virtual format. Once again, the winners prove the VET sector is delivering outstanding jobready candidates through exceptional, industry-focused training. As many of the finalists go on to become members of the NCI’s Australian VET Alumni program, their journey will continue to evolve, and I am sure we will see many of them sharing the benefits of VET across Australia.

For more about the NCI and our work, I encourage you to visit our website at nci.dese.gov.au.

Tiffany has held a number of senior positions in the Australian Public Service and commenced with the NCI upon its formal establishment in June 2020. Tiffany is an Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Certified HR Practitioner, and a member of the AHRI ACT State Council. She holds an honours degree in Education (QUT) and a Masters in Business (UNSW).

Resources For Coping Through COVID and Beyond The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) have been developing a whole range of exciting new resources and initiatives to help you in your essential work during COVID and beyond.

They are freely available from ADCET’s COVID-19 webpage and include:

Supporting Staff

Supporting Students

Returning to Campus

•

Wellbeing

•

Wellbeing

•

For Staff with Disability

•

Working Online

•

•

•

Managing Change

Mentoring during COVID

For Students with Disability

•

Developing Quality Connections

•

Learning Online

•

Practical Planning Tool

•

Coping with Change

•

Easy-to-use Checklist

Learn useful self care tips

Increase your toolkit

Download our guidelines

Learn from others

Working Online

Participating in VET

•

Student Perspectives

•

Zoom Fatigue

•

Disability Specific

•

Online Teaching

•

Zoom Top Tips

•

•

Using Technology

•

Connecting with Others

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Guidelines

•

Making Adjustments

•

Hear from Others

•

Lingering Effects of COVID

View webinars/podcasts

Get tips and advice

=

Get information and advice

www.adcet.edu.au

Staying Connected in VET

INSPIRE

LET’S CELEBRATE A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT! Melanie Alexandra, Velg Training We are all acutely aware that quality outcomes are the result of widespread institutional best practice. Working collectively toward a shared vision is critical, not only to operate a successful Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and meet compliance requirements but also to support the ‘continuous improvement’ methodology that underpins the regulatory Frameworks to provide the best possible outcomes for learners.

“VET has traditionally acknowledged and celebrated its diversity as a key feature that defines the sector. However, VET needs to change to meet these new demands, and VET professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable them to teach a wider range of students at higher levels of knowledge and skill, and also to ensure students have the foundation skills they need” Wheelahan, L, Moodie, G 2011, ‘The quality of teaching in VET’, Australian College of Educators, Mawson.

12

velgtraining.com

Whilst this has resonated for at least the last decade, there seems to be a renewed focus on the quality of the training and assessment, and an intention to ensure consistency and quality in learner outcomes across all industry areas.

“We love to engage with peers from around the country, learning from VET experts and sharing experiences...”

There is also an unquestionably powerful professional development community across Australia who share a common goal and this is something to be celebrated. We love to engage with peers from around the country, learning from VET experts and sharing experiences through conferences, online learning, workshops and interactive webinars and our commitment to our own progressive improvement has not been deterred by recent events.

In 2020, Velg Training has seen thousands of participants undertake

online professional development services despite the restrictions 2020 has placed upon us all.

Working within the VET Sector offers a whole range of life experiences that bring rewards to so many. It is amazing how, no matter what hurdles are thrown our way, literally thousands of VET practitioners across the sector have continued to strive for excellence through their own personal and professional growth and development year on year.

Engaging with and embracing continual change in the face of ‘moving forward’ is not only the basis for quality assurance, it’s the stuff of life. Being able to look back and see how far we have progressed as a sector and the potential possibilities for the future fills those of us working within this space with pride.

Considering the negative hype often thrown at the VET sector within Australia, why do VET practitioners continue to be so dedicated to what they do?

November 2020 Volume 15

“Engaging with and embracing continual change in the face of ‘moving forward’ is not only the basis for quality assurance, it’s the stuff of life.”

For many, it is because they are devoted to equipping our Australian learners, young and old, with skills and knowledge for today and for the future.

They are committed to providing a solid platform of learning for those who, for whatever reason and circumstance, are simply looking for an alternative educational pathway suited to their own learning style and career aspirations.

While a number of reasons may inspire our inner motivations to achieve within this field, as passionate advocates of VET, we come together to consider and promote the importance and value of Australia’s training industry providing nationally recognised educational options to learners.

2020 has most certainly been a year to recognise the quality training programs that currently exist in the VET sector.

It has also been an opportunity to take a moment, to sit back and reflect on what we do, and consider how we do it so that we can continue to produce some of the most highly skilled, industry current graduates in the world.

Whether you have walked the VET path for some time, or are just beginning a newly found VET journey, you can feel proud to be part of a group of national practitioners who share a set of common goals, values and aspirations. Whether you work for a large provider or a small RTO business, the positive messages, behaviour and enjoyment presented by the teacher/trainer inspires learners at all levels and can ultimately influence their next steps moving forward. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to voice your achievements and passions and share your excitement and enthusiasm with your peers and learners. The VET sector consists of thousands of positive voices and your VET journey is one that is respected.

ourselves and the wonderful things we do for our learners. Because we share a commitment to embracing change and continued self-growth, we have transformed and are prepared for whatever comes next.

2021 promises to be a year like no other. Being the flip side of a year unique to any previously experienced in this sector, we have emerged with a new perspective and a new set of skills that prepare us all to do what we do best. We are a community to be congratulated for its resilience in the face of challenge and for believing in

extensively with regulatory bodies to

So, bring it on 2021! We are ready!

Melanie has held a variety of roles in both the Academic and VET sector over the past 25 years, winning awards for practice excellence in teaching and learning and outstanding leadership. Melanie has authored and developed curriculum, delivered nationally recognised and accredited programs. She has lead RTO teams and businesses from a critically non-compliant status to successful re-registration and has worked ensure high standards of quality and compliance. Melanie was Senior Lead Auditor for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, conducting regulatory audits and registrations, and now provides quality VET Audit and compliance consulting services.

velgtraining.com

13

available now

new

0 .

7 v B BS

Learner Guides and Assessment Support Packs for BSB Business Services v7.0 Available as print, eBooks and digital subscription

Contact us for more information P: 03 9820 1300 E: samples@aspirelr.com.au

Consulting Our specialist consulting services are delivered by VET industry experts.

We work with RTOs across Australia to provide internal audits, training product reviews, compliance and oneon-one assistance. Services can be tailored to your organisation by consultants located around the country.

Consultants specialise in: • RTO & CRICOS set up and compliance • Internal auditing and rectifications • Contract funding audits & reviews

• Standards for RTOs 2015 • Government funding including VET Student Loans • Training product reviews • Assessment development • Course accreditation

• Validation

For more information, contact consulting@velgtraining.com or view our services online at velgtraining.com/consulting

W: aspirelr.com.au

November 2020 Volume 15

REFLECTING ON THE SYSTEMATIC VALIDATION PROCESS Christina North, Compliance Officer I am sure we all read Clauses 1.9-1.11 of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 with trepidation. At CQUniversity, validation was already occurring in the teaching teams and, with over 130 qualifications on our scope of registration, it seemed like a Sisyphean task that had no further purpose than compliance.

Nevertheless, we developed a process for systematically validating our qualifications, offering the validations as a professional development opportunity for our trainer/assessors.

To encourage attendance, we offered a free lunch.

The benefits of systematic validation were apparent from the first validation.

Our trainer/assessors responded positively to the process, actively participating in the validations and learning from assessment tools that differed from their own. Exposed to trainers and assessors that they would not usually engage with, our trainer/assessors shared their ideas and experiences with each other. Our trainer/assessors took great value from the feedback of the validations and began requesting that their qualifications be next to be validated.

Our trainer/assessors also began forming their own networks outside of the systematic validations.

They expanded their in-house team validations to include trainer/ assessors from other teams. We developed an additional project for teaching teams who wanted to improve their assessment tools further. The team would meet with a panel of experienced trainer/assessors for a week to work intensively on their assessment tools.

The benefits of systematic validation were apparent from the first validation.

These assessment tools were validated with an array of experience and backgrounds, rather than a single focus. As a result, team validations began to have a more consistent approach across all teaching teams.

This approach also empowered our trainer/assessors by giving them increased confidence in their assessment tools. Our trainer/ assessors had a greater understanding of developing assessment tools and began to explore other opportunities to improve the learning experience

for their students, including moving the assessments to the online environment.

While it has had its own challenges, 2020 brought the start of another fiveyear cycle, and further opportunities to empower our trainer/assessors. We are looking forward to 2021 and the validation opportunities it will bring.

And yes, we still plan to provide a free lunch.

CQUniversity was originally founded in Rockhampton in 1967. In 2014, the University merged with CQ TAFE, establishing one of Queensland’s most comprehensive universities, and now has more than 30,000 students across Australia.

A renowned research institution and a benchmark leader for how universities should engage with their communities, CQUniversity is now recognised among the best universities in the world.

velgtraining.com

15

Staying Connected in VET

INSPIRE

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF ASSESSMENT IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION Rob Bright, Cloud Assess Assessment quality is something we’re passionate about here at Cloud Assess, so I took the time to consider its importance within Vocational Education, possible outcomes and what can be done to realise better learner outcomes.

In a government discussion paper this statement is made: “In a competency-based training system, assessment is the gatekeeper for quality”.

But what is “Quality”? Ultimately anything of good quality needs to be fit for purpose.

We explore this in more detail in the latest White Paper, Assessment Quality in a Digital Age. The purpose of assessment, is to validate a learner’s competency. It should not be a test of how to: • interpret complicated instructions (unless that is a unit requirement) • navigate a poorly designed online system • login or change your password

16

velgtraining.com

If an assessment is truly fit for purpose, the assessment process should be frictionless and take the learner and/ or assessor through a process to conclude a judgment that is correct, without judgement errors. In a perfect world, a perfect assessment would result in zero judgement errors.

A good quality assessment instrument therefore, should consistently conclude the same competency judgement when conducted by different assessors in different scenarios.

Subjective or subject-to error?

We often think assessment has two possible outcomes, “Satisfactory” and, “Not Satisfactory”. However, as you know, it’s a requirement for RTOs to provide a clear process for learners to appeal results. Why would we need such a process? The issue is that assessment can be subjective or subject-to error, and is therefore, not infallible. As a result there are actually four possible outcomes for an assessment, not just across a binary scale from “Satisfactory” to

“Not Satisfactory”, but also across another axis taking into account if that judgement was actually correct or not, the error factor.

“If an assessment is truly fit for purpose, the assessment process should be frictionless and take the learner and/or assessor through a process to conclude a judgment that is correct...”

November 2020 Volume 15

Flexibility Validity Reliability

JUDGEMENT APPLIED

Fairness

NOT SATISFACTORY

SATISFACTORY

NOT SATISFACTORY

SATISFACTORY

RoE Validity Sufficiency Authenticity Currency

INCORRECT

PoA

CORRECT

ASSESSMENT OUTCOME

COMPETENT LEARNER DEEMED NOT COMPETENT

NOT COMPETENT LEARNER DEEMED COMPETENT

B

A The diagram above illustrates the dimensions of possible assessment outcomes as described below: There are 4 categories as follows: 1. Judgement Correct/Outcome Satisfactory The ideal outcome of a learning process.

2. Judgement Correct/Outcome Not Satisfactory Unfortunately the learner has not demonstrated competency and the correct judgement was applied by the assessor.

3. Judgement Incorrect/Outcome Satisfactory A learner that is competent has been awarded the wrong outcome and their competency has not been correctly recognised.

4. Judgement Incorrect/Outcome Satisfactory This is the worst possible outcome of the four quadrants. A learner that is not competent has been awarded a competent outcome and potentially presents a risk to industry or co-workers.

IMPROVING OUTCOMES How could you move the vertical line A to the right - to reduce the number of “Not Satisfactory”; • Provide clearer instructions to the candidate • Make it easier to understand the question • Ensure reasonable adjustment is better defined and more easily applied • Design your assessment to be simple to navigate How could you move the horizontal line B upwards - to reduce the number of incorrect judgements; • Provide clear instructions to the assessor • Provide better benchmark responses

have a clear and logical relationship with driving the assessment judgement error rate down and improving learner outcomes across the board. Efforts to increase the green quadrant through continuous improvement will ultimately provide a better outcome for the learner, industry and your RTO. Learn more about Cloud Assess and reach out to Rob: rob@cloudassess.com.au Rob is the Founder and Managing Director of Cloud Assess. With a background in quality management, Rob moved to VET to make a difference. A qualified Trainer and Assessor, he’s a passionate advocate for the industry and aims to continue developing the industry leading Online Training and Assessment Solution for RTOs.

• Conduct validation sessions In brief conclusion, this is where the relevance of the Principles of Assessment and the Rules of Evidence are really apparent. When applied, all

velgtraining.com

17

Staying Connected in VET

EMPOWER

THE RESILIENCE AND REINVENTION OF VET Velg Training What. A. Year.

2020 has tested us, tried us, and thrown everything our way to dishevel us. Yet, here we are – we made it!

We have just lived through the largest disruption of the education system in history… According to the United Nations, nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries have been affected. In Australia, the resilience and reinvention of the Vocational Education and Training sector in the past 6 months has been nothing short of incredible.

Distance learning solutions and, in particular, the delivery of online training and assessment in a sector that is underpinned by a competency-based system, was never going to be easy.

Letting go of the norm, however, and applying huge efforts in such a short timeframe has reminded us that change is possible. Embracing and adapting our digital skills became the steep learning curve, enabling us to find solutions previously considered difficult or impossible to implement.

18

velgtraining.com

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar” – Raymond Lindquist It is evident that RTOs across Australia have taken up this challenge, by working hard to shift their training and assessment online and to continue to support their students by delivering high quality, engaging content, in mediums they may have never explored before – even whilst persevering with changing regulations, training package requirements and funding arrangements. Recently, ASQA revealed that more than 1000 providers, including 450 CRICOS providers now deliver all or part of their courses online.

“According to the United Nations, nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries have been affected.”

We have also identified some key vulnerabilities. Our focus on practical skills and work-readiness definitely makes remote learning particularly challenging for practical, hands-on qualifications. Although, this has

highlighted an opportunity for growth in terms of implementation of future learning technology, such as virtual reality, automation and robotics.

Looking forward…

As ASQA’s Regulatory Strategy 2020– 22 reveals, there will be a continued focus on online learning within the VET sector, so it’s essential that, as we begin to return to some face-to-face training, we consider the opportunity of utilising a blended approach.

As fervent champions of VET, who live and breathe Australia’s training industry, we have seen how incredibly resilient and adaptive this workforce can be. Therefore, we need to take a moment to sit back and reflect on what we do, and how we do it. It is essential that we can continue to ensure the longevity and quality of our training and assessment and that it is responding to the current (and future) digital environment.

Let’s continue to produce some of the most highly skilled, industry- current graduates in the world!

Is my assessment meeting all unit requirements?

Does my mapping accurately reflect this?

Unit Drop is a simple solution that helps confirm the alignment of your assessments with unit requirements. Your materials will be checked by VET Experts with advanced skills and knowledge in competency-based assessment to confirm your mapping in order to identify any gaps and issues.

Upload your unit of competency velgtraining.com

VET Expert will conduct analysis and review educate • empower • inspire

Receive your completed mapping document 07 3866 0888

Staying Connected in VET

WELCOME

UPDATE ON THE 2021 WORLDSKILLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WorldSkills Australia The year 2020 has been a tough year full of upheaval, challenges and in some instance’s new opportunities in the way we communicate, conduct business, and continue our training and education. In April 2020 WorldSkills Australia announced the postponement of the National Championships until early 2021, believing this would provide ample time for things to return to a significant level of normality to be able to hold an event worthy of showcasing skills excellence in Australia.

As the year has progressed and with monitoring of both the domestic and international environments, it has become clear that, although there now does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, there still exists uncertainty around some logistical aspects that may affect the event.

After careful consideration and in collaboration with our event partners, the Western Australian Government as well as major event stakeholders.

WorldSkills Australia has made the decision to move the WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show to 26 - 28 August in 2021.

20

velgtraining.com

We are thrilled that we have been able to secure these event dates with the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre with the support of the Western Australian Government and Western Australian Metropolitan TAFE’s we cannot wait to bring all the excitement and exhilarating competition of the WorldSkills Australia National Championships to Perth in 2021 as planned.

Our talented competitors have displayed resilience and tenacity to embrace new opportunities and enhance their skill level and employability through their dedication to the National Training Programme, which will be extended to ensure competitors have the opportunity to continue to engage with their peers and mentors so they are at their peak when the Championships commence.

WorldSkills Australia wishes to acknowledge both the competitors and our volunteers ( judges and mentors) who have embraced this new initiative and rose to the challenge of training their way to WA.

The delay in the National Championships will not affect the opportunity of a further pathway for any competitors (in eligible skills) of representing Australia at an International Competition, as WorldSkills International officially announced the postponement of WorldSkills Shanghai 2021 by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We understand that this decision will be disappointing for some of you, but we also know that this decision is in the best interests of everyone involved in the event and we appreciate the understanding and support of our talented WorldSkills Australia community, at this time. We encourage you to follow all Government guidelines to maintain your health and wellbeing, and we look forward to seeing you all face to face, ready to witness greatness, discover potential, and explore skills excellence at Australia’s largest trades and skills competition in 2021!

We will be keeping you up to date in the lead up to the event over the coming months, so don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

November 2020 Volume 15

“Our talented competitors have displayed resilience and tenacity to embrace new opportunities and enhance their skill level and employability.”

UPDATED KEY DATES National Championships 2021 Familiarisation & Opening Ceremony • Wednesday 25 August 2021 Competition Dates • Thursday 26 August 2021 – Competition Day 1 • Friday 27 August 2021 – Competition Day 2 • Saturday 28 August 2021 – Competition Day 3 Closing Ceremony • Sunday 29 August 2021 – Closing Ceremony Please refer to the WorldSkills website if you have any further questions.

Did you know?

This eZine is sponsored. Velg Training works with advertisers from across the VET industry to publish our biannual eZine!

Connect with Velg Training’s database of 50,000+ Members and Followers.

Download our 2021 Media Kit or contact: sponsorship@velgtraining.com

© Velg Training All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without explicit written permission of the editor, except in the case of brief quotations and other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the editor at the address below, with the subject “Permissions Request”.

CONTACT Velg Training Pty Ltd. 1/52 Jeffcott Street Wavell Heights QLD 4012 | 07 3866 0888 | enquiries@velgtraining.com BECOME A MEMBER To stay connected with Velg Training and find a membership option that best suits you visit velgtraining.com.

CONTRIBUTE Velg Training welcomes previously unpublished editorial contributions in the form of VET sector news, events and feature articles supplied with high quality web resolution photographs. All submissions will be published at the editorial committee’s discretion and may be used in Velg Training’s eNewsletters upon confirmation with the contributor.

ADVERTISE Advertising space is limited and bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of payment on a ‘first in, best dressed’ basis. Advertising bookings do not guarantee editorial submissions will be published. For more information, view the Terms and Conditions of Contract in the 2021 Media Kit. Publication design by Caitlin Ryan.

Join Velg Training on 19 March 2021 for our first ever virtual VET CEO Conference

learning ... vision ... purpose