Training organisations and student support
A supervising registered training organisation (SRTO) should identify any special learning requirements a student has prior to the commencement of training.
This will help to identify any access and equity or learning support services that may be required to maximise the student's chances of successfully completing their apprenticeship or traineeship.
Learning support
Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) support
School-based apprentices or trainees with disabilities
The Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service
Learning support
The Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) requires a registered training organisation (RTO) to ensure all learners receive training, assessment and support services that meet their individual needs.
Training organisations should ensure that:
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students' training and learning support needs are assessed
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students have access to relevant learning support services, including assistance with language, literacy and numeracy
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learning support services are consistent with the training and assessment strategies
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learning, assessment and support services are monitored and improved as necessary.
For more detailed information refer to AQTF users' guide to the essential standards for registration, Standard 2, Element 2.4.
Language, literacy and numeracy support
Registration under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) requires a registered training organisation (RTO) to take account of language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills as a part of its core business.
The SRTOs must ensure that learners' needs are assessed and they have access to relevant learning support services including assistance with language, literacy and numeracy.
SRTOs should provide information to schools about the underpinning language, literacy and numeracy skills that are required for successful participation in school-based apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications.
SRTOs should also incorporate LLN into the training and assessment strategies. When developing training and assessment strategies, the SRTO should consider:
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the LLN skills of the learner
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the LLN skills required to participate in training
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the LLN skills required in the workplace.
When creating the training plan, an SRTO is required to conduct a literacy/numeracy assessment to determine if the student has the pre-requisite literacy and numeracy skills.
Following this assessment, the SRTO, school and employer should work together to give the student the best opportunity to acquire the necessary language, literacy and numeracy skills.
If it is identified that the student does not have the required underpinning literacy and numeracy skills, the SRTO, school, student and parent may need to carefully consider whether the chosen qualification is appropriate for the student to undertake as a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT).
School-based apprentices or trainees with disabilities
Under the Australian government's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 all registered training organisations (RTOs) must ensure equal access to education for people with a disability.
The Disability Standards for Education 2005 is subordinate legislation to the DDA and elaborate on the legal obligations of RTOs. They clearly identify rights and responsibilities to assist people to understand and comply with their obligations.
To assist Queensland RTOs meet their obligations under the Disability Standards for Education, the Department of Education and Training has developed Guidelines for making reasonable adjustment for learners with a disability.
The Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service
The Vocational Education and Training Disability Support Service (VDSS) offers a range of services to assist students with a disability who are undertaking off-the-job training funded by the Queensland Department of Education and Training.
These services complement support offered by training organisations. For more information visit the VDSS section on the Training website or contact Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.