2019 Student Handbook - National Skills Institute Pty Ltd
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2019 Student Handbook
National Skills Institute Pty Ltd
RTO Code: 22528
Email: info@nsiskills.com.au Lara Office Phone: 03 5274 1052 Preston Office Phone: 03 9863 6720 Website: nsiskills.com.auSC. 2019 Student Handbook Contents National Skills Institute (NSI) ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Vocational Education and Training ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Training Products ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 NSI Contacts ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Postal Address:................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Contact Details: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Business Development Officers: ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Enrolment Process .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 About Me ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Indicator .......................................................................................................................... 7 Pre-Training Interview .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Access and Equity............................................................................................................................................................................ 8 Training Plan Development ............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Victorian Funding (Skills First Program) ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 How to Apply ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Implications of Accessing Skills First Funding ............................................................................................................................... 10 Unique Student Identifier (USI)......................................................................................................................................................... 11 Fee and Refunds ............................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Course Credit .................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Credit Transfer (CT) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Code of Conduct ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Students ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Administration and Management ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Harassment and Discrimination ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 Workplace Health and Safety ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 Training and Assessment Process ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 On-The-Job Training ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Your Trainer/Assessor: .................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Learning Material .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Assessment Material ..................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Assessment Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................ 15 Deadlines ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Reasonable Adjustment ................................................................................................................................................................ 16 Student’s Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................................................. 16 Trainer/Assessor Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................. 16 Workplace Supervisor/Employer Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................ 17 Evidence of Participation .............................................................................................................................................................. 17 Structured Withdrawal Activity .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Plagiarism, Cheating and Collusion ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0 Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 2 of 27
SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Support Services ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19
External Support Services ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Academic Support ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Material and Financial Assistance ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Discrimination and Legal Advice ............................................................................................................................................... 20
Personal Crisis and Support Services ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Completion Process .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Displaced (Unemployed) Apprentices/Trainees ........................................................................................................................... 21
Completion.................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Withdrawal ................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Student Withdrawal .................................................................................................................................................................. 22
RTO Withdrawal ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Privacy and Access to Personal Records ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Complaints, Appeals and Feedback .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Relevant Legislation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Child Safe Standards ......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Cessation of RTO Services ................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Changes to Agreed Services .............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Change of Ownership of RTO ........................................................................................................................................................ 26
Superseded Qualifications ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Intellectual Property Rights .............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Disclaimer: NSI does not purport to provide legal or expert advice in this guide. NSI disclaims any liability to any person or legal entity in respect of anything, or
the consequences of anything, either done or omitted to be done by such a person or legal entity in reliance, wholly or partly, on the contents of this guide.
Copyright: This publication is protected by copyright. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the Copyright Act of Australia,
no part of this document may, in any form or, by any means (electronic, mechanical, micro copying, photocopying, recording or otherwise), be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without written permission.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 3 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
National Skills Institute (NSI)
Welcome to National Skills Institute!
We are pleased that you have decided to study with us. We hope that by choosing National Skills Institute as your educational
provider we can assist you on your learning journey. We trust you will have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience with National
Skills Institute.
Our focus is on providing flexible training delivery and support to assist students to build dynamic careers in their chosen
industry. Our staff is committed to helping you throughout the duration of your training program to achieve the skills and
knowledge you require.
National Skills Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) No. 22528, under the jurisdiction of the Australian Skills
Quality Authority (ASQA) which allows National Skills Institute to deliver nationally recognised training and issue relevant
qualifications.
As a Registered Training Organisation registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority, we are required to comply with the
National VET Regulator Act 2011. This involves meeting a series of Standards that ensure that the training and assessment and
support services are provided to you in accordance with nationally mandated standards.
National Skills Institute is committed to a high standard of vocational education and training services, we strive to maintain a
happy, welcoming atmosphere in which to learn and work and to assist our participants to achieve the best possible outcome.
Benefits of enrolling with National Skills Institute include:
NSI courses are facilitated by industry experts.
Our courses are not semester based so you can start and complete a course when it suits you.
We offer a professional, tailored, and enjoyable learning experience.
All resources (books, learning materials) are of the highest quality and are included.
We specialise in workplace delivery – we come to you!
Recognition of prior learning (refer to RPL section in this guide)
Highest level of student care and support – our staff are available to assist you gain the most from your training.
Competitive and affordable pricing. NSI is committed to providing you with knowledge-based training that also gives
you the opportunity to increase your skills and gain a competitive edge in your chosen industry.
Our philosophy:
NSI is committed to providing quality educational outcomes for all learners. Our Nationally Accredited Qualifications include a
range of Civil Construction qualifications.
To enhance our ability to provide the best possible training and assessment opportunities for our clients, NSI may from time to
time develop relationships with other expert training providers. Such partnerships will be listed on our website –
www.nsiskills.com.au
This handbook provides important information in relation to our services, policies and procedures. Please keep this guide with
you so you can refer to it whenever needed.
You are deemed to be legally bound by the terms and conditions contained in this guide either upon execution of a Student
Enrolment Application Form and/or any other relevant and appropriate documentation, or upon your explicit acceptance.
If you require further information please contact us on 03 5274 1052 or email info@nsiskills.com.au.
We look forward to assisting you build your skills for a rewarding future!
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 4 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational Education and Training (VET) enables individuals to gain qualifications for various types of employment, and skills to
help them in the workplace.
VET courses provide an education that directly relates to gaining employment and developing their existing skills to progress in
their career. These courses will suit you if you enjoy learning in a practical and hands-on environment.
VET courses are usually shorter and have more of a practical component than higher education courses and have an industry
and trade focus.
The VET sector is crucial to the Australian economy both for the development of the national workforce and as a major export
industry.
As a student in Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, you should expect high-quality training in your area of
interest, leading to a qualification that improves your prospects of gaining the job you want or provides a pathway to further
study.
Training Products
NSI may add, update or remove qualifications to our scope of registration. For an up to date list, please visit this link: National
Skills Institute 22528. Information about each Qualification listed including the Units of Competency are also available on this
website.
We currently offer:
Approved Available
Delivery
Training Product: Stream: Currency: Training Funding:
Mode:
Scheme: QLD VIC
RII20715 Certificate II in Civil
N/A Current Workplace Traineeship
Construction
RII30815 Certificate III Civil Construction
N/A Current Workplace Traineeship
Plant Operations
Bituminous Surfacing Current Workplace Traineeship
Pipe Laying Current Workplace Traineeship
RII30915 Certificate III in Civil Construction Road Construction and
Current Workplace Traineeship
Maintenance
Civil Construction General Current Workplace Apprenticeship
RII40715 Certificate IV in Civil Construction N/A Current Workplace Traineeship X
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 5 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
NSI Contacts
Postal Address:
PO Box 2073, Forest Hill VIC 3131
Contact Details:
Lara Office Phone: 03 5274 1052
Preston Office Phone: 03 9863 6720
Email: info@nsiskills.com.au
Website: www.nsiskills.com.au
Business Development Officers:
Bernard Cloney: 0402 053 071
Monica Spano: 0432 290 845
Enrolment Process
You are required to complete an Enrolment Application Form to begin the enrolment process.
This is an application only. By completing the Enrolment Application Form and participating in the Pre-Training Interview does
not guarantee enrolment. You will be contacted by an NSI Representative to advise whether this enrolment application has
been successful.
The Enrolment Application Form includes a Pre-Training Review which is a is a component of your application for enrolment.
This is used to assist us in determining whether NSI can meet your learning needs, suitability for the course, ensure that specific
entry requirements are met and eligibility for a subsidised training place (where relevant).
There a three parts to the Pre-Training Review:
About Me
This section provides us with information regarding your career and study aspirations, learning styles and desired outcomes.
It is important that National Skills Institute can identify and ensure the program you are applying to enrol will be the most
suitable for you career and study aspirations.
Prior to completing this section think about:
Why do I want to do this course?
Will this help me with my career?
Will this program meet my overall needs?
Will this help me with my future study goals?
Is this program delivered appropriately for my learning style?
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 6 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
The Seven Learning Styles
Visual: You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural: You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal: You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical: You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical: You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social: You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary: You prefer to work alone and use self-study.
This is your learning journey! Tell us how you learn best so we (together) can make the most of this program!
Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Indicator
The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills Indicator below outlines the core skills that you must have in order to complete the
learning and assessment effectively, to provide your trainer with an indication of what levels of assistance may be required
during the training period and ensure the course of study is right for you.
Based on the results of the applicant’s enrolment, and if deemed applicable, a meeting can be arranged to discuss the LLN
assistance that may be able to provide for a learner, with a view to creating an action plan that best addresses a student’s LLN
needs.
NSI will make every reasonable effort to ensure that we can accommodate a student’s needs, however, sometimes those needs
are beyond the assistance that can reasonably be provided (for the purposes of LLN assistance, “reasonable allowance” is
defined as the provider being able to accommodate the student’s needs without significantly disadvantaging other student’s
involvement in the course, or without causing the training provider significant financial disadvantage).
Individuals who require additional help with their literacy and numeracy can access information about their nearest LLN
provider by calling The Reading Writing Hotline on 1300 655 506 or refer to their website at www.literacyline.edu.au. Any costs
incurred will be the responsibility of the student.
The types of assistance NSI will be able to offer:
Any LLN difficulty: To help establish competency, trainers may:
Interview the student
Ask students to demonstrate their skills
Speaking difficulties
Student may bring family member or friend to help explain and interpret terminology
Listening difficulties
Provision of seating close to the trainer
Ensure course materials are delivered in clear, plain and easy to understand English
Dependent on trainer’s permission, lectures may be recorded and listened to at a time where the student is better able
to concentrate
Reading difficulties
Provision of sitting close to screen
Ensure all course materials are written in plain English
Provide definitions of more complex terminology
Trainer may read written materials to student on a one to one basis
Increase use of signs and graphics in course materials
Provide large font training course materials
Writing difficulties
Trainer may use alternate assessment method such as oral questioning
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 7 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Student may bring family member or friend to take notes or complete exercises on the student’s behalf where writing
skills are not essential to course outcomes
Numeracy difficulties
NSI can direct students to freely available online numeracy practice programs.
Pre-Training Interview
An NSI Representative will go through this with you and conduct a Pre-Training Interview prior to the final enrolment decision
being made. Please take this time to discuss any concerns and/or suggestions to ensure this program is suited to your needs.
During this interview a National Skills Institute Representative will discuss the following with you:
Scope of Registration;
Application processes and selection criteria;
Fees and costs involved in undertaking training;
Fee refund policy;
Qualifications to be issued on completion or partial completion of courses;
Competencies to be achieved during training;
Assessment procedures including recognition of prior learning;
Literacy and numeracy requirements;
Complaints procedure;
Staff responsibilities;
Facilities and equipment;
Details of training partners that may deliver training and assessment on our behalf; and
Student support services.
During this discussion, please take the time to ask any questions you may have. This is your time!
Access and Equity
‘Access and equity means policies and approaches aimed at ensuring that VET is responsive to the individual needs of clients
whose age, gender, cultural or ethnic background, disability, sexuality, language skills, literacy or numeracy level,
unemployment, imprisonment or remote location may present a barrier to access, participation and the achievement of suitable
outcomes’
Source: Glossary: Standards for RTOs 2015
National Skills Institute complies with the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and related legislation. National Skills Institute provides
equal access to training and delivery services for all students and where possible, flexible training is provided to meet the
specific need(s) of the individual students.
The following access and equity guidelines are designed to remove barriers and obstacles so that all students have the
opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and experience through access to Vocational Education & Training (VET). Access and equity
guidelines will be implemented through the following strategies:
Access to VET programs will be available to all eligible participants regardless of gender or race.
All participants will be provided with the opportunity to gain a full qualification.
For participants with special needs, access to additional assistance will be provided.
Where poor literacy and/or numeracy skills present a barrier to participation, additional support will be provided to the
participants that are within the capacity of the organisation’s resources.
NSI actively encourages the participation of a cross section of the community. This is achieved through appropriate marketing,
encouraging access for all members of the community and the establishment of non-discriminatory selection procedures.
In the first instance, the Trainer will assess literacy, language and numeracy concerns. Interpreters are welcome to attend the
training of a student with literacy difficulty; however, NSI will not incur any expense associated with interpretation services.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 8 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
If you require support for any reason at all whilst enrolled with NSI, please contact us direct. We will endeavour to assist you to
our fullest capacity, or where appropriate, direct you to a suitable professional agency. (Support can include access to
interpreters, trauma, disability, welfare organisations etc.).
Notwithstanding the above, as a matter of ethical conduct, NSI will not enrol a student if it is clear or becomes evident that it
would be impossible for the student to successfully complete a particular course. In those circumstances, NSI will assist the
student to source alternatives.
Access & Equity Operating Principals
We will:
Aim to ensure that access to training is available, regardless of gender, socio-economic background, disability, ethnic
origin, age or race.
Ensure our Training and Assessment services are delivered in a non-discriminatory, open and respectful manner.
Ensure our staff is appropriately skilled in access and equity issues, including cultural awareness and sensitivity to the
requirements of clients with special needs.
Ensure our facilities are updated to provide reasonable access to clients of all levels of mobility, and physical and
intellectual capacity.
Conduct client selection for training opportunities in a manner that includes and reflects the diverse client population.
Actively encourage the participation of clients from traditionally disadvantaged groups and specifically offers assistance
to those most disadvantaged.
Provide culturally inclusive language, literacy and numeracy advice and assistance that assist clients in meeting personal
training goals.
Be accountable for its performance in adhering to the principles of this policy, and welcomes feedback as part of its
quality improvement system.
Ensure that our staff and students are required to comply with access and equity requirements at all times.
If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our performance with respect to access and equity, or if you would like
further information on anything included in this policy, please contact the Managing Director.
Training Plan Development
A Training Plan is a document which sets out the proposed and records actual delivery and assessment details of the program.
The Training Plan will include all units of competency you are enrolled in.
During the enrolment process you will participate in the Training Plan development with a National Skills Institute
Representative.
Although unit selection is based on your job role, employer requirements, and depends on availability of required resources, you
can request certain units.
This is your Training Plan – Have your say!
You and your employer will receive copies of the Training Plan, both hard copy and emailed to you.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 9 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Victorian Funding (Skills First Program)
The Skills First Program is a Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding program which provides subsidised training to
eligible individuals making vocational training more accessible to Victorians.
If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training. A government-subsidised training place may be
available to yourself if you meet the eligibility criteria.
This is a subsidy, not a study loan, and does not need to be paid back.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies depending on individual circumstances. Below will give you an indication of your eligibility.
You may be eligible for a Skills First funded place if you are:
an Australian citizen
an Australian Permanent Resident (holder of a permanent visa)
a New Zealand citizen
and are any of the following:
under 20 years of age
seeking to enrol in a Foundation Skills List course (and do not hold a Diploma or above qualification or are receiving
core skills training in other sectors)
seeking to enrol in VCE or VCAL
seeking to enrol in an apprenticeship
20 years and older and ‘upskilling’ by seeking to enrol in a course at a higher level than your existing qualification.
You are not eligible for Skills First funding if you are enrolled in school and are not applying for a School-Based Apprenticeship or
Traineeship.
You are eligible to commence a maximum of two (2) Skills First funded enrolments at the same qualification level in your
lifetime. This restriction applies whether or not you complete the courses. For example, this means if you have already
commenced two (2) courses at the Certificate III level, you may only commence courses at the Certificate IV level (or above).
This restriction does not apply to courses on the Foundation Skills List or to students recommencing training in the same
qualification (at the same or a different provider).
If you are seeking to enrol in an apprenticeship (not a traineeship) and you have already commenced two (2) courses in that
same year, you will be eligible for government subsidised training under Skills First if either of the two (2) courses you previously
commenced are included on the Higher Education and Skills Pre-Apprenticeship and Pathway qualifications list.
How to Apply
The National Skills Institute Enrolment Application Form includes the Skills First Program Application. If you would like to apply,
simply complete the application and provide supporting documentation.
A National Skills Institute Representative will assist you during this process.
Please be aware that accessing the Skills First Program may impact your access to future government subsidised training.
Implications of Accessing Skills First Funding
As per eligibility criteria above, this enrolment may affect your future applications for Skills First Funding. Please consider if this
program is the most appropriate for you career and educational aspirations.
Enrolling in this program with Skills First Funding will impact your eligibility for future funding.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 10 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Withdrawal from Funded Enrolment:
If you withdrawal from the program after commencement, this will be counted toward your funding entitlements.
If you withdrawal prior to commencement, this will not count toward your funding eligibility and you do not need to
report this as an enrolment on future enrolment applications.
For more information contact a National Skills Institute Representative or visit:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/skillsfirst/Pages/students.aspx.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
If you're studying nationally recognised training in Australia from 1 January 2015, you will be required to have a Unique Student
Identifier (USI). National Skills Institute cannot issue certification documentation without first verifying an individual's USI.
Your USI links to an online account that contains all your training records and results (transcript) that you have completed from 1
January 2015 onwards. Your results from 2015 will be available in your USI account in 2016.
When applying for a job or enrolling in further study, you will often need to provide your training records and results (transcript).
One of the main benefits of the USI is the ability to provide students with easy access to their training records and results
(transcript) throughout their life.
Individuals can create their USI for free by themselves. It is a quick and easy process and will only take a few minutes of your time.
Follow the steps below:
Go to:http://usi.gov.au
Select: Create your USI
Step 1: Get at least one form of ID from the list below ready:
Driver’s Licence
Medicare Card (this includes a current family Medicare card where your name is included)
Australian Passport
Visa (with Non-Australian Passport) for international students
Birth Certificate (Australian) *please note a Birth Certificate extract is not sufficient
Certificate of Registration by Descent
Citizenship Certificate
ImmiCard
IMPORTANT: The details you enter when you create your USI must match exactly with those shown on the form of ID used.
Step 2: Click on ‘Create your USI’.
Step 3: Agree to the terms and conditions.
Step 4: Fill in your personal and contact details.
Step 5: Enter the requested details as shown on your form of ID (see list above).
Step 6: Set your USI account password and questions for security.
Step 7: Your USI will now be displayed on the screen.
Step 8: You should write down your USI somewhere safe or enter it into your phone for safe keeping.
Step 9: Your USI will also be sent to you by either your email, phone or by mailing address (whichever you choose as your preferred
contact method when creating your USI).
Step 10: Forward the email that you receive to usi@tide.com.au
Step 11: Be sure to bring your USI with you each time you enrol in VET.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 11 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Fee and Refunds
Prior to enrolment in each course, NSI will provide full details in writing regarding all fees and charges associated with the course
you have chosen. As the fees vary subject to course, delivery method, location and other variables, you will be provided a
written quote regarding all fees and charges prior to enrolment (Statement of Fees).
Assessments are conducted throughout your course. If you are assessed as ‘not yet competent’ for a particular unit/s there is no
additional charge for one re-sit/reassessment of each unit of competency. Subsequent re-sit/reassessments are charged at $100
each ($150 for certain civil construction units).
Students are entitled at no additional cost, to a formal Statement of Attainment on withdrawal, cancellation or transfer, prior to
completing the qualification, provided the student has paid in full for the tuition related to the units of competency to be shown
on the Statement of Attainment.
Completion certificates are provided on successful completion of the course. There is a $50 charge for a replacement certificate
or Statement of Attainment if original is lost.
Refund calculations are detailed below:
Occurrence QLD User Choice Funded VIC Skills First Funded Fee For Service Student
NSI cancels course Full refund Full refund Full refund
Student withdraws before Full refund Full refund Full refund minus $450
course commences administration fee
Student withdraws after Refund is proportional to the Refund is proportional to the 50% refund within 4 weeks
course commences number of units commenced number of units commenced No refund after 4 weeks
Exceptional circumstances At discretion of MD and is based on At discretion of MD and is based on At discretion of MD and is
proportion of course completed proportion of course completed based on proportion of
course completed
Exceptional circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case situation by the Managing Director. In order to apply for a refund,
you need to lodge a written request outlining the reason/s and include evidence where applicable.
All refunds will be made within 7 days from approval and no longer than 14 days from receiving the application. If you are
unhappy with the refund decision or amount for any reason at all, please refer to our appeals process.
Course Credit
Course credit can reduce the duration of your training program by recognising previous achievements and not requiring you to
repeat them.
Credit Transfer (CT)
If you have already completed any AQF Unit/s of Competency from a course through another accredited training provider, we
will recognise it/them. Just ask your previous training organisation to provide you with a Statement of Attainment or Statement
of Results (a summary of competencies completed), and bring it to us. This process is called ‘Credit Transfer’.
It is that easy!
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on
competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in
social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training.
RPL does not include any additional training at the unit of competency or module level. Please ask your trainer if you want to
undergo NSI’s RPL process.
It is your responsibility to complete an application for Credit Transfer and/or RPL. While NSI staff may be able to make
suggestions and give advice, the onus is on students to complete the appropriate application form(s), assemble the necessary
documentation and submit the application(s).
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 12 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Code of Conduct
Students
The learning environment at NSI encourages and supports the participation of people from diverse backgrounds. Learning
should be an enjoyable experience and our aim is for each student to have an equal opportunity to learn in a supportive
environment.
Students have the following rights whilst studying with NSI:
The right to be treated with respect from others, to be treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of religious,
cultural, racial and sexual differences, age, disability or socio-economic status.
The right to be free from all forms of intimidation
The right to work in a safe, clean, orderly and cooperative environment
The right to have personal property (including computer files and student work) and NSI property protected from
damage or other misuse
The right to have any disputes settled in a fair and rational manner
The right to work and learn in a supportive environment without interference from others
The right to express and share ideas and to ask questions
The right to be treated with politeness and courteously at all times Any student who breaches the code of behaviour
whilst enrolled with this RTO both during and outside of your contact hours may be expelled from their course.
All incidents of a serious nature will be referred to the local authorities including the Police.
Administration and Management
We will meet the following minimum administrative and management standards:
Ensure a person or persons with relevant qualifications and experience will undertake responsibility for the
management and coordination of training delivery, assessment, verification, staff selection and professional
development of the Registered Training Organisation.
Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance including public liability, professional indemnity, and Work Cover.
Advise the Registering Authority in writing within 10 working days of any change to the information contained in its
Registration/Endorsement Application.
Allow the Registering Authority or its agent’s access to training records, delivery locations and staff for the purpose of
auditing performance or verifying compliance with the Conditions of Registration/Endorsement.
Pay the Registering Authority all registration fees within 30 days of these fees being due and payable to maintain
currency of registration.
Maintain systems for recording student enrolments, attendance, completion, assessment outcomes (including
Recognition of Prior Learning), results, qualifications issued, complaints and the archiving of records.
Treat all personal records of students with the strictest confidentiality.
Provide for staff and students to be able to access their own records.
We have a detailed Code of Practice document - available on request.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 13 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Harassment and Discrimination
NSI is committed to a policy of providing a work and study environment free from sexual harassment and discrimination.
NSI is also bound by law to ensure that students and staff are not subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination. Staff and
Students at the NSI are required to adhere to standard of conduct that is respectful of all persons within the Institute’s
environment.
NSI will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment or reprisal, and has established a policy and procedure to enable prompt,
appropriate action to be taken and avoid or minimise the incidence of sexual harassment.
Workplace Health and Safety
NSI has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for their employees, students and visitors. Under the
Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004, course participants also have certain responsibilities. These include:
Undertaking activities in a safe manner
Follow instructions provided for safety
Not putting themselves or anyone else at risk
Reporting an injury / illness or “near miss” to an appropriate person.
Be alcohol and drug free Breaching any of the above responsibilities may result in expulsion from the course.
Training and Assessment Process
On-The-Job Training
Training and assessment is conducted in the workplace and/or training rooms with all necessary equipment and services.
If you are undertaking your course while working on the job, you are most certainly taking advantage of a contemporary method
of learning. This style of training will allow you to implement new skills that are directly related to your current role. This also
means that the relevance, understanding and benefits to you are much greater.
We will:
Provide, prior to course commencement, an orientation program containing information about the course curriculum,
program of study and availability of learning resources.
Ensure that a current copy of the accredited course curriculum is available to staff and students.
Ensure that training and assessment occurs in accordance with the requirements of the accredited course.
Ensure that National guidelines are followed when customising courses to meet the needs of particular clients.
Obtain written permission from course copyright owners prior to course delivery to use and, if required, customize
courses.
Ensure that all courses in the Scope of Registration remain accredited.
Please Note: There may be times where an NSI Trainer/Assessor is visiting with a student for a scheduled training session, but
may check in with you as they are on site. This is not considered a schedule visit, and is purely a friendly catch up to make sure
you’re doing ok and answer any questions you may have.
Your Trainer/Assessor:
NSI is committed to only using trainers of the highest calibre. Every trainer is fully qualified and experienced in training and
assessing as well as holding qualifications in their area of expertise. Apart from the training and assessing aspect, your Trainer
will assist you in any way possible to ensure your learning experience is memorable and insightful.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 14 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Trainers and Assessors of NSI will have:
Demonstrated competencies at least to the level of those being delivered
For Trainers- demonstrated achievement of at least Certificate IV in Training & Assessment Competency Standards or
their equivalent
For Assessors- demonstrated achievement of at least the three assessor competencies from the Certificate IV in
Training & Assessment Competency Standards or their equivalent
Industrial experience that is current and relevant to the particular courses or units that they are involved in delivering.
Learning Material
You will be provided with learning material for each unit of competency you are enrolled in. This is provided at the first visit with
your Trainer/Assessor. Learning material is on a USB, but you may request printed copies.
Assessment Material
The following assessment methods are utilised by National Skills Institute:
Practical Demonstration: Any practical display that happens off-the-job including role-play, simulation and
performance of a skill.
Written Assessment: Multiple choice questions, short answer or essay, usually under supervised and/or timed
conditions. This may be written or open-book.
Oral Questioning: Oral questions may be asked during practical activities to ensure the student understands processes
for completing the task.
Project: A series of tasks to be completed to produce a specific definable outcome. The outcome is known as the
deliverable. Once the outcome has been delivered the project is finished.
Work Documents: A student may be asked to present previously completed documents as evidence of performance.
Work Observation: When the assessor observes the student doing their job to see that they are completing the tasks
appropriately. May be videoed or photographed and presented as evidence.
All assessment material is included in an Assessment Book. Most units of competency include one Written Assessment and two
Observation Assessments.
Please read the instructions at the beginning of the Assessment Books and prior to each assessment task before undertaking any
assessment to ensure you understand what is required of you.
Assessment Requirements
In order to be deemed ‘Competent’, you must complete all assessment tasks for each unit of competency and deemed
‘Satisfactory’.
Where an assessment tasks has been deemed ‘Not Yet Satisfactory’ you will be given the opportunity to provide additional
information and/or be reassessed on that task to demonstrate competency.
Where you have been deemed ‘Not Competent’ against the unit, you may appeal this decision following the Complaints and
Appeals Policy and Procedure and/or re-enrol in the unit.
The first reassessment will not incur additional fees however additional reassessments will incur fees. Please refer to the Fee
Schedule for more information.
As part of the assessment process all students must abide by any relevant assessment policies as provided during induction. If
you feel you are not yet ready to be assessed or this assessment is unfair please contact your assessor to discuss your options.
Take time to read through all assessment tasks and questions before your assessment begins to ensure you understand what is
required. Speak to your Trainer/Assessor if there is anything you do not understand.
Deadlines
Although our courses are flexible in terms of commencement and completion, at enrolment, you will be advised of the expected
timeframes for completion of individual units of competence and the entire course. The time frames will also be documented in
your training plan. Your trainer will monitor your progress and negotiate extensions if required with you.
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 15 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Reasonable Adjustment
The purpose of reasonable adjustment is to make it possible for learners to participate fully. It is not to give students with
additional/different needs an advantage over others, to change course standards or outcomes, or to guarantee success.
A reasonable adjustment in learning and assessment activity needs to be justifiable and uphold the integrity of the
unit/qualification.
NSI will provide reasonable adjustment to ensure maximum participation of students with additional/different needs in
teaching, learning and assessment activities.
If you feel that you may need reasonable adjustment, please discuss this with your Assessor prior to assessment being
undertaken.
Student’s Responsibilities
You are required to ensure you complete tasks as set by your Trainer/Assessor, which can include completing Written
Assessments in your own time and/or during Structured Withdrawal.
Trainer/Assessor Responsibilities
Provide training to students where knowledge gaps are identified.
Be a mentor to students throughout their enrolment.
Conduct assessments in accordance with the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence:
Table 1.8-1: Principles of assessment
The individual learner’s needs are considered in the assessment process.
Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments are applied by the RTO to take into account the individual learner’s needs.
Fairness
The RTO informs the learner about the assessment process, and provides the learner with the opportunity to challenge the result of the
assessment and be reassessed if necessary.
Assessment is flexible to the individual learner by:
reflecting the learner’s needs
Flexibility assessing competencies held by the learner no matter how or where they have been acquired
drawing from a range of assessment methods and using those that are appropriate to the context, the unit of competency and
associated assessment requirements, and the individual.
Any assessment decision of the RTO is justified, based on the evidence of performance of the individual learner.
Validity requires:
assessment against the unit/s of competency and the associated assessment requirements covers the broad range of skills and
knowledge that are essential to competent performance
Validity
assessment of knowledge and skills is integrated with their practical application
assessment to be based on evidence that demonstrates that a learner could demonstrate these skills and knowledge in other
similar situations
judgement of competence is based on evidence of learner performance that is aligned to the unit/s of competency and
associated assessment requirements.
Evidence presented for assessment is consistently interpreted and assessment results are comparable irrespective of the assessor
Reliability
conducting the assessment.
Source: https://www.asqa.gov.au/standards/chapter-4/clauses-1.8-1.12
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 16 of 27SC. 2019 Student Handbook
Table 1.8-2: Rules of evidence
The assessor is assured that the learner has the skills, knowledge and attributes as described in the module or unit of competency and
Validity
associated assessment requirements.
The assessor is assured that the quality, quantity and relevance of the assessment evidence enables a judgement to be made of a
Sufficiency
learner’s competency.
Authenticity The assessor is assured that the evidence presented for assessment is the learner’s own work.
The assessor is assured that the assessment evidence demonstrates current competency. This requires the assessment evidence to be
Currency
from the present or the very recent past.
Source: https://www.asqa.gov.au/standards/chapter-4/clauses-1.8-1.12
Workplace Supervisor/Employer Responsibilities
Conduct training and monitoring of Apprentice/Trainee.
Ensure minimum structured withdrawal hours are provided to Apprentices and Trainees.
Evidence of Participation
You will be required to sign an Apprentice/Trainee Contact Log each time you meet with a Trainer/Assessor. This provides
evidence on an ongoing basis of your participation, contact and progress.
Your workplace supervisor and employer will be contacted throughout your enrolment to confirm your participation and
progress.
In most cases a Trainer/Assessor will visit you on your worksite once a calendar month, and attempt to visit with your workplace
supervisor.
Where a visit cannot occur, a Trainer/Assessor will contact you by phone to discuss your progress, answer any questions you
may have and record your Structured Withdrawal Hours for the previous month. Please refer to the Structured Withdrawal
Activity section of this handbook for more information.
Structured Withdrawal Activity
Structured Withdrawal Activities are those in which you are withdrawn from regular work duties and take place in training and
assessment activities. This can be conducted by National Skills Institute in a formal setting and/or in the workplace.
If you are enrolling in a program as an Apprentice or Trainee, you will be required to undertake structured withdrawal activities
throughout your enrolment.
The employer must allow the Apprentice/Trainee to be withdrawn from routine work duties for structured training activities as
follows:
at Certificate III and above, a minimum of 3 hours per week, averaged over a 4-week cycle (pro rata for part time Trainees);
at Certificates I and II a minimum of 1.5 hours per week, averaged over an 8-week cycle (pro rata for part time Trainees);
and
a maximum of 40 hours of the annual withdrawal time may be delivered as block training within the first 3 months of
training for all qualifications. This training should focus on compliance and regulatory units and generic skills.
Source: 2018 Guidelines about Apprenticeships/Traineeships Training Delivery (Version 1.0)
Details of structured withdrawal activities are recorded on the Apprentice/Trainee Contact Log on a monthly basis. Please
ensure you have this information ready to advise your Trainer/Assessor during the worksite visit.
You will be provided with your Trainer/Assessors mobile number at the first visit. Remember: you can call and/or text your
Trainer/Assessor for advise, to answer questions and provide feedback at any time!
Document Title: SC. 2019 Student Handbook V1.0
Document Location: N:\National Skills Institute\QMS\SC. Students and Clients Page: 17 of 27You can also read
