Quality Training and Assessment Policy

QUALITY TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT POLICY

Collect, analyze and act on data for continuous
improvement of training and assessment
Data collection, analysis and action
Ringwood Training collects data on a regular basis in order to inform the processes of:
compilation of the RT Quality Indicators survey data
improvements to all aspects of training
professional development of staff
improvements to assessment
improvements to client services
monitoring and improving RT systems.
Data is collected systematically by:
interviewing learners regularly
obtaining written feedback from learners
obtaining written feedback from trainers and assessors
obtaining feedback from employers following work placements of learners
analysis of complaints should they occur.
The data is analysed for relevance to possible improvements to:
assessment items and methodology
selection of competencies in qualifications
appropriateness of training methods
the need for staff professional development
the need to improve client services and information
appropriateness of RT systems.
Improvements are made to relevant areas of the RTO operations on the basis of the
data collected. Records are kept of changes made. These records are reviewed at
Internal Audits.

Designated person
The Centre Manager of RT, Joe Pollock, is responsible for ensuring the internal audit is
conducted and opportunities for improvement are acted upon.
The designated person coordinates the RTOs annual collection and analysis of
stakeholder and student feedback. This information will be used in the Internal
Review and Internal Audit processes. RT management use this data to inform the
focus on continuous improvement and review of policies and procedures.

Assessment validation
It is the responsibility of trainers/teachers for continuous moderation with industry
and peers in order to validate assessment.
This process will include analysis of documentation such as stakeholder and student
satisfaction surveys as well as external reports gained through external discussions
and meetings, and actual student work and assessment tools. Tools, process and
assessment evidence will be compared and adjustments made and documented, as
deemed appropriate.
RT will review assessment validation outcomes annually, or as required, to provide
industry expertise and advise to assessors.
Outcomes are required to be filed together with evidence of any action to improve
the quality and consistency of assessment.
Validation outcomes should include action points on matters including:
adjustments to results
changes to training strategies
changes to assessment strategies
learning needs

Learning resources
The following resources may prove helpful in designing programs:
An Overview of VET in the VCE and VCAL, VCAA.
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning Quality Assurance Kit, 2010, VCAA.
RT-developed resources will be based on instructional design analysis of learner
needs and based on training resources developed for use in training package
programs.
A typical RT learning resource will comprise:
a module directly aligned to one or more competency units including an outline of
learning outcome, assessment criteria, delivery specification
a learning guide including the core written instructions for learners, learning
activity guidelines, assignments and assessment details
a knowledge test bank including a range of questions which can be selected for
written or oral knowledge assessment
a facilitator guide including a schedule for delivery of the module, guidelines on
assignments and assessments, answers to learning guide questions and answers to
knowledge bank questions
a practical assessment guide including instructions to the student and a checklist
for the assessment of the task
a log book component including space to record tasks against elements of
competency, a checklist for employers to generate third party reports including
signing off the relevant competency unit.
Customisation of any Training Package units of competency will only be done in line
with the customisation policy as expressed in the Training Package

Moderation procedure
All trainers/teachers of a qualification or course will meet to review, compare and
evaluate the assessment processes, tools and evidence contributing to their
judgments. A report from meetings will be included for discussion at staff meetings.

Risk management policy

Risk management involves the identification, analysis and evaluation of an RTOs risk
to compliance with the AQTF standards and the development of cost effective
strategies to treat those risks.

Risk management procedure

The Manager RT is responsible for assessing and managing risks associated with all
aspects of the facilitys operation.
RT will develop a risk identification register to manage risks against compliance with
the AQTF standards.
RT will conduct a systematic risk assessment at the time the Internal Audit is
conducted. We will identify risks, estimate their likelihood and consequences of
failure to comply with the AQTF and will develop strategies to deal with those risks
RT will keep records of risk management processes and any actions to correct any
identified risks.

Version control policy

RT will version control all materials used in nationally recognised training and
assessment and will record these on the Version Control Register.
The register will be monitored for currency at the internal audits or more frequently if
Training Package versions change.

Version control procedure

RTs method of version control is to use a page footer that includes the file path for
the document and a date last reviewed record.
The staff member responsible for the training area will review materials for currency
before placing items on the register and will ensure that all relevant trainers/teachers
and assessors have ready access to all necessary current materials.

Register of Documents
The designated person maintains the Register of Documents which records all
documents, e.g.
Policy and Procedures Manual
Student Handbook
Course Information
all other documents used in the activities of RT.
This register includes issue and amendment status. The designated person reviews
all documents before adding them to the register. All staff have access to the
materials related to their position.

Training and assessment strategies that meet

Training Package/course requirements,
developed with industry consultation
Training and assessment strategies policy
RT Ringwood Training policy aims to support valid, flexible and fair training and
assessment activities in nationally accredited training. Training and assessment
strategies will be developed for each qualification that is delivered and assessed.
These strategies will be developed in consultation with industry and will be validated
through the internal review procedures. These strategies will reflect the requirements
of the relevant Training Package.
These strategies will identify target groups.
RT must have access to the staff, facilities, equipment, training and assessment
materials required to provide the training and/or assessment services within its scope
of registration and scale of operations, to accommodate client numbers, client needs,
delivery methods and assessment requirements.

Training and assessment procedure

Training and assessment will emphasise preparation of job ready candidates who
can make an immediate contribution in the workplace on completion of their training
or qualification.
Training strategies will focus on developing strong underpinning knowledge in the
context of real workplace experience.
Assessment strategies will focus on determining when the candidate is ready for
work, or in a diagnosis mode, what further learning is required to complete the
preparation.
The staff member with responsibility for a training area will develop training and
assessment strategies for each unit of competency, using the RT Training and
Assessment Strategies Template (y drive).

Conducting assessments
Assessment will involve formative assessment of classroom learning and summative
assessment of competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) against the
requirements of the units of competency at the completion of each learning unit.
Knowledge testing will include oral and written testing and application; skills
assessment will include completion of practical tasks. Skills and knowledge
assessment will be conducted and recorded at the completion of each Unit of
Competency.
In conducting assessments an assessor must:
Inform learners of the context and purpose of the assessment and the assessment
process
Use the RT assessment tools developed for the unit or units.
Ensure that students have a copy of the assessment tool prior to the assessment

 Ensure that assessments focus on the application of knowledge and skills to the
standard of performance required in the workplace and cover all aspects of
workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency
management skills and job role environment skills
Evaluate sufficient evidence to enable judgements to be made about whether
competencies have been attained
Ensure the language, literacy and numeracy skills required in assessments are
consistent with workplace demands specified in the relevant units of competency.
Where necessary students are to be given additional support to achieve the required
standard
Comply with the Assessment Guidelines included in the nationally endorsed
training package, or the assessment requirements specified in the accredited course
Provide feedback to the student about the outcomes of the assessment process
and provide guidance on future options.
Deal with any appeals regarding assessment in line with the Complaints and
Appeals Policy
Ensure that the completed assessment tools or copies of, or other evidence of
assessment is added to students files as physical evidence of assessment and record
assessment results are entered on the students electronic files
RT will conduct validation of assessment formally with industry and ensure staff
participation in moderation between trainers both formally and informally.

Resources (staff, facilities, equipment and

training & assessment materials) are consistent
with course/package requirements and RTOs
training and assessment strategies.
Policy

RT has access to all relevant physical resources as outlined in the relevant Training
Package or course. All staff are provided with the resources necessary to meet the
resource requirements of the relevant Training Package or course.
If, for whatever reason, RT cannot maintain the relevant resources to deliver the
Training Package or course, RT will attempt to provide students with alternative
opportunities to complete the course and the related qualification. RT retains the
right to cancel the course if it is unable to meet requirements.

Procedure
RT Program Coordinators are required to approve and overseeing implementation of
the Training and Assessment Strategies.
Meetings and collaboration with industry representatives will provide ongoing
monitoring of programs to ensure that Training Package, industry and learner needs
are met. It is the responsibility of RT Program coordinators and trainers to undertake
continuous moderation with industry and peers in order to validate assessment.

The competence of RTO staff

Recruitment policy
RT recruits through Ringwood Secondary College and Victorian Department of
Education and Training rules. This includes being an equal opportunity employer
employers and governing council must not discriminate against any applicant for
employment or other employees or volunteers.
RT will ensure equal employee opportunity to all potential and existing employees in
terms of: employment, promotion, transfer, remuneration, training, working
environment, termination and redundancy during the course of their employment
with RT. This is regardless of political opinion, race, colour, religion, national
extraction or social origin, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, sex,
sexual preference, age, physical, mental or intellectual ability, or trade union
membership or activity.
Recruitment of staff will be guided by the following principles:
all prospective staff will be made aware during recruitment that they will undergo
a VET and AQTF induction process if employed by Ringwood Training at Ringwood
Secondary College
any teacher recruited to deliver and assess a particular qualification will either
meet the requirements of the relevant Training Package or course or have the ability
to meet this standard before commencing the delivery and assessment of the
qualification.
All staff will undergo a VET/AQTF induction procedure on employment by the school
or when they become involved with VET and all staff will be monitored in regard to
their performance in delivering and assessing vocational education and training.

VET staff induction procedure

New staff will be provided with an induction before they commence teaching and/or
within the first week with RT. The induction procedure will include an introduction to
the:
VET/AQTF quality systems
Induction to the AQTF and individual staff responsibilities in regard to this
VET courses in RT
roles and responsibilities of an RTO under the AQTF
human resource requirements
professional development roles and responsibilities
relevant policies and procedures of the RTO
relevant Training Packages
competency-based training and assessment
requirements for Apprenticeships/Traineeships where applicable.
access and equity policy and staff responsibilities
Complete and sign the Staff Induction Checklist

 Provide the signed Checklist to be filed in the new staff members personal file,
which will also include their verified qualifications in line with our procedures for
verifying staff qualifications.

Performance and Development Plans

Performance and Development Plans will be overseen by the RT Manager. Goals will
be set and reviewed, and staff will identify training and development requirements.

Ongoing staff development

The Centre Manager will approve professional development that will result in
increased knowledge and increased skill to meet current and future RTO
requirements.
All staff of RT involved in training will undergo an annual induction refresher course
on the RTOs policies and procedures relating to training each year and an update on
all matters relating to AQTF.

Human resources policy

RT will ensure that all staff delivering and/or assessing training will meet the
requirements (of the relevant Training Package or course) before beginning delivery
and/or assessment.

Human resources procedure

The Manager or Coordinators or equivalent of each area delivering and assessing will
ensure that there is a Staff Skills Matrix for each qualification delivered showing
which members of staff deliver and assess particular units of competency. All
teachers/trainers shown on the Staff Matrix must have an up-to-date staff profile on
file with the administration of the RTO, including statements about relevant industry
relationship and currency and verified copies of all qualifications. The Manager, a
Justice of the Peace, or a Commissioner for Declarations will verify copies of
qualifications.
Teachers/trainers involved in delivering and assessing training will be responsible for
keeping an accurate and up-to-date record of currency activities on their staff profile
relating to the delivery and assessment they undertake in the VET/ apprenticeship
systems.
The staff profile must illustrate how the teacher meets the requirements of Essential
Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration. These requirements include:
training and assessment competency
training and assessment currency
vocational competency
vocational currency.
The staff profile will be updated each semester and before internal reviews and
internal audits.

RTO assessment including Recognition of Prior

Learning (RPL)
Assessment policy
In developing the assessment (including RPL) for each qualification, the RTO will
ensure:

 compliance with the assessment guidelines from the relevant Training Package or
accredited course
assessment leads to a qualification or statement of attainment under the
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
assessment complies with the principles of competency-based assessment (i.e.
assessment is valid, reliable, flexible and fair) and informs the student of the context
and purpose of the assessment
the rules of evidence (valid, sufficient, current and authentic) guide the collection
of evidence to support the principles of validity and reliability.
there is a focus on the application of knowledge and skills to the standard
expected in the workplace, including skills for managing work tasks, contingencies
and the job environment (e.g. dress, communicating with supervisors, etc.)
timely and appropriate feedback is given to students
assessment complies with RTs access and equity policy.
All students have access to reassessment on appeal.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Recognition of Current

Competence (RCC) & Credit Transfer Policy
RT Policy is to provide a user-friendly, supportive, streamlined framework for the
individual through previous or current training, work life experience and/or life
experience
The underlying principle of RPL is that no individual/participant should be required to
undertake a unit of study for which they are able to demonstrate satisfactory
achievement of the required competency standard or learning outcome for entry into,
and/or partial or total completion of a qualification.
This policy aims to maximize the recognition of an individuals prior skills and
knowledge whilst at all times maintaining the integrity and standards of the defined
learning outcomes of the specific course of study.
Assessment will take place by a qualified assessor who has successfully completed a
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and who has the vocational competencies in
the unit they are assessing the participants qualifications and experience against.

Procedure
All prospective and enrolling individuals at RT must be informed via the website and
Student Handbook in either print or electronic form of the opportunity to apply for
RPL. Individuals are encouraged to apply for RPL prior to or immediately after formal
enrolment but prior to the commencement of delivery of units to ensure they do not
miss any training should they be unsuccessful in their application.
Information needs to include:
That RPL can be granted to an individual who has demonstrated evidence of prior
knowledge and experience in life and work relating to the unit of competency for
which recognition is applied
request for RPL
RPL is awarded for a total unit of competency (no partial RPL of a unit will be
awarded)

Student request for RPL

If a student wishes to apply for RPL they must complete the RPL application form
with the required information
The RPL application form will specify the units to be completed and students will
be required to identify how they address the elements and performance criteria of
each unit included in the RPL application.
Once the application form has been completed they are required to submit this to
RT with associated evidence. This RPL application and evidence will be assessed by
an assessor and the student will be notified of the outcome of whether they can
proceed with the RPL or not.
RT is required to ensure that all RPL undertaken is completed and recorded in the
following way:
On receipt of the self-assessment and relevant documentation from the
participant, the evidence will be assessed against the competency standards for the
particular units.
Assessors, in making an assessment will consider the following:
1. Relevance and nature of evidence provided by the applicant
2. Scope of subject matter covered by the evidence
3. Whether the evidence is sufficient to enable a judgment of competent to be made
in regard to the unit, taking into account the required knowledge and skills and the
critical aspects of evidence in the relevant units.
Where evidence and documentation requires additional information or clarification,
this will be discussed with the applicant via a phone call or a scheduled meeting.
All original documentation should be copied after being sighted by the assessor
and then the copy signed, with a date, signature and printed name of the assessor.
Where RPL is granted this information will be communicated in writing to the
participant within 10 business days of completion of the assessment, and the
qualification/statement of attainment will be issued.
Where RPL is not granted participants will be notified within 10 days of completion
of the assessment. The written communication to the participant will include a reason
for refusal.
In all cases, a copy of the RPL documentation and outcome will be kept in the
students file.

Appeals
Where the outcome of an RPL is not granted and the participant disagrees with the
outcome, they should firstly try to resolve the matter informally. Where the outcome
remains unresolved following informal discussions the individual may appeal by using
the methods outlined in the Appeals and Complaints Policy and Procedure. This policy
and procedure can be obtained from the administration office at RT. The request for
an appeal must be lodged in writing no later than ten business days from notification
of the outcome of the application.

Recognition of Prior Learning procedure

In the first class of the year, the teacher shall make students aware of RTs RPL policy.
Teachers/trainers will remind students of this policy at the beginning of each new
term and provide opportunities to engage in the RPL process.
When approached by a student seeking RPL, teachers/trainers will:
provide the student with copies of an RPL Application Form
provide the student with information about the types of evidence that can be used
to support an RPL application
make a prompt decision and notify students of the outcome of the RPL process
update the students records if RPL is granted.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Policy
This policy is intended to promote honesty in learning and assessment and respect
for the work of others.
Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as ones own.
Students are expected to acknowledge the intellectual property of others used in the
preparation of projects and assessment tasks.
Plagiarism is the copying of another persons ideas or expressions without
appropriate acknowledgement and presenting these ideas as your own. It includes
not only written works, but data or images that may be presented in tables,
diagrams, designs, photographs, film, music, formulae, web sites and computer
programs.
RT regards plagiarism and cheating as using material, in contravention of the
assessment rules, to gain unfair advantage and is an extremely serious offence. The
penalties for cheating and plagiarism are severe and can range from cancelling all
results for the specific assessment or for the entire unit through to the exclusion from
the course.
The penalty will depend on the severity of the plagiarism and cheating, whether the
student is a repeat offender, whether there is evidence of deliberate deceit and
whether another student has been coerced into participating in the plagiarism and
cheating

Procedure for cases of suspected plagiarism and cheating

If a trainer or assessor is aware of plagiarism this should be reported to the RT
Manager.
The RT Manager must decide whether the plagiarism amounts to cheating i.e. it must
be determined whether it is more likely than not that the plagiarism was done with
the intention of gaining an unfair advantage.
Procedure:
1. Where the RT Manager decides there was no plagiarism or cheating:
If it is decide that it is a case of unsatisfactory assessment and not cheating the work
will then be assessed appropriately.
In some cases the Manager may require the student to attend a meeting to discuss
the issue of plagiarism and cheating. If this occurs the manager should then send a
Student-

Plagiarism and Cheating Warning Letter to the student. A copy of this letter is to be
placed in the students personal file.
2. RT Manager decides there is a possible case of Plagiarism and Cheating:
If the RT Manager reaches the conclusion that there is evidence that the student
intended to obtain an unfair advantage, the Manager must give the student an
opportunity to respond before making a final determination.
In addition to more obvious cases of plagiarism, the situation would arise where two
students, contrary to instructions, submit substantially the same work.
3. RT decides that Plagiarism and Cheating has occurred:
If after giving the student an opportunity to respond it is decided that the student has
acted with an intention to obtain an unfair advantage, the following will occur:
Disallow a competency for that unit of competence. Inform the student by letter that
the assessment has been disallowed and advise the student that they have a right to
appeal as per Complaints and Appeals procedure and place a copy of the letter on
the students personal file.
4. Where cheating has occurred the student must be graded as not yet competent
and will be required to retake the unit at their expense. They must be notified in
writing of their right to appeal.
5. RT Manager decides that plagiarism and cheating has occurred
If having heard the students explanation, the Manager decides that the students
conduct did not amount to plagiarism and cheating the Manager may counsel the
student regarding the rules relating to plagiarism and cheating.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships Policy and Procedures

Purpose
This policy and procedure describes the processes for the delivery of nationally
accredited training to apprenticeship and traineeship students in line with the 201416 VET Funding Contract Victorian Training Guarantee, between Ringwood Secondary
College and Higher Education Skills Group, Victorian Department of Education and
Training.
Scope
This procedure applies to:
All students or legal guardians of students enrolling in an Apprenticeship or
Traineeship program.
Employers/or host employers, Secondary School or other interested parties of
students enrolling in an Apprenticeship or Traineeship.
RT and Ringwood Secondary College teaching and administration staff involved with
the commencement, delivery and completion of an Apprentice or Trainee enrolled in
an RT program.

The procedure addresses the following activities associated with the delivery of
Apprenticeships and Traineeships:
Confirm training details
First visit
Enrolment
Delivery and completion of training

APPRENTICESHIP DEFINITIONS
AA Australian Apprentice - A person who has entered into a Training Contract with
an employer administrated by an Australian Apprenticeship Centre and lodged with
HESG
AAC Australian Apprenticeship Centre - Centres located throughout Victoria to
provide Apprenticeship and Traineeship Services to Employers and
Apprentices/Trainees.
VETTRAK RTs student management system
AFO Apprenticeship Field Officer - The AFO is employed by HESG to monitor and
provide advice and support to employers and Apprentices/Trainees within the region
CBC Competency Based - Competency Based Completion is the System under
which all
Apprenticeships and Traineeships now operate
DELTA - The software system used to register Apprentices and Trainees in Victoria
DELTA Notification Form - Notification that a training contract has been signed by
the employer and RT - Ringwood Training has been chosen as the RTO training
provider
HESG - Higher Education and Skills Group (formerly Skills Victoria)
SBAT - An Australian Apprentice or Trainee who is undertaking a secondary school
Certificate such as VCE or VCAL and incorporating an Apprenticeship or Traineeship
as part of that program. The student must be released one day per week to
undertake the Apprenticeship or traineeship
Training Plan - Details the training arrangements that have been negotiated
between apprentice/trainee, the employer and the RTO to facilitate the attainment of
competencies for an AQF qualification. These arrangements include the selection and
sequencing of units, timing and location, mode of delivery and assessment details.

Procedure on notification of an Apprentice/trainee

Delta is checked weekly by the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Apprentices and

SBATs that have been referred to RT.
DELTA registration details are printed and copies go to administration Officer, and
the appropriate Course Co-ordinator.
Request employer/apprentice to provide additional relevant information at first
visit and provide checklist for this. Once originals sighted these can be copied, copies
retained by RT to be added to student file. E.g. Statement of Attainment and any
other RPL.
The Apprentice Administrator will then visit the employer. The Training Plan will be
signed off and 3 copies produced, one copy each for the apprentice, employer and
the RTs student file.
In the case of SBATs a copy of the Training Plan must also be sent to the students
home school which they are required to sign
For SBATs student results must be provided to the home school to meet the VASS
deadline (mid-November)
Negotiate with the employer regarding which day is suitable for release for
training

 The Apprentice Administrator will then go through the Information Pack with the
employer and apprentice.
On completion of the paper enrolment the data is then passed to the office
Administrator to enrol electronically on the y drive
The Apprenticeship Coordinator must sign off and return the 1237 Apprenticeship
Claim Form for employer incentive payments to AACs to confirm that training has
commenced to enable employers to receive the commencement incentive
Delivery of training:
The Course Co-ordinator will conduct a literacy and numeracy assessment. Results
of this will be recorded in the students file and any notifications will be made to
appropriate staff for any additional support the student may require.
Ensure literacy and numeracy support is provided if required
Training must commence within three months of signing the Training Contract at a
time stated in the Training Plan
A minimum of 4 contact visits from the RTO must be made to the workplace each
year
Monitoring of attendance for training as agreed on the Training Plan must be done.
Apprentice absence and late arrival notification must be sent to an employer as
required for any absence or late arrivals
Employer non-compliance of release for training needs to be followed up by RT.
Engineering and Automotive employers and apprentices to be informed as
progression points/cycles of the Training Plan are reached using Part III of Training
Plan
All Apprentice and Employer non-compliance with training release agreements (as
per Training Contract negotiated with the AAC) are reported to the Apprenticeship
Administrator by providing a copy of the Employer Non-compliance with release
Notification
Each Apprentice must be provided with a Training Plan Part I, II and the cycle (Part
III) they will be undertaking in the immediate future.
Also to be provided are:
o Unit Outlines
o Training date schedules
o Assessment tasks for the cycle
Completed units are to be confirmed as completed by either electronic or written
confirmation on completion of cycle (Part III) by RTO and employer. Results must be
updated on system and on students Training Plan
Completion of Training
Prepare for completion. Apprenticeship Administrator to provide the employer with
the final cycle (Part III) of the Training Plan, noting that 100% completion will occur on
the successful completion of that cycle
If necessary notify the employer that the term of the Training Contract will require
an extension
Obtain employer verification that the apprentice has completed by having them
complete and return Part II of the Training Plan with final sign off.
Manage any disputes if necessary.(Refer Complaints Policy)
Forward results to Office Administrator to enter on VETtrak.
Apprentice Coordinator enter Completion details on DELTA