Qualifications group together units of competence in a meaningful way. A training package qualifications framework sets out the rules about what constitutes a qualification.
What are VET Qualifications?
VET qualifications are a recognised means of identifying skill levels. Vocational qualifications are industry-based, which allows industries to determine the kinds of units of competence required for each qualification.
VET qualifications are also designed in a sequence that allows you to move readily from one qualification to the next. This provides flexibility in career planning and encourages continuous learning.
Qualifications come in two forms:
A Statement of Attainment (sometimes referred to as a part qualification)and
a full qualification such as a Certificate Qualification.
Statements of Attainment are:
Formal,Nationally Recognised and Consistent - they are the same for each state in Australia and are recognised as meeting national standards
Competency Based - the Statement of Attainment proves that you have been assessed as competent in a work function - that you can carry out that work function
This Statement of Attainment is recognised within the Australian Quality Training Framework
There is no limit on the number of Statements of Attainment a person can hold.
Once issued, a Statement of Attainment for the named unit of competence does not expire. But if the unit of competence changes, then a person may want to be reassessed to have evidence of current competence. Gathering together enough Statements of Attainment can also allow a person to form a full qualification.
Certificate Qualifications
Normally, qualifications relate to the sector a person works in - for example, Certificate II Sawmilling and Processing. Qualifications range from Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma for all industry sectors
What's in a Qualification?
Full qualifications are generally formed by gathering together the units of competence required to meet the "rules" of that qualification. To form a valid qualification, a person must complete or be assessed in:
core units - that describe the skills that commonly apply to all jobs across the Forest and Forest Products Industry
sector units that cover the technical skills the person requires
elective units (usually relevant to the workplace and the person's job).
A Qualification for Life?
Like a Statement of Attainment, a qualification is "for life". But, as skills and technology change, units of competence may also change. Because the units that form a qualification now may not look the same in the future, a person may wish to be re-assessed in new units as a way of keeping their qualifications up-to-date.
Qualifications available through Training Packages
Diploma or Advanced Diploma
usually apply to the skills required to make decisions at a management level.
(Often skills at this level overlap with parts of a University degree qualification).
Certificate IV
commonly reflects the kinds of skills a highly technical operator position, highly skilled maintenance person or a supervisor might require.
Certificate III
generally regarded as a trade qualification, covering skilled operators and trades people.
(There are, however, many other types of Certificate III and not every one has to be a trade qualification).
Certificate II
usually reflects the kinds of skills a basic operator would require.
Certificate I
normally the basis of training for new entrants to an industry.
