Vocational placement schemes for prescribed occupations
Version 8
24 July 2008
[PDF 84kb]
Vocational placement
The purpose of this fact sheet is to advise registered training organisations on how to apply for a vocational placement scheme for the following courses in Workplace Health and Safety Queensland prescribed occupations:
- Course in Self-Erecting Tower Crane Operation (30494QLD)
- Course in Operating Loadshifting Equipment (30496QLD)
- Course in Operating Cranes, Rigging and Scaffolding Equipment (30497QLD)
- Course in Operating Pressure Equipment (30498QLD).
What is a vocational placement?
Vocational placement involves the placement of a student in a workplace to receive practical training and experience as an assessable part of their course. Vocational placements complement institutional training delivered by registered training organisations.
Vocational placements include:
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an assessable part of a course
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hands-on practical work
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unpaid 'short' placements up to 240 hours in duration
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an application to the Training and Employment Recognition Council for recognition of the vocational placement scheme
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an associated training plan to which the placement person must provide training.
Parties to a vocational placement include:
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the placement person, who is an employer working in the occupation relevant to the course
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the registered training organisation, offering the course that requires the student to complete a vocational placement
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the student undertaking the vocational placement.
In Queensland, vocational placement is governed by the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 and is administered by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
For more information visit the Department of Education, Training and the Arts website.
What are Workplace Health and Safety Queensland prescribed occupations?
Prescribed occupations are activities involving high-risk plant operation in the loadshifting and industrial equipment area. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issues occupational licences in specific areas provided that all training, assessment and other necessary requirements have been met.
The four courses listed above are the only four courses recognised by Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Regulations for the purposes of occupational licensing.
Further information can be obtained from the Workplace Health and Safety section of the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations website.
When would vocational placement be used in these courses?
Vocational placements should be used when a training participant does not have access to a suitable workplace or a realistically simulated worksite to complete the on-the-job training component.
How long should the vocational placement be?
The length of the on-the-job training hours identified in each of the accredited courses will dictate the number of hours to apply for under a vocational placement scheme. These hours need to accommodate a student who undertakes more than one unit of competency. It is recommended that hours are applied for in accordance with the table below.
|
Course |
Recommended hours |
|---|---|
|
Course in Self-Erecting Tower Crane Operation ( 30494QLD) |
40 hours |
|
Course in Operating Loadshifting Equipment (30496QLD) |
240 hours |
|
Course in Operating Cranes, Rigging and Scaffolding Equipment (30497QLD) |
240 hours |
|
Course in Operating Pressure Equipment (30498QLD) |
240 hours |
Vocational placement roles and responsibilities
| Registered training organisation | Placement person | Student | |
|---|---|---|---|
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The registered training organisation determines the need for a vocational placement, makes arrangements with a placement person, then submits an application for recognition of the scheme to the Training and Employment Recognition Council. | ||
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When an information notice has been received, stating that the vocational placement scheme has been approved, a vocational placement agreement must be completed for each student placed under that scheme. | |
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The training agreement must be signed by all parties including the student, the registered training organisation and the placement person. If changes are to be made to the training agreement, all parties must agree to the changes. After the training agreement is signed by all parties, the registered training organisation must ensure a copy of the signed agreement is given to the student and the placement person before the placement starts. |
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The registered training organisation must develop an individual training plan for every student then negotiate the delivery of the training by the placement person. | ||
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The training stated in the training plan must be delivered to the student by the placement person. | |
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It is the registered training organisation's responsibility to conduct the final assessment of the student, however, it is preferable that assessment be conducted in the workplace, under advice from the placement person. |
How do I apply for a vocational placement scheme?
The registered training organisation must apply to the Training and Employment Recognition Council for recognition of a vocational placement scheme. Applications should be made using the VPS01 Application for recognition of a vocational placement scheme form as soon as possible after the registered training organisation has the scope of registration to deliver the course.
The application fee for recognition of a single vocational placement scheme is $166.45. However, if you apply for multiple vocational placement schemes at the same time, there is no extra charge above the initial fee.
If you apply individually at different times, the fee is $166.45 for each individual application. For more information see the Fees schedule for recognition of training services in Queensland [PDF 81kb].
Insurance
The registered training organisations must maintain all insurance coverage relating to a student who is engaged in a vocational placement including:
- an insurance contract under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, section 22 (students)
- an approved insurance policy for a course requiring a vocational placement as specified in the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000, section 125.
The Department of Education, Science and Training has published a guide 'Insurance for Registered Training Organisations - What you need to know'. This document is a useful tool to better undertstand the insurance obligations for vocational placements. The guide is available on the Department of Education, Science and Training's website.
More information
For more information visit the Department of Education, Training and the Arts website or contact the Accreditation team on 07 3237 1764.
Contact Apprenticeships info 1800 210 210 or Training Queensland 1300 369 935
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