Choosing a consultant to assist with course accreditation under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
Version 3
17 April 2009
[PDF 116kB]
A consultant can assist with the course accreditation and registration process under the Australian Quality Training Framework. For more information about the consultant's role in assisting the registration process, view or download the registration fact sheet.
The consultant's role
A consultant's role is to provide expert consultancy services in relation to the Australian Quality Training Framework's course accreditation/developer guidelines. Consultants may offer a range of services including providing assistance with the development of accredited courses.
When selecting a consultant to assist in the development of accredited courses there are a number of important questions to consider:
- Does the consultant have expertise and experience in consulting on the Australian Quality Training Framework?
- Does the consultant have qualifications relevant to the vocational education and training (VET) sector?
- Can the consultant provide references of work previously undertaken in the vocational education and training sector?
Experience and expertise
The consultant must be able to demonstrate a proven knowledge of the vocational education and training sector. The consultant must also have a comprehensive understanding of the national skills framework. Experience could include, but is not limited to the following areas:
- Experience in the development and accreditation of courses within the vocational education and training sector
Current and previous history in the vocational education and training sector with respect to course development and/or accreditation is also essential for consultants who provide this service. For example the consultant's work history may include the design and development of accredited courses for:
- registered training organisations
- vocational education and training industry bodies
- organisations which are not registered training organisations
- other agencies.
Ask the consultant to provide details confirming their experience.
- Possession of at least one of the following (or equivalent):
- Design Training Courses (BSZ508A) from the Assessment and Workplace Training (BSZ98) Training Package or the TAADES501A Design and Develop Learning Material From the TAA04 Training and Assessment Training Package.
- Formal qualifications in course development and/or instructional design which have a focus on competency based training and assessment
- Relevant extensive vocational practice without formal qualifications.
- Knowledge of training packages and competency based training and assessment
A consultant must have a good understanding of competency based training and requirements for developing units of competency. This knowledge is an important aspect of being able to develop enterprise specific units where training package units of competency do not apply.
Attendance at Australian Quality Training Framework professional development workshops
A consultant should maintain a current understanding and knowledge of the Australian Quality Training Framework, specifically the AQTF Guidelines for Course Developers. This could be achieved by attending professional development workshops and/or participating in national vocational education and training projects.
Attendance at regular workshops and other forums on course accreditation demonstrates a consultant's commitment to maintaining a current knowledge of the Australian Quality Training Framework.
Links to industry
A consultant with relevant industry expertise or experience will be valuable in providing information about any special issues or requirements which exist within that industry. Some industries are governed by specific legislative and licensing requirements. A consultant may possess knowledge of a particular industry because of links/networks with industry advisory training bodies or other industry associations.
A consultant can also uphold links with industry by maintaining membership with industry or business associations and by subscribing to vocational education and training sector training journals and publications.
Prior consultancy history
The consultant's experience should be discussed before engaging their services. Ask the consultant to provide details of consultancies undertaken during the past 12 months. It is important that the work undertaken is recent and current. Details should include information of what work was performed as part of the consultancy and how this would be relevant to the type of work required of the consultant.
It is reasonable to expect that a consultant could provide references for Australian Quality Training Framework consultancy work previously performed and contact details for organisations where work has been undertaken in the past 12 months.
Consultant fees
The department does not set fees for Australian Quality Training Framework consultancy services.The costs of consultancy activities are a commercial decision and will vary between consultants. It is advisable to discuss any fees upfront before engaging the services of a consultant.
Disclaimers
The Queensland Department of Education and Training does not provide any guarantee that organisations that engage the services of consultants will be successful in their applications to the Training and Employment Recognition Council. Consultants have no influence over the assessment of applications for course accreditation and the use of a consultant has no bearing on the consideration of an application.
The department disclaims all responsibility and all liability to individuals, organisations and or any other person or entity for any loss, damage, costs, expenses or compensation of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with any act or omission of the department in relation to information provided on this website.
Contact us
To discuss this information further, contact the Accreditation and Vocational Placement Team on (07) 3237 1764.
Checklist for choosing a consultant
Use this checklist when choosing a consultant to provide assistance with the accreditation of courses.
Specifically, points to be aware of relate to the currency of the experience of the consultant in the vocational education and training (VET) sector and the services already provided to other registered training organisations.