Government Skills Australia

In response to requests from industry, employers and learners for greater flexibility in training, the NQC has introduced some changes to qualification packaging rules. A more flexible approach to the development of each qualification framework will increase the portability of skills, and reduce narrow skills specialisations. As a result, Training Package qualifications will have an increased proportion of elective units of competency for each qualification, and will also increase the ratio of imported units of competency in the total number required for the qualification. In other words, qualifications with a large proportion of core units will be reviewed to identify a more flexible packaging arrangement with a greater allowance for electives.

Proposals for improving flexibility include:

• cross industry competencies particularly where there is or might be career pathways and common skills
• improved arrangements for importing units
• access to accredited course units of competency where the qualification allows the importing of a unit of competency from any endorsed Training Package.

Exemptions to increasing electives apply to licensed trade occupations, and exemptions can be approved on the basis of justifications by industry.

GSA is in the process of analysing its Training Packages to prepare a plan of review over 2010. The first stage will be the development of recommendations for change required by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in March 2010. The changes identified will be incorporated in Training Packages by the end of 2010.