In the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, the amount of training required for a particular course is a critical component that ensures the quality and relevance of the education provided. The amount of training refers to the total time a learner is expected to engage in learning activities to achieve the required competencies outlined in the course or qualification.
Calculating the right amount of training is not only essential for meeting regulatory compliance but also for delivering effective training that aligns with industry standards and learner needs. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and other regulatory bodies expect Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to accurately calculate and document the amount of training for each course, ensuring that the time commitment is realistic and reflects the qualification’s requirements.
This article outlines the key factors and methods for calculating the amount of training for VET courses.
Understand the Training Package Requirements
The first step in calculating the amount of training for VET courses is understanding the relevant Training Package or Accredited Course. Training Packages define the Units of Competency (the skills and knowledge learners must demonstrate to achieve a qualification) and the Assessment Requirements (how learners will be assessed to demonstrate competency).
The Training Package also provides guidance on how long it may take to achieve the competencies based on the typical learner’s entry-level skills and knowledge, as well as the qualification level. Each unit of competency outlines the requirements for learners, including the type of knowledge and skills required for workplace performance.
Determine the Nominal Duration of the Qualification
Each qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) has a nominal duration. The nominal duration refers to the time typically needed for a learner to complete a course or qualification. This duration is based on the number of student contact hours (hours of direct learning time with trainers) and is used as a benchmark for estimating the total time required for the course.
Steps to Determine Nominal Duration:
- Consult the Training Package or Accredited Course: Look at the qualification’s guidelines to see if the nominal duration is provided. This will give you an idea of the total time allocated for learning and assessment.
- Consider the AQF Level: The AQF level of the qualification can provide a general sense of the complexity of the course and the associated amount of training. Higher AQF levels generally require more training hours due to the increased complexity of skills and knowledge.
- Adjust for Delivery Mode: Training duration may differ depending on whether the course is delivered face-to-face, online, or in a blended learning environment. Some courses may require more time for face-to-face delivery or practical experience.
Calculate the Total Student Contact Hours
Student contact hours refer to the total time a learner spends in direct learning activities under the supervision of a trainer or assessor. These activities can include classroom sessions, practical training, assessments, and work placements. For many qualifications, the nominal duration is calculated based on student contact hours, but these hours should also take into account other learning activities that contribute to the total amount of training.
Factors to Consider:
- Classroom or Online Sessions: Time spent in direct learning environments such as lectures, tutorials, or virtual classrooms.
- Practical or On-the-Job Training: For qualifications that include work placements or simulated environments, this time needs to be considered. Work placements provide valuable hands-on learning experiences that should be factored into the total training time.
- Assessments: Time spent on preparing for and completing assessments, including any required review sessions, should also be considered.
To calculate the total student contact hours, add the hours for each learning activity. For example, if the nominal duration of a qualification is set at 600 hours, this would include the time learners spend in the classroom, on placements, and completing assessments.
Consider the Total Learning Time
In addition to student contact hours, you must also account for non-contact hours. Non-contact hours refer to the time learners spend on self-directed activities outside of scheduled class times. These activities may include:
- Homework or Study: Time learners spend reviewing materials, reading, or researching the subject matter on their own.
- Project Work: Time spent on assignments, projects, and other independent tasks that support the learning objectives.
- Workplace Learning: For qualifications that include workplace projects or learning activities, these hours may be included in the total learning time.
The total learning time will therefore include both the student contact hours and the estimated non-contact hours. For example, if the nominal duration of a course is 600 hours of contact time, it is likely that the total learning time will be higher once you include the self-paced learning activities.
Factor in Individual Learner Needs
Not all learners come into a course with the same level of experience or prior knowledge. Some learners may need more support or time to grasp certain concepts, while others may already have the required skills.
To account for these variations:
- Pre-training Assessments: Conduct assessments prior to the course to gauge learners’ existing skills and knowledge. This helps to determine if additional training time is necessary for certain individuals or groups.
- Learning Support: Some learners may require additional time or support for language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills. Consider providing additional resources or support to ensure these learners can complete the required training.
- Flexible Delivery: Offering flexibility in how and when training occurs can allow learners to complete courses at their own pace, without compromising the overall quality or compliance with training requirements.
Calculate Total Amount of Training Based on Units of Competency
For qualifications that involve multiple units of competency, you will need to calculate the amount of training for each unit and then aggregate the total. The amount of time required for each unit will depend on the complexity of the skills being taught and the learning outcomes.
For each unit:
- Determine the Learning Activities: List all the activities associated with the unit of competency, such as classroom training, practical work, assessments, and project work.
- Estimate the Hours per Activity: Estimate how many hours each activity will take. For example, if a unit requires 20 hours of face-to-face training, 10 hours of assessment preparation, and 30 hours of self-directed study, the total amount of training for that unit would be 60 hours.
- Aggregate the Hours: Add up the hours for each unit to determine the total training time required for the entire qualification.
Ensure Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Finally, it is important to ensure that the total amount of training complies with the requirements set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and other relevant regulatory bodies. RTOs must demonstrate that the amount of training provided is appropriate for the qualification being delivered and that it meets the needs of learners.
In some cases, RTOs may need to justify the training hours for a qualification during audits or reviews. This requires maintaining detailed records of the training time, learning activities, and how they align with the competencies specified in the Training Package.
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