This is the old ‘chicken and egg’ conundrum faced by the VET sector when you introduce something new.
Firstly they need the correct Training and assessing qualification (currently TAE – preferably with the LLN unit). Then you need to be able to demonstrate that the trainer and assessor has the vocational qualification (or equivalence), current workplace experience/ industry skills and that they maintain their professional development. Simple really. And this can be done by keeping a good record.
So what happens when we get a new qualification on scope and no one has that competency?
Changes to Qualifications or new ones are developed in response to identified Industry needs. Therefore if a Training Package qualification or Accredited Course is new, has been delivered in response to an industry need. This probably means that industry is already doing the tasks, there are experts out there doing it, it is just not being covered in training. In these cases, consultation with industry is an essential component.
As the trainer and assessor is an expert in the industry, therefore should have current skills, knowledge, experience and may have other related qualifications to the subjects covered within these qualifications this should not be hard although it will be time-consuming to complete full mapping. Remember to complete the trainer and assessor skills and knowledge mapped (in detail), to each unit you have listed in your training and assessment strategies for these qualifications.
The best way forward is to obtain the Training Package and map the trainers qualifications and competencies to each element, Knowledge and Skills, include critical skills, for each UoC. It might appear to be a big exercise, but it is worth it, and the trainers can use them in any RTO they contract to (if they are contracting).
The mapping exercise is to show how the previous one is equivalent, and how other activities they undertake might map. If there is a gap this can be demonstrated through the work experience of the trainer/assessor.
To assist providers in ensuring that they can always demonstrate trainer and assessor competency and currency that meets the NSSC requirements, F4 Solutions has developed a tool that provides evidence against all of these requirements. F4 Solutions has assisted many providers to demonstrate their compliance against these standards when it mattered most. If we can assist you and your staff, contact us today to discuss your needs.