VET accredited courses target skills gaps and emerging industry needs

There are two types of training products delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) in the vocational education and training (VET) sector—training package qualifications and VET accredited courses.

VET accredited courses are designed to provide training to address new and emerging industry needs not currently delivered by training package outcomes. Instead, accredited courses are designed by industry and can be developed and approved much more rapidly than training packages.

Two recent examples of accredited courses developed to meet new and emerging industry needs are:

• The 10747NAT Advanced Diploma of Applied Blockchain was accredited in 2018. This was the first course focused on blockchain technology to be accredited by ASQA in Australia. In consultation with industry, the course owner has since identified a shortage of people with the skills and knowledge to design and implement blockchain solutions that create value for ‘real world’ business operations. The new 10849NAT Diploma of Applied Blockchain delivers those skills.
• The recently publicised increase rates of the disease silicosis in Australian workers has alarmed industry and the general public. In response, Safe Work Australia have recommended reducing the maximum exposure limits for crystalline silica dust found in products such as rock, bricks, concrete, tile and composite stone. The new 10830NAT Course in Crystalline Silica Exposure Prevention teaches employers and workers how to recognise and reduce hazards and meet Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations when working with crystalline silica.

Both courses were granted accreditation by ASQA less than four months after receiving a complete application. If you have identified a need for nationally recognised training not covered by a training package, a VET accredited course could be an option.