ASQA cancels security qualifications issued by Victorian trainer
The national vocational education and training (VET) regulator has today announced its intention to cancel 756 security qualifications issued by former Victorian training provider, Austwide Institute of Training Pty Ltd (Austwide).
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) investigated Austwide and found it to be critically non-compliant with the requirements of the VET Quality Framework.
As a result of this finding, ASQA cancelled the training provider’s registration. Austwide sought a review of the decision in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) however ASQA’s decision was affirmed and took effect on 26 May.
ASQA has examined training and assessment documents obtained from Austwide and found evidence that the organisation did not provide the training and assessment necessary to ensure students had the skills and knowledge required to be awarded a Certificate II in Security Operations.
As a result ASQA has decided to cancel any Certificate II in Security Operations qualifications issued by Austwide – which also traded as Automotive Management Institute - between 28 April and 26 May this year because it believes the holders of this qualifications have not been properly assessed.
The strong regulatory action being taken by ASQA in this matter is based on reliable evidence that Austwide did not provide legitimate training and assessment of these individuals and was, in fact, operating a system intent on issuing qualifications without providing training or assessment.
This behaviour is not the typical ‘non-compliance’ detected by ASQA during its regulatory work, where training organisations are actually providing training and assessment but are not fully meeting their regulatory obligations.
The actions of Austwide damages the standing of Australia’s vocational education and training system and warrants this strong response by the regulator.
ASQA is endeavouring to contact – by post, SMS and social media - the individuals involved. It is important that anyone who received a Certificate II in Security Operations qualification through Austwide between 28 April and 26 May this year read and understand the information sent to them.
The cancellation of the qualifications is not automatic – individuals have the opportunity to submit evidence and information to ASQA as to why their qualifications should not be cancelled.
However, should ASQA proceed to cancel the qualifications, individuals who still want to obtain a license to work in the security industry will have to regain their qualification through another training provider.
Any students who received a Certificate II in Security Operations qualification from Austwide between April and May this year and has not received a notice – or would like more information - should contact the ASQA Info Line on 1300 701 801 or email qualifications.review@asqa.gov.au.