Western Australia
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Careers Australia Institute of Training Pty Ltd
ABN 30 122 082 204 RTO 31470 CRICOS Provider 03026K (QLD)
Careers Australia Education Institute Pty Ltd
ABN 76 120 675 505 RTO 22479 CRICOS Provider 03224D (VIC)
www.careersaustralia.edu.au
Ph: 1300 887 696
Student Handbook
Contents
Campus location ............................................................................................................................ 3
Campus facilities ............................................................................................................................ 3
Course fees, funding and loans ....................................................................................................... 4
User Choice Program ...................................................................................................................... 4
Apprenticeships/ Traineeships .......................................................................................................................... 4
School- Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATS) .................................................................................. 5
Length of apprenticeship/traineeship ............................................................................................................... 5
Nominal term .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Expected duration ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Training Plans .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Travel and accommodation allowance for apprentices .................................................................... 7
Trade Support Loans ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Priority Industry Training................................................................................................................ 7
Student Fees .................................................................................................................................. 7
Concessions on student fees........................................................................................................... 8
Student fee waivers ....................................................................................................................... 9
Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Competency Based Training ........................................................................................................... 9
What is assessment? ......................................................................................................................................... 9
What is learning?............................................................................................................................................. 10
How do you know if you are competent? ....................................................................................................... 10
What do you do if you are not making satisfactory progress? ........................................................................ 10
Compulsory Schooling ...................................................................................................................10
Further Information ......................................................................................................................11
September 2015
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Student Handbook
Campus location
The Training facility is located at 154 Abernethy Road, Belmont.
Campus facilities
Careers Australia environments have been specially designed to enhance the learning experience of both
local and international students by providing comfort and convenience.
The campus’ have modern classrooms and fully equipped workshops that mirror the attributes of a real
industry workshop. The workshops provide an opportunity for students to refine their practical skills in an
environment similar to where they are likely to work as professionals.
Features at campus’ include interactive classrooms, support teaching areas, computer labs, indoor and
outdoor student break areas, coffee and tea facilities and a kitchenette. All students are provided with access
to the Institute’s WiFi network to access learning tools and resources at any time during their study. Other
resources are accessed on a needs basis, including relevant nursing medical equipment. A student reference
library and student computers are available for student use.
Student ID Transport Concession Card
All part time and full time students are issued with a student ID card after enrolment into a Qualification
with Careers Australia for identification purposes. For students to receive concession on public transport the
following provisions are applied.
Full time students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for a student transport concession
card*:
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Enrolled in one of our Centrelink approved courses
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Enrolled in a course that is a minimum of 12 weeks/3 months duration
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Attends training for a minimum 12 hours per week
*Part time, apprentices/trainees and external or distance education students are ineligible for a Student
Concession card.
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Student Handbook
Course fees, funding and loans
Studying a qualification is an investment in your future. As you are aware this choice comes at a cost.
Knowing about the financial commitment you have agreed to is essential to making the most of your time
and study. If you met the eligibility criteria upon enrolment, the Western Australian government will
contribute to assist you to afford to study. Please note the Western Australian government may engage you
to answer surveys from time to time to provide feedback.
The Commonwealth Government VET FEE Help loan scheme provides the opportunity for students to apply
for a loan to support the payment of their student fees. For information on VET Fee Help loans, please refer
to the Careers Australia Domestic Student Information handbook. VET Fee Help is a Commonwealth loan
scheme and students are expected to pay the amount of the loan back through the Australian Taxation
System once they meet minimum income requirements.
For more information on VET Fee Help, please see the Domestic Student Information Handbook.
User Choice Program
The User Choice program provides public funding for the delivery of accredited entry-level training to
Apprentices and Trainees. The program works in conjunction with the Commonwealth Australian
Apprenticeships System, under which Apprentices and Trainees enter into legally binding Training
Contracts with their employers and receive structured training to achieve a nationally recognised
qualification. The program provides a public funding contribution towards the cost of training and
assessment for eligible Western Australia Apprentices and Trainees.
Apprenticeships/ Traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, for a real boss, with a real
wage. Apprentices and trainees complete a nationally recognised qualification while learning valuable skills
at work and under the guidance of a training organisation.
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Apprenticeships and traineeships combine work with structured training.
Apprenticeships and traineeships can be full-time, part-time, or school-based - where some of the
training is undertaken while the apprentice or trainee is in high school.
Existing employees seeking to undertake a traineeship may not be funded under a registered
training contract. An existing worker is defined as an individual that has been employed by the same
employer for more than three (3) months full time or casual or more than twelve months part time.
This does not include school students that have been employed and attending high school and enter
into a training contract with the same employer after leaving school. Contact the Department of
Training and Workforce Development for further information.
Apprenticeships and traineeships require employers to enter into a training contract with the
apprentice or trainee.
Employers work with a training organisation and the apprentice or trainee to draw up a training plan.
Training options must be negotiated and outlined in the training plan. Aspects of training that are
open to negotiation (subject to training package requirements) include: selection, content and
sequencing or competency units, timing, location and mode of delivery, and the trainer of facilitator.
Full-time apprentices and trainees work and train full-time, usually from 36 to 38 hours a week. Part-time
apprentices and trainees work and train 15-20 hours per week, averaged over a four week cycle.
Traineeships vary in length from 12 months to three years, while apprenticeships are generally four years in
length. The term of a part-time apprenticeship or traineeship is generally double that of the full-time term.
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However, as the training is competency-based, completion is dependant upon when the apprentice or
trainees has successfully gained all knowledge, skills and competencies required.
School- Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATS)
School- Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are designed to support post school career goals by
providing students with a clear pathway from school to employment after school. School based
apprenticeships and traineeships are completed in the senior year of high school in conjunction with
continued school study. Generally speaking, it will replace some of the normal high school curriculum and
require the school student to attend work for the equivalent of one full work day a week as part of a
structured program of training.
The Apprentice/Trainee Responsibilities
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Attend work, do the job and follow the employer's instructions.
Commit to study for the qualification or statement of attainment stated in the training
contract.
Participate in negotiating the training plan and undertake the training and assessment
required under the training plan.
Obey all workplace health and safety (including dress and equipment) and code of conduct
workplace rules.
Pay student contribution fees.
Keep the training record and produce it when requested.
Do not terminate the apprenticeship or traineeship before completion unless you and your
employer mutually agree to cancel the training contract and notify your Australian
Apprenticeships Centre (AAC) or the department accordingly and in writing.
If it appears all required training and assessment will not be completed before the nominal
completion date, talk to the employer and training organisation about applying to extend the
training contract.
Further responsibilities that relate specifically to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships:
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Ensure the school's agreement to the school-based arrangement has been obtained.
Commit to undertaking 15-20 hours paid work per week over the term of the school based
traineeship.
 Talk to the school about how the training and employment will impact on the school
timetable.
 If the student is suspended or expelled from the school or the school withdraws their support to
the school-based arrangement, the student must contact AAC or the department immediately
to discuss how the apprenticeship or traineeship can be continued.
 If the student changes schools, the support of the new school must be gained before the
school- based arrangement can continue.
 If the school-based apprenticeship or traineeship is in the electrotechnology industry, ensure the
required criteria have been met. For further information go to
http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/employeesandstudents/apprenticentre/Pages/default.aspx.
Length of apprenticeship/traineeship
It is possible to finish your training early. There are three things to consider for this to happen.
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nominal term
competency-based training
expected duration.
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Nominal term
A nominal term (or length) is allocated to each apprenticeship or traineeship, giving the training contract an
end date. This term may be reduced if:
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the apprentice or trainee has previous training contracts in the same calling, in Queensland or
interstate, and applies for time credit or recognition of prior learning; or
the parties to the contract agree to change the apprenticeship or traineeship from part-time or
school-based to full-time arrangements.
Careers Australia and your employer can agree to commence the completion process before the
end of the expected duration if they agree that you have completed all training and assessment
required under the training plan and can produce work to the industry standard.
Expected duration
Apprenticeships (not traineeships) have an expected duration. The expected duration is the period of
time it is reasonably expected an apprentice would take to become fully competent and complete the
apprenticeship. It may be shorter than the nominal term.
All the required training for the apprenticeship is outlined in the training plan and should be scheduled to
be completed by the end of the expected duration.
Careers Australia and your employer can agree to commence the completion process before the end of the
expected duration if they agree that you have completed all training and assessment required under the
training plan.
Training Plans
The training plan is the guide to your learning and assessment. It provides with you information about
where, what and when you will study and who will deliver the training and conduct the assessment. A
copy of the training plan will be provided to you once it has been signed.
It is important that you are part of developing and maintaining of your Training Plan. The
Training Plan will be used as part of any review of training arrangements and will be
negotiated between Careers Australia, yourself and your employer.
It is also important that your employer can provide the range of work and the facilities and
resources necessary for you to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship. During the
induction process a Careers Australia representative will undertake an assessment to ensure
that the facilities and resources are available for the duration.
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Travel and accommodation allowance for apprentices
The Department of Training and Workforce Development assists apprentices and trainees with travel and
accommodation related to the completion of their off-the-job training component.
For information on eligibility and procedures visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development
website at http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/dtwcorporateinfo/policiesandguidelines/Pages/default.aspx#toc16.
Trade Support Loans
In order to support Australian Apprentices and help them to meet everyday costs whilst they undertake
their training, eligible apprentices will be able to apply for Trade Support Loans. These loans provide up to
$20,000 worth of income contingent loans and are paid monthly in arrears. Apprentices will not have to
repay the loans until they are earning an income above the minimum repayment threshold. In order to
maintain the real value of the loans, the loan amount will be indexed according to the Consumer Price
Index.
Apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship will receive a 20% discount on their loan
amount.
More information is available at:
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/programme/incentives
If amendments to your training plan are required, for example, you want to change a unit of
study, it will be necessary to develop a new training plan and have the training plan signed
again.
Priority Industry Training
Future Skills WA provides guaranteed, subsidised training places for eligible students enrolled in courses that
are deemed State priority qualifications. Priority qualifications can be found on the State’s priority industry
qualifications list at http://www.futureskillswa.wa.gov.au/about/Pages/default.aspx.
Student Fees
All students are required to pay student fees to offset the cost of the training. However, you may be eligible
for concession under certain circumstances.
Student fees are currently charged at the rates outlined in the table below. All student contribution fees are
charged at the commencement of the qualification in which the student has enrolled. All student fees are
collected at the completion of the qualification.
If agreed between the employer and the apprentice/trainee, student fees can be paid by the employer.
Contact your Campus Administration to obtain a Third Party Authority to Invoice form. This must be
completed and signed by the employer to enable Careers Australia to invoice the employer direct.
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Category of enrolment
Fee rate per nominal
hour
Non-concession student
Diploma of Advanced Diploma
Apprenticeships, traineeships and Priority Industry
Qualifications (up to Certificate IV)
General industry training up to Certificate IV)
Foundation skills and equity courses
Concession student
Diploma or Advanced Diploma
Apprenticeships, traineeships and Priority Industry
Qualifications (up to Certificate IV)
General industry training up to Certificate IV)
Foundation skills and equity courses
$5.73
$3.21
Annual maximum
fee per course *
$7,780
$4.84
$0.21
$5.73
$1.61
$7,780
$2.4 2
$0.21
*For secondary school aged the maximum course fee in 2016 is $415. This maximum applies to the total
course fees for one or more courses for both concessional and non-concessional students.
Paying your student fees
Enrolment in your qualification is not complete until you have paid your fees and charges specified by Careers
Australia. At the commencement of your training, you will be invoiced for the student fees advised during the
induction process. Further information on the fees is available at
http://www.futureskillswa.wa.gov.au/fees/Pages/default.aspx.
Various methods are available for you to pay your fees including:
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Credit card payment – VISA or Mastercard
Direct debit using Ezidebit
Direct deposit
Simply follow the instructions on your invoice or contact your Campus Administration for more information.
Concessions on student fees
Concessions to the student fees are available under the following circumstances:
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Health Care card; or
Repatriation Health Benefits Card; or
Pensioner card; or
is the dependant of a person who holds a health care card or pensioner concession card, and is
named on the card?
Concession rates are only available on student contribution fees for the term of the concession validity.
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Student Handbook
Student fee waivers
Careers Australia is able to offer waivers on student fees. However, students seeking a waiver of their fees
must present evidence of severe financial hardship. Careers Australia uses an evidentiary based process to
determine the student’s eligibility for a waiver of their fees. To apply for a fee waiver based on sever
financial hardship, a student must complete the application form and present evidence to confirm their
income and expenditure. This application will be assessed by the Campus Manager and students advised of
the decision, including reasons for the decision, prior to an invoice for student fees being issued (where
applicable).
A copy of the process and application form for fee waivers can be obtained from the Campus Administration
at the time of enrolment.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for funding under User Choice or the Priority Industry Training programs, you must
meet the following eligibility criteria:
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minimum 15 years of age
not be a secondary school student (unless you are undertaking a school based apprenticeship or
traineeship)
primary place of residence is in Western Australia
must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident of holder of a temporary visa subclass or be a spouse
of dependent of someone that holds a 457 visa
Evidence to support eligibility must be presented for verification at the time of enrolment.
Competency Based Training
Competency Based Training (CBT) is a flexible form of training that aims to produce a workforce with the
knowledge and skills to the standard that is expected in the workplace.
Competency focuses on the application of skills and knowledge rather than on the learning. It differs from a
time based system which locked students into, for example, completing an apprenticeship over a four year
term. In a competency based learning environment, you should be able to transfer knowledge and skills to
various situations and new environments with ease. Competency is a broad concept that includes all aspects
of work performance not only narrow task skills.
What are competency standards?
Competency standards are statements about the skills and knowledge that people need to perform their jobs
to the required industry standards. They are nationally agreed benchmarks for effective performance.
What is assessment?
Competency based assessment is what has always been done – checking that the job can be done properly –
not just once, but every time. It can then be confidently said that a person is competent.
How will assessment take place?
Depending on the mode of delivery and program of study, assessment may consist of:
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conducting assessment activities in real or simulated work environments by a qualified assessor
conducting observations of your work on the job by your workplace supervisor and/or a qualified
assessor
a qualified assessor having discussions with your supervisor
your workplace supervisor and/or a qualified assessor asking you questions regarding your job
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the collection of client feedback on the quality of the completed job
The training record book divides the task (competencies) expected into levels of difficulty. Employers /
supervisors check that you are completing the job to the required level, as they are in the best position to
know the standard of work being completed.
What is learning?
Learning is something everyone does, every day. It involves acquiring new facts and interpreting and
applying this information to show that you are competent or have mastered it. During training you will
complete a series of tasks to learn information (knowledge) and acquire new skills. This could involve being
trained on-the-job by your supervisor and completing a series of tasks, or completing tasks under the
direction of a trainer/educator. During the learning process you will need to seek advice and information
from many resources. The skills you acquire will need to be practiced many times under the watchful eye of
your supervisors / trainer/educators to demonstrate your competence. You will only be assessed after you
have learnt the required information and mastered the tasks.
How do you know if you are competent?
Your employer / trainer/educator will ensure that you have learnt the theory behind the task, and
practiced the work to the satisfaction of your industry / company standards and workplace health and
safety practices.
There may also be a quality performance system in place, or someone available to check the work is done
properly. If these procedures are used, your employer can be confident you are competent for this task and
can sign-off the particular competency.
What do you do if you are not making satisfactory progress?
The tasks listed in the learning and assessment strategy give the opportunity to plan work to make sure you
become fully qualified. If there is any area that is not up to standard, an employer has the chance to
provide opportunities for you to further develop the necessary skills. This might mean having you work
with another staff member or spending a little extra time showing how the job should be done. Practice
makes perfect!
Compulsory Schooling
In Western Australia the compulsory schooling education period is defined as:
i.
ii.
o
o
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from the beginning of the year in which the child reaches the age of 6 years and 6 months; and
until:
the end of the year in which the child reaches the age of 17 years and 6 months;
the child satisfies the minimum requirements for graduation from secondary school established
under the Curriculum Council Act 1997; or
the child reaches the age of 18, whichever happens first.
Where an apprentice commences an apprenticeship (other than under School Based Apprenticeship
Arrangements) prior to the completion of his/her compulsory period of schooling, he/she must satisfy any
requirements of the School Education Act 1999 and any relevant Department of Education Policies. Students
who have not completed the compulsory schooling period, wanting to undertake an apprenticeship must
ensure that evidence is provided from the school principal and ensure that all other requirements specified
under the School Education Act 1999 have been satisfied.
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Further Information
If the information you seek is not available here it may be found in the Domestic Student Handbook or on
the Careers Australia website.
Apprentice/traineeship specific contact numbers
Australian Apprenticeship Centres
Australian Apprenticeship Centres process incentives and register training contracts with DET and
give advice. These organisations are usually the first point of contact for students and employer
queries.
Phone:
1800 639 629 / 133873
Web:
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
Fair Work Australia
Fair Work Australia is a national workplace relations tribunal who can provide students and employers with
information on awards and conditions.
Phone:
1300 799 675 / 131394
Web:
http://www.fwa.gov.au
Apprenticeship Office
Provides free advice, referrals and support to all Western Australians about apprenticeships, traineeships
and training options.
Phone: 13 19 54
Web: http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/employeesandstudents/apprenticeshipoffice/Pages/default.aspx
Worksafe WA
For health and safety concerns.
Phone: 1300 307 877
Web: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/
Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission
Phone: 1800 624 263
Web: http://www.wairc.wa.gov.au/
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