Edition 43, April 2007

Skill sets - what do they mean for regulatory and licensing authorities?

The National Quality Council (NQC) has resolved that as of 2007, skill sets will be incorporated into nationally endorsed training packages to complement qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Skill sets are defined by the NQC as 'one or more units that meet an industry need to provide skills for a discrete part or function of a job or meet a defined industry requirement'.

The incorporation of skill sets into training packages will assist regulatory and licensing authorities in identifying groups of units of competency covering required skills and knowledge relevant to a license or registration requirement. There are many licenses which require a full qualification, but in the case of some, such as equipment use, or a restricted electrical license, only a few units within a qualification are directly relevant.

The development of skill sets will encourage greater participation of licensing and industry regulatory bodies in ensuring the quality of training. Incorporation of skill sets into the national vocational education and training system will also facilitate greater consistency across jurisdictions in defining the competency requirements for licensing and regulatory requirements across trades and professions.

The Training Package Development Handbook, which provides training package developers with guidance about how to develop units of competency and qualifications for the sector has been updated to include advice about the incorporation of skill sets in training packages.

Statements of Attainment which are provided to individuals who demonstrate competency in one or more units will now contain additional information where the unit or combination of units links directly to a license or regulatory requirement.

Information sessions are being held in capital cities around Australia between March and May 2007 which will explain how skill sets are being introduced. A range of case studies and examples will be provided to demonstrate what legitimately constitutes a skill set, and the benefits that skill sets offer to individuals, industry and the training system. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the application of skill sets in their own contexts.

For a list of dates and venues for the workshops or further information about skill sets, please contact skillsets@precisionconsultancy.com.au

To download the Training Package Development Handbook, visit www.dest.gov.au/sectors/training_skills

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