Information for Participants
RuralBiz Training and partner organisations are proud to offer excellence in the delivery of quality training and employment related services.
RuralBiz Training is a training organisation registered nationally by Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). RuralBiz Training is responsible for ensuring the quality of your training, providing a statement of attainment or certificate and maintaining records relating to achievement of competence.
The aim of the training is for you to achieve a qualification that is recognised anywhere in Australia. The unit or units that you will study fit within the Australian Qualification Framework.
Your training requires the successful completion of a unit or units of study, which is achieved when you have been assessed as having met set competency standards.
Courses Offered
RuralBiz Training offers a range of courses, mainly for rural people. RuralBiz Training courses reflect a long history of practical training experience, resource development, well-developed learning strategies and flexible delivery methodologies. They are designed to help ensure your individual and organisational success.
For more information go to our website at www.ruralbiztraining.com.au or telephone Robyn Diamond or Kathy Sims (02) 6884 8812.
Structure of Courses Offered
You may elect to enrol in a full qualification or an individual unit of competence. Courses are developed with industry consultation and will be recognised by industry. The successful completion of your course may allow for further study in your chosen field.
There are sometimes different ways to undertake a course. Please discuss options available to you with your trainer and assessor.
Participant Selection, Enrolment and Induction Procedures
RuralBiz Training makes available training and assessment services to all clients (and potential clients) regardless of race, gender, age, marital status, physical or intellectual impairment, or sexual orientation. RuralBiz Training complies with relevant anti-discrimination legislation and treats every participant fairly and without discrimination in the training environment and workplace.
Participant selection may involve a competitive process based on merit. On some occasions potential participants may be interviewed to ensure suitability for the course. Some courses may require evidence of previous study or past experience.
Every participant is required to complete an enrolment form for each course that they intend to undertake prior to any study. Also, where participants have special needs it is requested that they make this known as early as possible. For some courses a letter of application is required and referees need to be nominated.
At the time of enrolment each participant will be provided with an opportunity to provide evidence for Recognition of Prior Learning or Direct Credit Transfer.
Induction to a course will be delivered at the start of each training course and will vary for different types of training, but will include at least:
- OH&S procedures
- An introduction to the qualification and the training framework
- The assessment process and requirements, including record keeping
- Participant responsibilities
- Any costs which may be incurred and
- Complaints procedures and the appeals process.
Access and Equity
The management and staff of RuralBiz Training are responsible for ensuring access and equity for all participants in accordance with RuralBiz Training’s Code of Practice. This ensures all participants are treated equally and fairly and have equal access to participation in training. Selection of participants into courses is based on participants meeting course pre-requisites and entry requirements, course fee payment and on a first-in first-served basis.
Fees and Charges, including Refund Policy and Exemptions
RuralBiz Training and its partner organisations offer a range of courses, some of which are government funded while others are provided on a fee-for-service basis. Please refer to our website or phone our office for further details.
Course costs will vary. For detailed course fees and a quotation, please contact RuralBiz Training or partner organisations.
All course fees are payable in advance unless other arrangements have been made with RuralBiz Training or its partner organisations. Bookings are not confirmed until payments or authorised purchase orders are received.
The standard course fee varies for full fee paying students. However, you may be exempt from this fee if the course is Government-funded. Alternatively, you may be able to use Government funding available to you personally if you are an unemployed job seeker or are returning to work, e.g. Job Seeker Account, Training Credits or Transition to Work funding.
If you need to pay the course fee, RuralBiz Training will invoice you on commencement of the program or during the term of the program.
Course Changes
Course dates, times, course content and fees are occasionally subject to change. Should the need for such changes occur, we make every effort to inform course participants prior to the commencement of training.
Where nationally recognised programs are changed in line with changes to competency standards, a transition phase is provided to allow existing participants to complete their qualifications. Qualified staff are available to discuss your options at a time suitable for you.
Course Materials
Each participant will receive a set of course materials, including handouts and reference materials.
Flexible Delivery
Flexible delivery means that a range of learning strategies is available in a variety of learning environments and/or scheduling. Training is adjusted to suit individual learning styles, interests and training needs, with the aim of enhancing accessibility to training.
Assessment
In accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework, RuralBiz Training and assessment processes are valid, reliable, flexible and fair. Judgements to determine competence will be made by examining evidence gathered from a range of sources, using a variety of assessment methods. Clear information about the assessment process and evidence requirements will be provided and participants will be encouraged to assist collecting evidence of their own competence. Assessment processes will provide for the recognition of competence no matter how, where or when it has been acquired.
A qualified Trainer/Assessor is a person who is recognised by RuralBiz Training as meeting the national standards for assessment and delivery (Australian Quality Training Framework Standard 7). A Trainer/Assessor is able to conduct assessment only in areas of work in which they have relevant vocational competencies. They must also be competent in the training and assessment competencies to the national standards required.
Assessment Process
The assessment process for each unit of competency will combine the skills and knowledge being assessed in practical applications. It is the responsibility of the Trainer/Assessor to ensure that the Participant is given every opportunity to demonstrate that they can meet the required performance standards. The assessment process your Trainer/Assessor uses must conform to the following principles:
Validity
Valid assessment means that it actually assesses the competency it is meant to assess. A valid assessment of a particular unit will ensure that:
- Evidence is collected from activities and tasks that clearly relate to the Unit of Competency
- Evidence demonstrates that the performance criteria have been met
- Evidence is sufficient.
Reliability
Reliable assessment produces the same judgment about a person's competency when the assessment is completed by another assessor or by the same assessor or another occasion:
- Assessment practices should be monitored and reviewed to ensure that there is consistency in the interpretation of the evidence
- Assessors must be competent in the National Workplace Assessor Competency Standards.
Fairness
Assessment is fair if it does not disadvantage any applicant in relation to another:
- Assessment practices and methods must be equitable to all groups of applicants
- Assessment processes and criteria for determining performance must be made clear to all applicants seeking assessment
- Applicants must be provided with opportunity to challenge theassessment.
Flexibility
Flexible assessment remains valid, reliable and fair while dealing with:
- The way the competency was developed or acquired through a formal training course or through on-the-job experience
- Any disability that the applicant might have, e.g. hearing impairment or reading difficulties
- The equipment used to demonstrate competence, e.g. the familiarity of the equipment to the Participant
- Different periods over which the assessment might be done; eg. the need to apply the entire assessment at one time or parts of the assessment as a person learns. This would most likely result in the Participant being assessed in individual learning outcomes or the elements that make up the competency.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Mutual Recognition
Competencies achieved and detailed in Statements of Attainments or qualifications issued by other Registered Training Organisations will be recognised by RuralBiz Training.
Recognition of Prior Learning is an evidentiary process that matches the outcomes participants have achieved through unrecognised learning and/or life/work experience against the outcomes of the specific competencies. Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on a participant’s achievement of the performance requirements set out in a competency standard.
The Trainer/Assessor is responsible for determining the extent of RPL and applying the process. Participants should apply directly for RPL, and discuss with the Trainer/Assessor the best or most appropriate means of demonstrating competence.
For RPL and credit transfer of units completed at an earlier time a normal enrolment is required when you will receive detailed information relating to the process of Credit Transfer and RPL including the RPL Application Form.
Confidentiality Policy
Participants can be assured that personal information provided to RuralBiz Training will be given maximum protection and made available only to authorised users such as employers where a contract (eg. Training Contracts) exists, or to government agencies to meet government reporting requirements, for research, audit, moderation and evaluation purposes.
Copyright
The law requires copyright loyalty payments for the reproduction of a considerable amount of publishable material, notably books.
For study and research purposes, participants are allowed to copy 10% or one chapter of a book or one article per issue of a journal. More extensive reproduction may be possible and permission must be sought.
Complaints
Participants who are not satisfied with the quality of training provided are to lodge their complaint directly with the trainer/assessor in the first instance.
The trainer/assessor will meet with the participant so that the matter in dispute can be discussed and a resolution sought.
The trainer/assessor will record the outcome of the meeting in writing and submit to the RuralBiz Training Director.
Should the matter remain unresolved the Director will consider the complaint and recommend a resolution. The complainant will be informed in writing of the recommended resolution.
Participants who are unable to resolve a complaint with RuralBiz Training and its partner organisations should contact ASQA on 1300 701 801 or go to the complaints section of their website www.asqa.gov.au
Appeals
Participants have the right of appeal to the Director against decisions of RuralBiz Training staff. If you wish to lodge an appeal, please contact RuralBiz Training. Participants must lodge any appeals against their assessment decision within 14 days of results being advised using the Complaints Form.
Discrimination and Harassment
RuralBiz Training aims to provide an environment free from discrimination and harassment for both participants and staff. Discrimination and harassment come in many forms and may relate to gender, age, race, religion, sexual preference or disability. Contact your trainer or assessor who can provide confidential support and information about options to deal with such situations.
Discipline/Participant Conduct
All participants undertaking a training course with RuralBiz Training or partner organisations are expected to make the following commitment to:
Training & Assessment
· - Complete all documents associated with the delivery of the course
· - Complete all training and assessment within the prescribed time frames.
Attendance
- Attend all scheduled training sessions unless granted leave.
- The course coordinator must be informed if you are unable to attend any of the training sessions. In the case of illness, a doctor’s certificate is required.
- The course coordinator must be informed if you are unable to attend any of the training sessions. In the case of illness, a doctor’s certificate is required.
- Arrive punctually and be prepared for each training session.
Participation
· - Participate in and positively contribute to all training sessions
· - Treat trainers and fellow participants with respect and in a non-discriminatory way.
Learning Environment
· - Maintain the learning environment so that it is clean, tidy and safe
· - Care for all resources
Gross misconduct may result in suspensions or expulsion from training and assessment courses.
Accidents and First Aid
Should an accident occur, it is to be reported immediately to your Trainer/Assessor and the details will be recorded on an Incident Form and signed by both the Trainer/Assessor and the participant. Distance and Online participants are to provide themselves with a safe learning environment.
Occupational Health & Safety
The Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995 applies to all staff and participants of RuralBiz Training. All employees, including participants, have the primary responsibility to ensure that they work safely, without risk of injury to themselves, fellow workers, participants and the public.
SUPPORT REFERENCE GUIDE
Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Participants are asked to complete an enrolment form and should advise the course coordinator if they have literacy or numeracy difficulties. RuralBiz Training will assist those who may find it difficult to achieve the outcomes of the course in the scheduled timeframe and where possible will identify potential support needs. The Trainer/Assessor will discuss how best we can provide support to the participant to ensure success eg assessment may involve asking verbal questions rather than using a written test.
Learning Support
Disability Support
Social Support
| Centrelink |
131 021
|
| DoCS Helpline |
132 111
|
| Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault helpline |
1800 200 526
|
| NSW Rape Crisis Centre |
1800 424017
|
| Life Line |
131 114
|
| Alcohol and Drug Information Service Sydney |
1800 422 599
|
| Victims Support Line |
1800 633 063
|
| NSW Poisons Information Centre |
131 126
|