Student Information & Qualification Guide

This guide has been written by and is copyright to McMillan Staff Development.

Competency Based Training

Competency Based Training (CBT) is a training approach based on outcomes achieved on the job rather than processes or the time taken. These outcomes are assessed or reviewed against the specific industry or enterprise competency standards, which have been established.

The competency standards selected will reflect your particular systems, processes and practices.

Training needs are identified through assessment/review against these competencies. Development programs are then tailored to fill the skill gaps. By doing this, the approach aims to also recognise skills already gained and used in the workplace, and avoid the need for repetition in training - so long as the required outcomes are proven!

Client selection, enrolment and orientation

Course participants will be selected responsibly and ethically at all times and selection will be consistent with the requirements for course entry as set out in the relevant Training Package.

Course participants are required to complete a Registration Form. The information requested in this form will be used by McMillan Staff Development and the State Training Authority for research, statistical and internal management purposes only.

During orientation, course participants will be provided with information regarding training and assessment, rights and responsibilities, welfare and guidance, resources and course structures.

Provision for Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment

Support is provided to students requiring assistance in this area. Please identify this on the registration form.

Fees and Charges

Participants are responsible for payment of all fees and charges in undertaking this qualification unless you have made other arrangements.

If a participant withdraws their application 2 or more days prior to the commencement of the qualification or service, all fees paid will be refunded or transferred to another qualification or service.

If a participant cancels the qualification or service after the commencement of the tuition or service, fees are refundable on a pro-rata basis. No refund will be made of the administration fee.

All requests for fee refund and transfer to another qualification or service must be made in writing to the Director.

Client support Services

Course participants may receive academic or vocational counselling from Training staff or other qualified persons. Training staff monitor participant's progress and intervene to provide counselling or support as appropriate.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC)

The RCC process acknowledges that people may already possess some or all of the knowledge, skills and attitudes included in the qualifications through life experiences, previous work, and/or training.

If you want to be assessed for your previous experience please apply within one month of signing up. Complete the Application to Undertake Recognition Assessment (RCC) form and submit it to your McMillan Project Officer.

Assessment Procedures

Assessment is competency based and is designed to determine whether the participant can demonstrate the competencies that make up the qualification.

Qualified assessors are responsible for your assessment. They have all signed the National Code of Conduct for assessors that can be found at: www.nawt.com.au

Complaints, Grievances and Appeals Procedure

In the event of a grievance or an appeal, a participant can:

  • Talk directly with the person concerned to resolve the problem
  • Seek the assistance of your project Officer or Assessor
  • Consult the Traineeship Manager at McMillan Staff Development.

Everyone should be aware that they have a right to have issues related to this program, addressed. This includes any disagreement about the outcome of any assessment conducted.

How to appeal a decision about competency

To lodge an appeal against a decision, participants will need to:

  • Ensure that a Director of McMillan Staff Development receives a written advice of appeal no later than 14 days after a formal assessment is made.
  • Submit an appeal detailing:
    • Participant's name
    • Workplace assessor's name
    • Competency against which the appeal is being lodged
    • Specific reasons why the original assessment decision should be changed
    • Evidence to support the reason for the appeal

Each appeal will be reviewed, decision reached and the participant notified within 14 days of the appeal lodgement date. Participants will be notified in writing and all details will be kept confidential.

Appeals should be sent to:

The Director
McMillan Staff Development
PO Box 140
Civic Square ACT 2608

Welfare and Guidance Services

Any student showing signs of distress or discomfort is to be approached by the staff member who notices and offered support. Support may take the form of advice, referral to a counsellor, trainer or other qualified person, depending on the nature of the problem.

Disciplinary Procedures

Participants who are undertaking the qualification under the auspices of the Employer company remain subject to the disciplinary policies and procedures of their Employer Company. In addition, such participants are encouraged to comply with all lawful directions issued by their trainer/assessor

Other important information

Mutual recognition

"Mutual recognition is a feature of the Australian Quality Training Framework which allows a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in one State or Territory to operate in another State or Territory without a further registration process. Qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by any RTO are accepted and recognised by all other RTO's." (The Australian National Training Authority website)

Flexible Learning

McMillan Staff Development recognises the principles of flexible delivery. Programs are designed to emphasise flexibility of delivery and assessment to maximise the opportunity for access and participation by disadvantaged students.

Delivery alternatives may include self paced learning, distance modes of learning, online learning, flexible timetabling, face to face, coaching, on and off the job modes.

Access and Equity

Access and equity policies are incorporated into the RTO's operational procedures. The organisation prohibits discrimination towards any group or individuals in any form, inclusive of:

  • Gender
  • Pregnancy
  • Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or ethno-religious background
  • Marital status
  • Physical or intellectual or psychiatric disability, or any organism capable of causing disease
  • Homosexuality (male or female, actual or presumed)
  • Age (in relation to compulsory retirement)

Programs are designed and wherever possible facilities set up to enhance flexibility of delivery in order to maximize the opportunity for access and participation by disadvantaged students.

Privacy Act and Freedom of Information

McMillan Staff Development abides by the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and has implemented privacy principles to protect the privacy of student information.

These principles include:

  • Non disclosure of a student's personal details to any unauthorised person, and
  • Non disclosure of details of training and assessment conducted for nay student to any unauthorised person.

Our Registration Form includes an explanation of how personal details will be used for the purposes of Government reporting.

Completion

On completion and the signing of the Record of Performance, McMillan Staff Development will issue you with a nationally recognised qualification. If you are undertaking a government funded Traineeship, you may also receive a Certificate of Completion from the State Training Authority.

Partial Completion

If a student does not complete the whole qualification, and has been assessed as competent in one or more units of competency, a Statement of Attainment can be issued. Please contact your assessor to discuss how to organise this.

Access to records

Students are able to access assessment records/results at any time on written request to McMillan Staff Development.

Should students require a third party to access their personal record, a "Consent to disclose Information " letter is required.