1 | COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK V.31052017 4 | P a g e CONTENTS WELCOME 5 ABOUT NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK V.31052017 1 | P a g e




CONTENTS WELCOME ........................................................................................................................................ 5

ABOUT NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA .......................................................................................... 6

WHEN YOU START ............................................................................................................................ 7

COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING ...................................................................................................... 7

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) ........................................................................................ 8

MODES OF STUDY ............................................................................................................................ 9

WORK PLACEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 9

ONGOING ACCESS & SUPPORT....................................................................................................... 11

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM.......................................................................................................... 12

RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................... 13

IMPORTANT POLICIES .................................................................................................................... 16

ASSESSMENT TASKS ....................................................................................................................... 18

THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMING ........................................................................................................ 19

APPEALING AN ASSESSMENT OUTCOME ....................................................................................... 19

COMPLAINTS & APPEALS ............................................................................................................... 20

COMPLETION .................................................................................................................................. 21

FEES & CHARGES ............................................................................................................................ 21

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS ......................................................................................................... 21

CONTACTS ...................................................................................................................................... 22


WELCOME

Many wise words have been said about education. World leaders, philosophers,

professionals have all told us how education is one of society’s key building blocks.

We have all seen the inspiring movies, read the books, seen the quotes. We

recognize it but we only really understand it when we see education change our

own lives or that of someone close to us.

Education is many things to many people. At National College Australia it is about

giving our student cohorts an opportunity – many people come to us for a

pathway to a stronger, more secure future. Others come for a second chance at a

formal education. Some just need to achieve something for themselves. Whatever

your reason, education will give you the tool to get where you want. Just believe in

yourself and have a plan. Over the years, we’ve witnessed many amazing student

stories. The doors are there – you just need to know which ones to open which is

where we come in.

NCA has evolved in many ways over the years – we’ve had to remain agile and

diligent in the face of an ever-changing industry but through it we have kept our

reputation at the heart of everything we do. Our pledge is to support you achieve

what you have come to us for in ways that we can. The rest is up to you.

This booklet gives you some important information about the College, please read

it along with all of your induction material carefully before you start your studies.

Enjoy every step, seize every opportunity and you will never look back.

Over to you.

Dilek Alpsuzenler

Principal Executive Officer [email protected]


NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA

Established in 2004 as a Registered

Training Organisation, NATIONAL

COLLEGE AUSTRALIA was founded by

leading community services provider,

KINCARE.

With over 20 qualifications in the CHC

and HLT training packages, we are a

niche provider focusing on a number of

subject areas that are aligned to the

most popular job roles within the

community services sector.

Born into the industry, we have grown

from being a small local provider in

Sydney to a national operation.

Today, we operate out of two State

offices: one in NSW and the other in

Tasmania and we deliver training and

assessment to thousands of learners all

over Australia.

NATIONAL REGULATION National College Australia is governed by

ASQA - the Australian Skills Quality

Authority. We are regulated by a set of

quality standards referred to as the

Standards for Registered Training

Organisations 2015, which are developed

under the Vocational Education and

Training Regulator Act 2011.

If you would like more information about

these standards, visit the ASQA website

on www.asqa.com.au

RTO ID. 91000 National College Australia is a

Registered Training Organisation

15 primary qualifications plus 7 specialisations

national provider with 2 office locations: NSW & Tasmania

http://www.asqa.com.au/


WHEN YOU START A College staff member will give you a call to arrange an induction to cover:

an overview of the course outline

first points of contact for support

the meaning of competency-based learning and your assessment requirements

work placement (if you are not working in a related role), and

your rights and responsibilities

COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING The qualification you will be

studying is structured around

competency-based learning.

What does this mean?

Qualifications are made up of Units

of Competency (UoC) that describe

the skills and knowledge needed to

perform a particular job or tasks.

National College Australia will

provide you with the course

materials for

each unit, including assessment tasks

evaluating each UoC.

You will be assessed by a qualified

facilitator/assessor who will determine

your outcome. Outcomes include:

• Competent (C) – the evidence

presented meets all of the standards

to deem you competent.

• Not yet competent (NYC) - the

evidence presented suggests that you

have not as yet demonstrated

competency in all of the standards. In

this case, your facilitator/assessor will

discuss your options.

Where you are found NYC, you will be

given another chance to resubmit your

work; however, further re-submissions

may incur costs. Your facilitator/assessor

will advise you of your next steps.

You will complete these tasks in the order

set out in the course outline.

The result you get for each assessment

task will be either Competent (C) or Not

Yet Competent (NYC), meaning that you

need some improvement.


RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

National College Australia will recognise

the AQF qualifications issued by any

other registered training organisation in

Australia.

Before commencing your course with

National College Australia you may apply

for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This

process allows you to apply for credit for

your previous work, study, and/or life

experiences that match the learning

outcomes of units in the course you will be

studying. This could save you from having

to study what you already know.

To gain recognition you will need to provide

evidence that you’re prior learning is valid,

sufficient, authentic and current under

the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Before recognition of prior learning can be

awarded, an individual is assessed to

determine the extent to which they meet

the requirements specified in the training

package or VET accredited courses.

If you wish to apply for RPL, please either

tick this on your enrolment form or discuss

it with your facilitator/assessor. You must

notify National College Australia that you

wish to apply for RPL within 2 weeks of

lodging your enrolment application with

National College Australia.

CREDIT TRANSFER (CT) Credit transfer is a process that

formally recognises components of a

Qualification and/or Statements of

Attainment issued to you by other

registered training organisations.

Credit will be awarded where there is

identified equivalence in content and

learning outcomes.

If you wish to apply for CT, please

either tick this on your enrolment

form or discuss it with your facilitator/ assessor.

You must notify National College Australia that

you wish to apply for CT within 2 weeks of

lodging your enrolment application with


Please include a JP certified copy of your

qualification or Statement of Attainment,

including a transcript of the units you under

took.


MODES OF STUDY Learning flexibility is integral to the concept of competency-based training.

To accommodate your circumstances and assist you in successfully completing your course, National College Australia offers a variety of training models.

• Online learning means you complete the course using the online learning platform. You read the course notes and complete/submit the assessments via the platform. It's easy and is designed for people who have basic computer skills. The best thing about online learning is the convenience of being able to study when and where it suits you. There are no classes to attend but it requires discipline and focus, which is why our support team are here to make you stay on track.

• Mixed learning is a mix of workbooks and online study. We send you hardcopy books as the reading material but the assessments are submitted online. Mixed learning is ideal for those who prefer to read printed material instead of on a screen.

• Classroom based learning is the traditional face to face delivery model where you're required to attend scheduled classes onsite at one of our facilities or in your workplace.

• Blended learning refers to a mix of any of the delivery models above. It usually means a mix of some face to face classes, some onsite learning in the workplace and some online delivery and it usually applies to learners who are studying with us through an arrangement with their employer.

You will have one lead facilitator & assessor who will oversee your work from start to finish.

WORK PLACEMENT If you are not working in a related job and the learner are required to sign an role during the course, you will need to

complete a set number of hours of work

placement.

National College Australia will assist you

in securing a suitable placement, but it is

your responsibility to find potential

employers in your local area who may be

willing to give you this experience.

National College Australia will then

arrange the placement for you and

confirm the details. Both the employer

agreement that outlines the

conditions of work placement.

LEARNERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO COMMENCE A PLACEMENT WITHOUT RECEIVING CONFIRMATION FROM THE COLLEGE.

8


9


ONGOING ACCESS & SUPPORTNational College Australia is committed to helping you attain your qualification. Our team will provide individual attention to help you overcome any barriers that might affect the progress of your course.

You will have ongoing access to your facilitator/assessor throughout the course via telephone and email. We will also provide guidance and advice if external support is required.

Our learner support services include:

• a structured, easy to follow recognition process to establish your existing skills and

knowledge

• an initial discussion with you and/or your employers (where appropriate) to ensure we

deliver a program that best reflects your individual needs

• aligning training and assessment to business operational needs and workers ‘job roles’

• assistance in securing a suitable work placement

• monitoring your progress to ensure you are on track. We work hard to ensure that you

stick to your study plan because we understand how easy it is to be derailed from your

study commitments. To keep you on track we monitor your progress from start to finish,

and if we notice that your work is coming in a little late, we will contact you to discuss any

obstacles to your progress

If there is any additional support that you need, please contact Student Services.

National College Australia will contact you to discuss your needs where you have ticked that you require support on your application form or where you inform National College Australia, or where there is an identified need.

Where required, we may refer you to external providers who can offer the assistance you need.


CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

e encourage a cooperative learning

environment; however the work

you submit must be your own.

When using external resources

such as the internet, we ask that

you include a bibliography showing

the address, author etc. If you need

assistance with this, please speak to

your facilitator/assessor.

Definitions:

• Cheating - Breaking rules to gain

personal advantage.

• Plagiarism - The act of taking or

copying another person’s ideas,

language or written work and

claiming it as your own.

If you are suspected of plagiarism or cheating:

• you will be informed that this

is not acceptable behaviour.

If employed, the issue may

be reported to your

employer

• you will be provided with the

opportunity to put your case

forward to your

facilitator/assessor and the

employer where they are also

involved

• a discussion will occur between your

facilitator/assessor, National College

Australia and your employer (where

involved) to determine further actions

to be taken

If you don’t agree with decisions

made in this way, you can follow the

National College Australia Grievance

Procedure.

If National College Australia

determines there is cause to check

on whether content being submitted

is authentic, the content will be

checked.

If it is determined that you have plagiarised or cheated:

• you may be provided with

the opportunity to re-do the

work

• you may be removed

from the program

• other actions or legal

consequences may be determined

Please note that repeated actions will

not be tolerated. National College

Australia will document and retain


RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Learners are entitled to:

• be treated fairly and with respect in line with equity and anti- discrimination legislation

• appeal the result of an assessment

• apply to have existing skills and knowledge recognised

• the assurance that their personal records will be stored securely

• access the required facilities and equipment necessary to undertake the program

• instruction and supervision in the workplace from a person with relevant competencies

• opportunities to complete the relevant qualification provided in accordance with the training program and National College Australia as the RTO

• lodge a complaint in the event of a dispute

• a healthy and safe working environment

• a workplace free of any form of harassment

• access the full range of work needed to develop the relevant industry competencies, including the use of tools and equipment (in the workplace)

• payment for their work in accordance with the industrial award or instrument (in the workplace)


Learner's Responsibilities

Employer’s Rights

Learners must make all reasonable efforts to:

follow the training program

submit assessments on time

follow reasonable directions from amember of National College Australia

advise National College Australia if you are unable to completethe course

follow normal safety practices

treat staff and fellow learners with respect and fairness

not behave in any way that may offend, harass, embarrass or threaten others

ensure your personal details are current and correct

refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal drugs

follow all lawful instructions of an employer and National College Australia

attend schedule training and/or workplace visit

induction into the National

College Australia training program

information from National College

Australia regarding the learner’s

progress, including any issues

clear communications

from National College

Australia

learners who make every effort to learn the skills

required in the

program

learners who follow all lawful

instructions with regards to

training


Employer’s Responsibilities

National College Australia’s Rights

The College’s Responsibilities

NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK 14

An employer must make all reasonable efforts to:

provide the learner with resources,

facilities and equipment necessary to

undertake the training, including

appropriate supervision

provide the learner with a healthy

and safe working environment, free

from any form of harassment

provide instruction and support that

will assist learners in meeting their

assessment requirements

National College Australia is entitled to:

•

• be advised immediately of any changes that may affect a learner's progress

The College is required to:

meet the requirements of the

relevant training package and

the outcomes of the

qualification/ accredited course

specified within the scope of

registration

provide learners with the materials and resources to support their learning

maintain true and accurate records of learners' enrolment and participation in a course

advise learners of their rights and

responsibilities and important policies

and procedures related to their

enrolment with National College

Australia


IMPORTANT POLICIES

Access and Equity Policy

National College Australia has policies

in place for access and equity as well

as anti-discrimination. We promote

inclusive learning and provide

equitable access to all participants.

We do this by:

Promoting access to employment

and training for all people regardless

of gender, socio-economic

background, disability, ethnic origin,

sexual orientation, age or race.

Ensuring that we have policies

in place that will support

learners with Language, Literacy

and Numeracy difficulties

Ensuring training services are

delivered in a non-

discriminatory, open and

respectful manner relevant

to the delivery mode chosen

• Providing reasonable access

and equity in regard to training

and assessment at all levels

where appropriate

Privacy Policy

National College Australia’s Privacy Policy sets out the way we handle personal information, including the use and disclosure of personal information and rights to access your personal information. We only collect information that is directly relevant to effective service delivery and required by law.

National College Australia will exercise strict control over confidential information. If a third party requires your information, we will ensure we have your approval prior to releasing any information.

For a full copy of our Privacy Policy

can be found on our website


Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy

The employer’s legal requirements of work health and safety are listed below; however WHS is the responsibility of everyone. To provide:

• a workplace that is safe to work in (including staff, visitors and contractors)

• working procedures that are safe to use

• adequate training of staff on WHS matters

• properly maintained and stored facilities and equipment.

Further details can be found in the WHS Act. Refer to the website in your state for further details.

Prior to training, National College Australia ensures that a site inspection using National College Australia’s Location Inspection Checklist is completed.

It is your responsibility to immediately

notify your facilitator/assessor if you

identify any WHS issues.

Harassment & Discrimination Policy

It is against the law for anyone to harass (hassle or pick on) you. It is also against the law for anyone to sexually harass you. If you make a complaint (or help someone make a complaint), it is against the law for someone to hassle or victimise you because you have done so.

Our policies on Access & Equity, Anti- Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Harassment and Bullying are there to protect you. In accordance with the Anti- Discrimination Act 1991, no individual can be discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, skin colour, race, nationality, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.

• your local State Training Authority if the

issue relates to quality of training

• Anti-Discrimination Board if the issue

relates to discrimination

• Consumer Affairs or other bodies as

considered appropriate

Legislation that covers discrimination includes:

• Sex Discrimination Act 1984

• Racial Discrimination Act 1975

• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006

• Equal Opportunity Act 1995

• Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

• Racial Hatred Act 1995

• Workplace Relations Act 1996

• Commonwealth Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace 1999

Refer to the Human Rights Commission

for more information - Australian Human

Rights Commission:

www.hreoc.gov.au/legal/

If you feel you are being harassed

or discriminated against please

contact student support services at


http://www.hreoc.gov.au/legal/

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/legal/


Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Being affected by alcohol or drugs can seriously compromise the health, safety and welfare of learners and also impair an individual’s ability to perform competently and professionally. Definitions

• Drugs - Any illegal, recreational or non-prescriptive substances.

• Medication - refers to medication prescribed by a doctor

National College Australia will not tolerate you:

• consuming alcohol or non-medically prescribed drugs whilst in training

• being affected by alcohol or drugs (illegal or medically prescribed) in the sense that your ability to learn safely, competently and professionally is impaired

• bringing any illegal drugs into the training environment at any time

• retaining, consuming, manufacturing, dealing with or administering any illegal drugs in the training environment at any time

It is not an offence for you to:

• bring into the training environment drugs for which you have a specific medical prescription

• smoke tobacco products at times and places designated by National College Australia

If you are aware of any incident involving alcohol or drugs, you must immediately notify the facilitator/assessor. If the facilitator/ assessor is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, immediately notify National College Australia.

ASSESSMENT TASKS Evidence of competency should

cover the elements within the

performance criteria, including the

required assessment criteria in the

standards against which

assessment is to be carried out.

Direct evidence may include:

• direct performance

evidence, either current or

past (within reasonable

limits)

• extracted examples

from the workplace

• observation in the workplace

• simulations, including competency

and skills tests, projects,

assignments

Indirect evidence may include:

• Activities

• Projects

• Observation reports

• Case studies


THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMING Remember to follow your training

program carefully. Your facilitator/assessor

will advise you of the dates that your

assessments are due and we strongly

encourage you to plan your professional

and personal commitments around these

dates. The more you fall behind the

harder it will be to catch up, so make sure

you aim to complete assessment tasks by

the due dates.

Failure to meet deadlines could mean the

termination of your enrolment

APPEALING AN ASSESSMENT OUTCOME

You have the right to appeal the outcome of an assessment.

National College Australia’s appeal process

involves the following steps:

Step 1

Contact the College for an

Assessment Appeal Form.

Step 2

Complete the form and return it to

Student Services. The assessment will be

reviewed by another National College

Australia facilitator/assessor. You will be

advised of the outcome in writing within

14 days.

Step 3

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome,

you will need to advise Student Services

in writing.

Step 4

The assessment task will be reviewed by

external assessors and you will be advised of

the outcome in writing within 14 days.

Step 5

If you remain dissatisfied with the result, you

will be advised to seek external advice.

.


COMPLAINTS & APPEALS If you have a general concern about the

quality of the service provided to you by

National College Australia, you have the

right to lodge a formal complaint.

To do so, contact National College

Australia and ask for a Client Complaint

Form. After you submit this form, National

College Australia will investigate the

issue and provide you with a written

response within 7 working days. If you are

unsatisfied with the response, you may

appeal the decision, which will escalate

the matter within National College

Australia.

You will be given a written response of the

outcome within another 7 working days.

In the event where there is a

concern about your conduct in the

classroom

or with any fellow learner or National

College Australia staff member, the

following process will be implemented:

Step 1 National College Australia will

contact you to discuss the matter. You will

be issued a first warning and advised that

if the matter continues, your enrolment

may be terminated.

Step 2 Where necessary, National College

Australia will advise your employer and/or

the state department.

Step 3 Your enrolment will be terminated

if this matter continues. If however, you

act in an illegal or dangerous manner,

your enrolment will be terminated

without any warning. If the situation

warrants, legal proceedings may be taken

against you.


COMPLETION Upon the successful completion of all

Units of Competency, and where your

facilitator/assessor has deemed you

competent, you will be issued with the

appropriate qualification.

We will mail your qualification to the

address you provide on your

enrolment form. Please inform us

before the end of the course if you

prefer to have it delivered to another

address.

As part of legislative requirements, we

will keep your course records for 30 years.

If you lose or misplace your qualification,

a copy can be reissued at a cost.

To do this, you will need to provide a

written request with at least two forms of

identification from the list below:

• Driver’s License

• Australian Passport

• Proof of residency

(Australian Birth Certificate)

• Medicare Card

If you do not complete the full

qualification, you will be issued with a

Statement of Attainment for the UoC’s you

did complete successfully

FEES & CHARGES

National College Australia will inform you of any fees and charges relevant to your program including the payment structure.

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS

The College has a no-refund or cancellation policy for change of mind or a change in personal circumstances. Fee for service learners are required to pay an administration fee which is non-refundable.

1. If you change your mind within 10 calendar days from the date of the enrolment:

• if you have paid in full, you will be issued a refund less the cancellation fee

• if you have a payment plan, the plan will be cancelled and direct debit payments will cease (less the cancellation fee)

2. If you change your mind after the

11th

calendar day from the date of the enrolment:

• if you have paid in full, a refund will not be issued

• if you have a payment plan, the plan will not be cancelled and direct debit payments will continue to be made until payments have been finalised


FEEDBACK Your opinion is VERY IMPORTANT to us. The feedback you provide on our performance our overall service is used in the design and development of our programs - to bring you the best possible training experience. At the end of your course, you will be asked to complete an evaluation form on. Don’t wait to the end, though; share your thoughts with us at any point along the way.

We would love to hear from you

CONTACTS Your facilitator/assessor is your first point of contact for any questions about the course content, including the learning material, assessment tasks and workplace evidence requirements.

You will be able to reach your facilitator/assessor by phone or email during set times. They will get back to you within about 3 days to answer any questions and mark your work within 2 weeks.

For any questions that are not related to course content should be directed to Student Services. At the start of your course, you will be assigned a support coordinator whose role is to provide administrative support. Please contact your coordinator for any issues relating to changes in your contact details, certification, grievances etc. Their details will be in the Welcome email sent you as confirmation of your enrolment.

Head Office - Sydney, NSW

New enquiries: 1300 83 53 73 Existing students: (02) 8831 6683 PO Box 7607 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Tasmania Office

All enquiries: 1300 73 93 20 PO Box 768 Kings Meadows Tasmania 7249



Sky City Building A, Level 2, 20 Lexington Drive

Norwest Business Park Bella Vista, NSW 2153

www.nationalcollege.edu.au

PO Box 7607, BAULKHAM HILLS BC NSW 2153

RTO ID 91000

http://www.nationalcollege.edu.au/


Documents

1 | COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK V.31052017 4 | P a g e CONTENTS WELCOME 5 ABOUT NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA