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NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK V.31052017 4 | 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
NATIONAL COLLEGE AUSTRALIA RTO ID 91000 - LEARNER HANDBOOK V.31052017 5 | P a g e
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]
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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
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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.
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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
National College Australia.
Please include a JP certified copy of your
qualification or Statement of Attainment,
including a transcript of the units you under
took.
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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Employer’s Responsibilities
National College Australia’s Rights
The College’s Responsibilities
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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
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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
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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
National College Australia.
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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
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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.
.
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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.
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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
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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
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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