Commissioners Information Bulletin 223
Issued: 2 October 2003

Establishment of a new recognised trade vocation in drafting and the relevant VTO, the approval of an amended VTO for two recognised trade vocations in drafting, and the repeal of two recognised trades

At the request of the NSW Property Services; Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services; Utilities and Electrotechnology, and Construction Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITABs), the Commissioner for Vocational Training has designated a new trade vocation in Drafting Trade (Electrical) and repealed the recognised trade vocations of Drafting Trade (Architectural) and Drafting Trade (Civil and Survey) under section 5 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 and has approved the relevant Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the new recognised trade vocation under section 6 of the same Act.

The Commissioner for Vocational Training has also approved the variation to the existing VTOs for the recognised trade vocations of Drafting Trade (Mechanical) and Drafting Trade (Structural) under section 6 of the same Act.

Vocational Training Order Standard Format (VTO)
The VTO in each instance may make reference to:

1. the appropriate term or terms for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation,
2. the appropriate probationary period or periods for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation, having regard to the term or terms specified for them under paragraph (a),
3. the appropriate qualification or qualifications that may be awarded in relation to an apprenticeship or traineeship in that vocation,
4. any other training to be provided in addition to the training required for an appropriate qualification,
5. such other matters relating to the training of apprentices or trainees in that vocation as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

A copy of the relevant VTOs supporting the establishment of the recognised trade vocations in drafting is at Attachment A.

Qualifications structure and approach
There are no nationally endorsed competency standards for the drafting qualifications available at this time. The learning outcomes have been developed through consultation with relevant industry and educational representatives.

The new qualification is comprised of a generic front end of compulsory drafting modules and streams of electives to meet individual industry requirements.

For the purpose of the three VTOs in NSW, an apprentice will have the option of gaining a Certificate III in Drafting Trades 91084NSW (NSW TAFE Code 3442).

The new qualification packaging and structure is outlined in Attachment B (PDF 65KB).

Industrial arrangements

• Draughtsmen, Planners, Technical Officers & c. (State) Award
• AWU Training Wage (State) Award

VET in Schools
Not applicable.

Note: Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish any traineeship or apprenticeship will not be approved unless the Commissioner is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

Learning resources and assessment materials
Information is available from TAFE NSW at http://www.tafe.nsw.edu.au/

For any enquiries regarding this CIB, please contact the Vocational Training Unit on (02) 9266 8579.

PAM CHRISTIE
Commissioner of Vocational Training