Commissioners Information Bulletin 289
Issued: 16 August 2006

Community Services and Health Industry - Amendment to the Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services

The Commissioner for Vocational Training has approved the amendment to the existing Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services, under section 6 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act, 2001.

The current VTO specifies 35 Certificate II, III and IV qualifications. Pre-requisites to undertake qualifications at Certificate III and VI levels are not referred to in the VTO.

The amended VTO confirms that six Certificate III and six Certificate IV qualifications have pre-requisites. These were detailed in the Health Training Package HLT02, endorsed by the National Training Quality Council (NTQC) on 11 December, 2002.  

Vocational Training Order Standard Format

The VTO in each instance may make reference to:

1. the appropriate term or terms for apprenticeship 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 VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Community Services is at Attachment A.

Industrial arrangements

Provisions for the employment of trainees in the health industry exist in the following instruments:

National Training Wage Award 2000
Health Employees (State) Award
Ambulance Employees (State) Award
Public Hospitals Dental Assistants Interim (State) Award

Award arrangements in the non-government health industry sector vary and include many enterprise agreements. Relevant awards will be included as identified by employers.

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

Health Training Package qualifications have support material and resources available to enterprises, trainers and learners. Information regarding products and their availability can be accessed through http://www.skillsonline.net.au

The national body, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council, has resources and information available on www.cshisc.com.au.

Availability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) Training Market website http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/trainingmarket/ identifies RTOs who are scoped to deliver health industry qualifications in NSW.

The National Training Information website http://www.ntis.gov.au also identifies RTOs in NSW registered to deliver qualifications from the Health Industry Training Package.

Licensing

There are no licensing requirements for these traineeships.

NOTE All other arrangements pertaining to these traineeships remain current, as outlined at CIB 214 - http://apprenticeship.det.nsw.edu.au/html/cibs/214.htm

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

IAN KINGSLEY
Commissioner for Vocational Training