Commissioners Information Bulletin 318
Issued: 19 October 2007

Engineering - Amended Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Engineering

At the request of Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA), the revised Vocational Training Order for the recognised traineeship vocation of Engineering has been approved under section 6 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act, 2001.

The amended VTO highlights the addition of two advanced level qualifications, the Diploma of Engineering – Technical MEM50205 and the Advanced Diploma of Engineering MEM60105 from Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM05.

Vocational Training Order Standard Format (VTO)

The VTO in each instance specifies:

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 VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Engineering is at Attachment A.

Qualifications framework

Nineteen qualifications, ranging from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma are included the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Traineeship vocations

For the purpose of the VTO in NSW, trainees in the engineering industry will now have the option of gaining the following qualifications:

• MEM20105 Certificate II in Engineering
• MEM20205 Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology
• MEM30105 Certificate III in Engineering - Production Systems
• MEM30505 Certificate III in Engineering - Technical
• MEM50205 Diploma of Engineering - Technical
• MEM60105 Advanced Diploma of Engineering

Entry level requirements for higher level qualifications

There are no formal entry requirements for the Diploma of Engineering – Technical or the Advanced Diploma of Engineering, but because of the analytical nature of some of the units it is recommended that applicants have a MEM30505 Certificate III in Engineering – Technical or a NSW Higher School Certificate (or equivalent).

Industrial arrangements

The following industrial arrangements are in place:

• Metal, Engineering and Associated Industries Award 1998 Part II
• Draughting, Production Planners and Technical Workers Award 1998
• Manufacturing and Associated Industries – Skills Development – Wages and Conditions Award 2004

Where industrial instruments such as enterprise agreements and Australian Workplace Agreements are established, each instrument will need to be verified for traineeship provisions.

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.

VET in schools

There are provisions within the quoted awards for part-time traineeships. The industry is attractive to those seeking part-time work whilst still at school.

Manufacturing Skills Australia has identified the Certificate II in Engineering MEM20105 as suitable for delivery as a school based part-time traineeship.

For school based traineeships currently being delivered in NSW go to https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/vetinschools/traineeships/sbt/traineeships.html

Licensing arrangements

There are no licensing requirements which impact on these arrangements.

Availability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

A list of RTOs in New South Wales who can deliver traineeship training from the Metal and Engineering Training Package MEM05 may be found on the National Training and Information web site at www.ntis.gov.au

Funding and Incentives

At the August 2007 meeting of the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training, the Board endorsed the establishment of Diploma and Advanced Diploma level traineeships where there is demand in line with current industry based arrangements.

In July 2007, the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training called for a report on the funding of apprenticeship and traineeship training in New South Wales. This report is expected to be completed in February 2008.  So while Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications may be approved for delivery as traineeship or apprenticeship pathways in New South Wales no decision on the funding of their delivery will be made until 2008.

Some targeted Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications attract financial assistance for eligible employers from the Commonwealth Government.

For details see - http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/employer/incentives.asp or contact your local Australian Apprenticeship Centre on telephone number 13 38 73.

Learning resources and assessment materials

Endorsed and non-endorsed components have been developed to support Diploma of Engineering – Technical MEM50205 and the Advanced Diploma of Engineering MEM60105 qualifications. Endorsed components include competency standards, assessment guidelines and qualifications. The non-endorsed components include a learning strategies document, assessment instruments and an assessment manual. Further information on endorsed and non-endorsed components of the training package is available from Manufacturing Skills Australia at www.mskills.com.au

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

LYNDA BOLAND
A/Director, Apprenticeships and Traineeships
under delegation from the Commissioner for Vocational Training