Commissioners Information Bulletin 381
Issued: 24 October 2008

Health Services - Vocational Training Order for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services - Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support

The Commissioner for Vocational Training (Commissioner), in consultation with the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), has varied the existing Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services.

The variations are:

• The recognised traineeship of Health Services to Health Services – Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support has been established
• the replacement of HLT31402 Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Hospital and Community Health Pharmacy Assistance) with HLT31407 Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support and
• the replacement of HLT40502 Certificate IV in Health Service Assistance (Hospital and Community Health Pharmacy Technician) with HLT40507 Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support.

The VTO specifies a number of matters including the terms of training, probationary periods, competency outcomes and courses of study to be undertaken.

A copy of the VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services – Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support is at Attachment A.

This qualification covers workers who provide a range of assistance to Pharmacists in hospital and community health settings. This qualification is not applicable to retail pharmacy workers. Occupational titles for these workers may include:

HLT40507 Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support

This qualification covers workers who provide a range of technical functions under the supervision of a pharmacist in a hospital or community setting. These workers may also have the role of coordinating the work of pharmacy assistants or aides. This qualification is not applicable to retail pharmacy workers.

Qualifications

For the purpose of the VTO in NSW, trainees will now be able to gain HLT31407 Certificate III in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support and HLT40507 Certificate IV in Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support.

The packaging and structure requirements for these qualifications are outlined in Attachment B.

Industrial arrangements

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

Industrial arrangements under which Health Services – Hospital/Health Services Pharmacy Support trainees can be employed are listed at Attachment C.

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETS)

The ITAB has advised that the both the Certificates III and IV are not suitable as school based traineeship pathways.

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 Skills Online.

Resources and information is available from the national body, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council.

Licensing

There are currently no licensing requirements within the Health Services industry in New South Wales. However, the following are requirements for training and working in the public health industry sector. Many private employers also implement these policy directives in New South Wales.

Immunisation: Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with the assessment, screening and vaccination requirements of Policy Directive PD 2007_006. Evidence of immunity (record of vaccination signed by a vaccination provider, or serological confirmation of immunity) is a NSW Health requirement for students to be accepted for clinical placement in all areas.

Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Person:  Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with Employment Screening Using Criminal Record Checks Policy Directive PD2005_552.

Availability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

The National Training Information Service identifies RTOs in New South Wales registered to deliver qualifications from the HLT07 Health Industry Training Package.

Note - References to HLT31402 Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Hospital and Community Health Pharmacy Assistance) and HLT40502 Certificate IV in Health Service Assistance (Hospital and Community Health Pharmacy Technician) in Commissioner’s Information Bulletin 291 are superseded by this Bulletin.

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

PHILLIP MOORE
Commissioner for Vocational Training