VET Products for the 21st Century - National Skills Standards Council

1 . 6 R e c o m m e n d a t i o n sThat the NQC:Recommendation 1Revise the definition of competency as follows:Competency is the consistentapplication of knowledge and skill to thestandard of performance required in theworkplace. It embodies the ability totransfer and apply skills and knowledgeto new situations and environments.Recommendation 2Review supplementary descriptions to incorporatethe following concepts of competency into thedefinition:• It is demonstrated to the standards required inthe workplace;• It comprises the application of specified skillsand knowledge relevant to that occupation;• It makes appropriate reference to required generic and employability skills;• It covers all aspects of workplace performance; and • It can be demonstrated consistently over time,and covers a sufficient range of experiences(including those in simulated or institutionalenvironments)Recommendation 3Ensure that this definition is used consistently in allkey VET documents and Government publications.Recommendation 4Ensure that the dimensions of competencyunderpinning the definition of competence areexplained more simply and clearly so that they areconceived in ways which meet the full range ofneeds of industry, industry sectors, enterprises andindividuals.Recommendation 5Reaffirm a single organising framework for VETqualifications comprised of Training Packages andAccredited Courses and allow for qualifications thatachieve or contribute to occupational outcomes orfoundation skills [i.e., Language, Literacy andNumeracy (LLN) and general education].• packaging rules as applied in Training Packages to ensure maximum flexibility andconsistency within and across Training Packages and Accredited Courses, where both possible and appropriate; • the use of units from accredited courses withinTraining Packages; and• the process for developing and approving Accredited Courses including:- how duplication of training packagecontent and coverage is identified andresolved;- improving consistency between stateaccrediting bodies and across the ISCs.The report on the outcomes to go to the SeptemberCOAG meeting and include detailed changes to beimplemented by the NQC as a matter of urgency. 2Recommendation 7Ensure that units of competency are efficientlyutilised within and across industry in order to avoidduplication wherever possible.Recommendation 8Ensure a stronger focus on preparatory andenabling qualifications aimed at building generalworkforce capability and entry to a range of jobs inindustry and occupational areas by explicitlyincorporating such qualifications into the nationalframework in a more systematic way.Recommendation 9Ensure that Certificates I and II are clearly identifiedas either preparatory or entry-level qualifications.Recommendation 10Allow for VET qualifications to provide for identifiedknowledge and preparatory units of competence asappropriate.Recommendation 11Design and develop the specifications for theproposed endorsed component relating toAssessment Requirements.Recommendation 6In order to maximise consistency, flexibility andresponsiveness, undertake a full andcomprehensive review of:2Refer to page 7 for additional resolution from MCVTEVET PRODUCTS FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY - 6