Student Handbook
Transcription
Student Handbook
Queensland Ambulance Service (RTO 5285) Student Handbook Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 1 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................4 About Queensland Ambulance Service...........................................................................................4 Our mission ......................................................................................................................................... 4 Our objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Finding Us ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Parking ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Public Transport .................................................................................................................................. 5 Lunch Options...................................................................................................................................... 5 Our Trainers......................................................................................................................................... 5 Our expectation of you ..................................................................................................................6 Unique Student Identifier ..............................................................................................................6 Your safety....................................................................................................................................7 Electrical equipment ........................................................................................................................... 7 Fire safety ............................................................................................................................................ 7 First aid ................................................................................................................................................ 8 Lifting ................................................................................................................................................... 8 Work & study areas ............................................................................................................................. 8 Your equity ...................................................................................................................................8 Your privacy ..................................................................................................................................9 Fees, Charges and Cancellation Policy ..........................................................................................10 Fees payable ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Student cancellation.......................................................................................................................... 11 Refunds.............................................................................................................................................. 11 Payment method ............................................................................................................................... 11 Substitutions and Transfers............................................................................................................... 12 Our Guarantee to Clients .................................................................................................................. 12 Access to your records .................................................................................................................12 Continuous improvement ............................................................................................................12 Assessment .................................................................................................................................13 Re-assessment ................................................................................................................................... 14 Language, literacy & numeracy skills ............................................................................................15 Making complaints & appeals ......................................................................................................15 What is a complaint? ......................................................................................................................... 15 Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 2 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service What is an appeal? ............................................................................................................................ 16 Early resolution of complaints & appeals.......................................................................................... 16 Complaint and appeals handling ....................................................................................................... 16 Review by an independent person.................................................................................................... 17 Review by external agency ................................................................................................................ 18 Recognition of your existing skills & knowledge ...........................................................................18 What is recognition? ......................................................................................................................... 18 Recognition guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 19 Recognition exemptions .................................................................................................................... 19 Forms of evidence for recognition .................................................................................................... 20 What is national recognition? ........................................................................................................... 20 Evidence requirements ..................................................................................................................... 21 National recognition guidelines ........................................................................................................ 21 Legislative and Regulatory Responsibilities ..................................................................................22 Work Health and Safety Act 2011 ..................................................................................................... 22 Privacy Act 1988 ................................................................................................................................ 22 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 .................................................................................................... 23 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 .............................................................................................................. 23 Age Discrimination Act 2004 ............................................................................................................. 24 Racial Discrimination Act 1975 .......................................................................................................... 24 Copyright Act 1968 ............................................................................................................................ 25 Fair Work Act 2009 ............................................................................................................................ 25 National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 ..................................................... 26 Changes to terms and conditions .................................................................................................26 Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 3 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Introduction − and retain talented, competent and This information booklet is designed to committed trainers. We promote provide you with information about the services provided by excellent the participate in training − www.ambulance.qld.gov.au. equality. to − in highest priorities. of qualified − which and with holds integrity ethical as our Quality committed. We aspire to deliver and consistent, high quality services and apply quality systems dedicated Trainers. which support training and assessment excellence. Our mission QAS mission is to deliver quality safe, accordance QAS is an RTO providing high-quality conduct team is Integrity & ethics. We conduct behaviour a an which Service boasts providing shared and agreed standards of About Queensland Ambulance has modern, up to date facilities, and are and assessment environment. ourselves training to students in Australia. QAS We confident and productive training QAS. Course information is available at professional equitable and which promotes a about a particular course offered by website & environment provide you with specific information our Safety committed and assessment. This handbook does not on and through development. and our approach to providing you a to performance leadership Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) safe, fair and supported environment People. We strive to attract, recruit − Learner Focused. We thrive on training assessment that meets the providing training and assessment needs of learners and industry. that is learner focused and which Our objectives In recognition of this mission, our objectives are: supports lifelong learning. We respect our students and strive to attract them time after time through high quality training and assessment experiences. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 4 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service − Industry engagement. We recognise the value of industry engagement as the driving force in shaping our training and assessment strategies. We deliver training and assessment services which are founded on industry needs and expectations. Lunch Options Some locations may have eateries nearby, however this is not always the case. QAS recommends that you bring your own lunch to your course. Our Trainers Our First Aid Instructors are qualified, Finding Us dedicated Venues for our courses can be found at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au or by current industry who have experience and qualifications in a range of industries. Their phoning 13 QGOV (13 7468). professionals industry experience is continually up to date by participating in professional development activities, Parking Whilst you are attending our site by vehicle, you will need to park in the therefore giving our students the best practical industry experience. allocated parking if available. Street At QAS we deliver a nationally parking or paid parking may be accredited qualification via training required in some locations. Please note face-to-face, that where your course is scheduled at workplace. When you study with QAS, an operational ambulance station, you your First Aid Instructor will be will be required at all times to ensure always there to assist you throughout your vehicle does not block the entry your course. and exit of emergency vehicles. transport your in the qualified trainers and have personal options may be available in some locations. Please check and QAS trainers are all professionally Public Transport Public online course confirmation industry and job role experience. Our trainers deliver their training in a way that students will enjoy. information for location details to assist you in locating public transport if available. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 5 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Our expectation of you − staff members and their right to QAS expects you: − privacy and confidentiality. To contribute to learning in a harmonious and positive manner From 1 January 2015 to 31 December preference, 2015, political status, affiliation, disability or religious belief. To comply with the rules and To be honest and respectful, which includes not falsifying work or information and not conducting yourself in any way that may cause injury or offence to others? − To be responsible for your own learning and development participating actively by and positively and by ensuring that exempt from the mandatory collection of the Unique students choose to provide their USI to us, we will collect and verify it. If you're studying nationally recognised training in Australia with QAS from 1 January 2016, it will be mandatory for you to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to receive your qualification from QAS. Your USI links to an online account that contains all your training records and results (transcript) that you have completed. If you provide your USI to QAS in 2015, your results from 2015 will be available learning modules. in your USI account in 2016. To monitor your own progress by When applying for a job or enrolling in maintain progress ensuring that assessment deadlines are observed. − is with you − QAS Student Identifier (USI). However, if regulations of QAS. − Unique Student Identifier irrespective of gender, race, sexual marital − To respect other students and QAS To utilise further study, you will often need to provide your training records and results (transcript). One of the main facilities QAS benefits of the USI is the ability to publications with respect and to provide students with easy access to honour our copyrights and prevent their training records and results our being (transcript) throughout their life. You unauthorised can access your USI account online publication distributed to and from persons. from your computer, tablet or smart phone anytime. For more information Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 6 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service about the USI or to create your USI, − please visit www.usi.gov.au. lift items e.g. move furniture in a training area; and Your safety − QAS is committed to providing you a safe environment in which We are aware under the Work Health Safety Act 2011 of our responsibilities to maintain a safe as a basis for safe practice in the and observe emergency details − response − − performed by licensed trained or appropriately Do not undertake activities which electrical training aids. responsible personnel. should not undertake any task related to fixing electrical equipment such as lighting or for your own Fire safety − QAS will undertake communicate the to procedures No smoking at the training and involved in evacuation and the assessment facilities or offices; location Report all potential hazards, accidents and near misses to the RTO staff; − Electrical work should only be Students, trainers and assessors and actions; − Electrical equipment that is not evacuation plans; Be and working should be reported to of may cause injury to self or others; − eating Electrical equipment training environment: − in standards QAS staff. The following guidelines are provided Know hygiene bathroom areas. environment. − Observe particularly to participate in training and assessment. and Seek assistance if you volunteer to fire equipment to students at each facility for each training and assessment event; and to users of the office according to No consumption of alcohol within of internal departmental procedures. training and assessment facilities or during the conduct of training and assessment; − Keep training and assessment areas neat and tidy at all times; Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 7 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service − All users of a training and − assessment facility need to be the back straight when picking up familiar with the location of all items. EXITS and fire extinguishers. Users will consult available maps − attempt to lift heavy objects at all. It is the user's responsibility to understand fire drill procedures displayed around the premises. − Users are asked to attend any Ask someone else to do it for you. Work & study areas − to avoid the danger of accident by and the use of fire safety devices. tripping or falling over. First aid − Provision for first aid facilities are available where training is delivered. − All accidents must be reported to The accident and any aid involved, in the injury register. − Ensure that bench spaces are left Do not sit or climb on any desks or Students, trainers and assessors related Your equity QAS is committed to ensuring that the is are encouraged not to lift anything to assessment the training provided by and QAS unless they do so voluntarily and taking all responsibility for any injury caused. − − training and assessment environment Lifting − provided. tables. administered must be recorded by staff Place all rubbish in the bins clean and tidy. staff. − Always ensure that all work areas are clean and clear of clutter so as sessions on fire safety procedures − If you have experienced back problems in the past do not to determine location. − Always bend the knees and keep Never attempt to lift anything that is beyond your capacity. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook free from discrimination and harassment. All QAS staff members (including contractors) are aware that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances. In the event that discrimination and harassment is found to have occurred disciplinary against breaches action any this staff will be taken member who policy. Suspected criminal behaviour will be reported to Page 8 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service police authorities Students should immediately. expect fair and − QAS will retain personal information about you relating to friendly behaviour from QAS staff your members and we apply complaint includes your personal details, your handling procedures advocated by the ethnicity and individual needs, Australian Human Rights and Equal your education background. We Opportunity Commission (HREOC). will also retain records of you Students who feel that they have been discriminated against or harassed should report this information to a staff member of QAS that they feel they can trust. This will initiate a enrolment with us. This training activity and are required to do this in accordance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011. − Your personal information is complaints handling procedure which retained within our hard copy will be fair and transparent and will filling system and our computer protect your rights as a complainant. systems. Alternatively, if a student wishes to collected via the enrolment form report an instance of discrimination or and through your completion of harassment to an agency external to administrative related forms and QAS, they are advised to contact the based on your training outcomes. HREOC Complaints Info-line on 1300 Hard copy files are secured in 656 419. lockable filing cabinets which are is secured in the evening. Electronic QAS takes the privacy of students very and information monitored throughout the day and Your privacy seriously You complies with all legislative requirements. These include the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian Privacy Principles (effective from 12th March 2014). data retained on our computer systems is protected via virus protection software and firewall protection. Our data is backed up continuously to our server which is secure. Here’s what you need to know: Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 9 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service − QAS is required by the National − If you have concerns about how Vocational Education and Training QAS is managing your personal Regulator Act 2011 to securely information, we encourage you to retain your personal details for a inform our staff and discuss your period of 30 years from the date concerns. You are also encouraged your enrolment has completed. The to make a complaint directly to us purpose of this is to enable your using participation in accredited training handling arrangements outlined in to be recorded for future reference this handbook. Under the Privacy and to allow you to obtain a record Act 1988 (Privacy Act) you also of your outcome if required. have the right to make a complaint − In some cases we are required by law to make student information available to Government agencies such as the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research or the Australian Skills Quality Authority. In all other cases QAS will seek the written permission of the student for such disclosure. QAS will information organisation not to disclose any unless your person we or have written instructions from you to do so. If you require your records to be accessed by persons such as your parents, you need to authorise this access otherwise this access will be denied. our internal complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) about the handling of your personal information. You can find more information about making a privacy complaint at the website of the OAIC located at: http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/pri vacy-complaints. − For more information about the QAS Privacy Policy please visit www.ambulance.qld.gov.au. Fees, Charges and Cancellation Policy QAS is entitled to charge fees for items or services provided to students undertaking a course of − You have the right to access study. These charges are generally for information that QAS is retaining items such as course materials or text that books, student services and training relates to you. Further instructions are provided on how to access records within the section titled “Access to your records”. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook and assessment services. Other fees may be charged for other services. Page 10 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service For more information about our Fees, Charges and Refund Policy, please visit https://bookings.qld.gov.au/services/f irstaid/legal/terms/. Refunds Students who cancel their enrolment may be entitled to a refund. Refund terms and conditions are available in our Fees, Charges and Refund policy at For more information about our Fees payable Fees are payable when a student has received a confirmation of enrolment. The initial fee payment must be paid prior to commencing training or in Fees, Charges and Refund Policy, please visit https://bookings.qld.gov.au/services/f irstaid/legal/terms/. accordance with the invoice payment Where an administration charge is terms. QAS may discontinue training applicable or where QAS does not if fees are not paid as required. Fees refund the full amount of fees paid, for public courses are available at the amount retained by QAS is www.ambulance.qld.gov.au. required to cover the costs of staff and Student cancellation resources which will have already been committed based on the Students who cancel their enrolment students initial intention to undertake prior to commencement or part way the training. through a training program must notify QAS at the soonest opportunity, preferably in writing. Students who cancel their enrolment after a training program has commenced may not be entitled to a refund of fees. Students are advised to consider alternative options such as requesting to suspend their enrolment and re-commencing in Payment method QAS accepts payment for fees using: − Credit Card − Cheque (made payable to QAS) − In accordance with invoice payment terms (if an invoice is issued). another scheduled training program. For more information about our Fees, Charges and Refund Policy, please visit https://bookings.qld.gov.au/services/f irstaid/legal/terms/. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 11 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Substitutions and Transfers are welcome to have access anytime Requests for substitutions or transfers should be made in writing prior to just ask your trainer and it will be organised immediately. course commencement. For terms You can access hard copy records and and conditions please refer to our reports from our student management Fees, Charges and Refund Policy at system, but only relating to you https://bookings.qld.gov.au/services/f personally. You can request this access irstaid/legal/terms/. using the Student Records Request Form. Access to requested records Our Guarantee to Clients during a work day will be arranged as If for any reason QAS is unable to soon as possible and definitely within fulfil its service agreement with a 24 hours. Students should note that student, QAS must issue a full refund these records cannot be taken away for any services not provided. The unless a copy is requested. Where basis for determining “services not photocopies provided” is to be based on the units reserves the right to charge a one-off of competency completed by the photocopy fee of $10.00. There is no student and which can be issued in a cost to simply view records at our statement of attainment at the time office. the service is terminated. are requested, QAS Continuous improvement For more information about our Fees, Charges and Refund Policy, please visit https://bookings.qld.gov.au/services/f QAS is committed to the continuous improvement of our training and assessment services, student services irstaid/legal/terms/. and management systems. Central to Access to your records continuous improvement procedures we this commitment is our approach to You are entitled to have access to your student file and learning and assessment records on request. You may require these to monitor you progress with training or simply to go back and confirm something in a previous training module. Whilst these records will be retained by QAS, you Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook systematic apply and and to the achieve sustained improvement. Suggesting improvements The primary method of reporting opportunities for students is improvement via improvement by the continuous reporting procedure. Page 12 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service This procedure allows any person to have been chosen for the course you raise are enrolled in. Assessment methods a Report Continuous for Improvement consideration by the may include: Written Knowledge Continuous Improvement Committee. Assessment (multiple choice and/or Often these reports will be generated short answer), Research Tasks, Case after an opportunity for improvement Studies, Work Log Book, Supervisor has been identified by a staff member Feedback or Observation. student. Improvement The Continuous Report template is available on request. Students are encouraged to provide feedback to QAS so we can improve our services in the future. The and following Workplace provides a brief explanation of the primary assessment methods: − Written Knowledge Assessment: The student is required to provide a Learner satisfaction survey written response to a questions program, you will be issued with a knowledge Feedback Form Learner competency. These would generally Satisfaction Survey. Learner be short answer response activities Satisfaction Survey is a nationally and may include other questioning consistent methods including multiple-choice. survey The tool which is designed to collect feedback from students about their experience with an RTO and in undertaking nationally recognised training. Your completion and return of this survey is important to QAS for our ongoing improvement of services and to enable us to report this information to our registering authority. Your assistance in gathering this survey data is greatly appreciated. Assessment − Research of Tasks: to of At the completion of your training and relating range the The required units student of is required to undertake research within their own workplace and the available reference material and provide a written response to each question. These assessment activities are usually short to medium answer response activities. The responses provided by the student will largely be specific to their workplace. − Case Study Response: The student is At QAS assessment is conducted required using a variety of methods. The most response to a situation presented in a appropriate methods of assessment Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook to provide a written case study scenario. This will usually Page 13 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service consider observation activities in events and is presented, required to make arrangements to undertake some research to inform undertake these activities when the their response and then to propose assessor is in attendance at the their recommended actions. workplace. require the carefully student the to situation − Workplace Log book: The student is required to record details of their work activity completed during the work placement. These details are recorded against specified tasks which are predesigned for the student to complete. This forms an important part of the assessment evidence as it often includes critical evidence that is otherwise difficult for the assessor to observe. periodically engage with workplace supervisors to seek their feedback about the student’s performance. This is undertaken as an interview with a duration of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This interview can be undertaken over the phone or face to face. Feedback from a supervisor is recorded into the assessment record. will be observed performing specific in competent are to be provided with detailed verbal and written feedback to assist them to identify the gaps in their knowledge and skills to be addressed through further training. These students are to be provided with additional training and learning support to target their specific gaps in their them for additional assessment. It is the policy of QAS to provide three opportunities for additional training and re-assessment at no additional cost to the student or employer. Students who require additional training and reassessment after they have exhausted their three opportunities will be required to pay a fee for additional training and re-assessment. Please refer to the current fee schedule to − Workplace Observation: The student tasks Students who are assessed as not yet knowledge and/or skills and prepare − Supervisor Feedback: The assessor will Re-assessment day-to-day work activities. The assessor will attend the workplace and observe the student performing tasks relevant to the units of competency being assessed. The student will be briefed on these Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook identify the re-assessment fee. Student’s requiring additional learning support are to be brought to the attention of QAS management so the progress monitored of the student closely and can be additional support services can be applied well before it becomes necessary to impose Page 14 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service an additional fee for re-assessment. assistance available. QAS generally Where students repeatedly do not recommend demonstrate following courses provided by TAFE. These significant learning and assessment institutes have specialist teachers to support, a student’s enrolment can be support the student’s development. competence determined through mutual agreement. − the LLN training Refer students to external language, literacy and numeracy support Language, literacy & numeracy services skills support available within QAS and Language, literacy and numeracy skills assessed as necessary; and This is particularly true in many − skills influence measuring, comprehending weighing written and work instructions. a student’s if QAS is committed to providing a fair an language, their enrolment to ensure they have transparent complaints and independent external body if necessary. What is a complaint? adequate skills to complete the A complaint is negative feedback training; about services or staff which has not Support students during their study with training and assessment materials and strategies that are easily understood and suitable to the level of the workplace skills being delivered; − programs appeals process that includes access to literacy and numeracy skills during − training Making complaints & appeals and To support this approach QAS will: Assess the necessary. the performance of workplace tasks such − beyond Negotiate an extension of time to complete vocations where language, literacy and as are where this level of support is are critical to almost all areas of work. numeracy that Provide clear been resolved locally. A complaint may be received by QAS in any form and does not need to be formally documented by the complainant in order to be acted on. Complaints may be made by any person but are generally made by students and/or information to employers. students about the details of the language, literacy and numeracy Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 15 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service What is an appeal? journal complaint An appeal is an application by a Records student for reconsideration of an unfavourable decision or events during handling relating to the process. complaint handling are stored securely to finding prevent access to unauthorised during training and/or assessment. An personnel. appeal must be made in writing and specify the particulars of the decision of − A complainant is to be provided an or finding in dispute. Appeals must be opportunity to formally present his submitted to QAS within 28 days of or her case at no cost. the student being informed of the assessment decision or finding. − training and assessment that are the may be support person at any relevant meeting. − The handling of a complaint is to commence source of frustration or are in dispute within seven (7) working days of the lodgement of should be resolved at the time, as they the complaint and all reasonable occur between the persons involved, measures are taken to finalise the where possible. Sometimes, it will not process as soon as practicable. be possible and in these cases you are encouraged to come forward and complainant accompanied and/or assisted by a Early resolution of complaints & appeals In all cases, issues that arise during Each − The complainant is to be provided inform us of your concerns with the a written response to the complaint, confidence that you will be treated including details of the reasons for fairly. the outcome. A written response must Complaint and appeals handling is to be kept by QAS including all details of lodgement, response and resolution. QAS will maintain a complaints register to be used to record the details of the complaint and to maintain a chronological Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook to the days of the lodgement of the complaint. to its complaints and appeals handling: A written record of all complaints provided complainant within fourteen (14) QAS applies the following principles − be − Complaints must be resolved to a final outcome within sixty (60) days of the complaint being initially received. Where QAS Chief Executive Officer considers that more than 60 calendar days are required to process and finalise the Page 16 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service complaint, the CEO must inform should the Information Release Form. complainant in writing, including reasons why more than 60 calendar days are required. As a benchmark, QAS will attempt to resolve complaints as soon as possible. A timeframe to resolve a complaint within thirty (30) days is considered acceptable and in the best interest of QAS and the complainant. A complainant should also be provided with regular updates to inform them of the progress of the handling. Updates complaint should be provided to the complainant at a minimum of four (4) weekly intervals. − − given using the Complaints are to be considered and handled to ensure the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are applied at every stage of the complaint handling process. This means that the complainant is entitled to be heard with access to all relevant information and with the right of reply. The complainant is entitled to have their complaint heard by a person that is without bias and may not be affected by the decision. Finally the decision must be made based on logical evidence and the decision-maker must take account QAS shall maintain the enrolment of relevant considerations, must act of the complainant during the for a proper purpose and must not complaint handling process. take Decisions or outcomes of the complaint handling process that find in the favour of the student shall be implemented immediately. − − be into account irrelevant considerations. Review by an independent person QAS provides the opportunity for persons making a complaint or an Complaints are to be handled in the appeal who are not satisfied with the strictest of confidence. No QAS outcomes representative disclose appeals handling process to seek a information to any person without review by an independent person. To the Chief facilitate this, QAS will engage a Executive Officer. A decision to suitably qualified and experienced release information to third parties VET consultant to provide this review can only to be made after the impartially on behalf of the student. permission will of QAS of the complaints and complainant has given permission for this to occur. This permission Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 17 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Review by external agency − − Hotline Where the complainant or person are to have up complaint or and accessed appeal to investigate their via the following phone number: 13 38 73. following the internal completion − students complaint. This service can be independent of QAS to review his her for an external agency who will follow the opportunity for a body that is or provides lodge their grievance with an with the handling of the matter by they also opportunity lodging an appeal is not satisfied QAS, National Training Complaints of complaint or appeals process. Recognition of your existing Students who are not satisfied with skills & knowledge the process applied by QAS may refer their grievance to the following external agencies: − referred to the Australian Skills Authority - ASQA Online Complaint Form click here. Students are to be advised that ASQA will require the student to have exhausted all − the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations, QAS provides Unresolved complaints may be Quality In accordance with the requirements of the opportunity, where suitable, for students to learning apply to recognised have toward prior a qualification or units of competence for which they are enrolled. What is recognition? avenues through QAS internal Recognition involves the assessment of complaints handling procedure previously unrecognised skills and before taking this option. knowledge that an individual has Unresolved Appeals in relation to consumer related issues may be referred to the Office of Fair Trading. achieved outside the formal education and training system. Recognition assesses this unrecognised learning against the requirements of a unit of competence, in respect of both entry requirements and outcomes to be achieved. By removing the need for duplication of learning, recognition encourages an individual to continue upgrading their skills and knowledge through Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook structured education and Page 18 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service training towards formal qualifications eligible to apply for recognition in and improved employment outcomes. that program at no additional This has benefits for the individual and charge. industry. Most importantly, it should be noted that recognition is just − apply the principles of assessment another form of assessment. and the rules of evidence. Recognition guidelines − The following guidelines are to be followed when an application for recognition is received: − Any student is entitled to apply for recognition in a course Recognition exemptions − not QAS due to industry requirements currency in skill and knowledge, industry requirements recognition for units of competence for regular training, and regular or a qualification which are not changes to clinical information. included in QAS registration. QAS registration is scope of QAS has an obligation to ensure scope of that student knowledge and skill in available at first aid training is current, and (RTO therefore RPL is not an appropriate number 5285). assessment method. Whilst students may apply for recognition at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence. − Learning for www.training.gov.au − Prior Training Package is not offered by for apply of of competency from the Health not apply an exemption. may Recognition (RPL) for standalone first aid units or currently enrolled, where QAS does Students Recognition may only be awarded for whole units of competence. qualification in which they are − Assessment via recognition is to Students who − Where RPL is not an appropriate assessment method, QAS may offer “challenge currently enrolled in a training program are Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook on request, which involves assessment only (no training) in the required knowledge and skills. Standard course fees apply. For more information about assessment-only testing” are testing” please “challenge email firstaidtraining@ambulance.qld.gov .au Page 19 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Forms of evidence for recognition Recognition acknowledges − volunteer experience; that workplace skills and knowledge may − Examples of work products; − Observation by an assessor in the be gained through a variety of ways including both formal and informal workplace; learning or through work-based or life experience. Like assessment, recognition is a process whereby evidence is collected Evidence of relevant unpaid or − Performance appraisal; or − Duty statements. and a judgement is made by an Many of these forms of evidence assessor or assessment team. The would not be sufficient on their own. judgement When combined together, with a is made on evidence provided by candidates of the skills number and have candidate will start to provide a strong previously learnt through work, study, case for competence. QAS reserves the life and other experiences, and that right they are currently using. It also undertake includes a activities of skills and knowledge in candidate’s ability to adapt prior order to satisfy itself of a candidate’s learning or current competence to the current competence. knowledge evidence that to they confirm context of the intended workplace or industry. Forms of evidence toward recognition may include: − require items, candidates practical the to assessment What is national recognition? National recognition is the recognition of learning achieved through formal Standards Records of workplace training; − Assessments of current skills; − Assessments of current knowledge; − Third party reports from current supervisors for NVR Registered Training Organisations, qualifications − previous to evidence education and training. Under the Work records; and of and statements of attainment issued by any RTO are to be accepted and recognised by all other RTOs. National or managers; Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook recognition allows a student to be awarded a unit of competency/module based on successful completion of the unit which has been previously awarded. Page 20 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Evidence requirements − national recognition at any time, If you are seeking national recognition they you are required to present your statement of attainment a training will reduce student down a more efficient path detail of what units of competence you to competence. have been previously issued. You must attainment This apply unnecessary training and guide the These documents will provide the of encouraged to commencing program. qualification for examination to QAS. statement are before or provide satisfactory evidence that the Whilst students may apply for − The student does not incur any fees or for national recognition and QAS qualification is authentic, is yours and does not receive any funding when that it has been issued by an Australian national recognition is granted. RTO. Statements of attainment or qualifications should be in the correct − awarded format as outlined in the Australian units of will not be considered for national are certified as a true copies of the recognition and applicants will be original. advised to seek recognition. National recognition guidelines − The following guidelines are to be in relation to national recognition: Where a statements of attainment or qualification submitted by a student does not meet the correct format or guidelines as outlined in Any student is entitled to apply for national recognition in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled. − whole guide identifies a partial credit, this required to submit copies only which − for competence. Where a mapping Qualifications Framework. You are followed National recognition may only be the Australian Qualifications Framework, QAS is unable to accept this document as evidence for recognition. Students that submit invalid documents will be for advised by QAS to contact their national recognition for units of issuing RTO for a correct statement competence or qualification which of attainment or qualification to be are not included in QAS scope of issued. Students may not apply registration. Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 21 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service Legislative and Regulatory minimisation of risks arising from Responsibilities QAS is work or from particular types of required to operate in accordance with the law. This means we comply with the requirements of legislative and regulatory requirements. The following legislation is a list of the Acts that QAS has recognised it has compliance responsibilities to. They also represent obligations to you as a student whilst training with QAS. During your day-to-day work and when participating in training, you will need to be aware of the relevant legislation that may impact on your conduct and behaviour. Copies of State and Federal legislation can be found on the Internet at www.australia.gov.au/state-legislation (State) and welfare through the elimination or www.comlaw.gov.au (Federal). The following is a summary of the legislation that will generally apply to your day-to-day work and training. substances or plant. The WHS Act covers workers by providing a nationally uniform work health and safety laws. This includes employees, contractors, contractors, outworkers, trainees, work experience students, volunteers and employers who perform work. The WHS Act also provides protection for the general public so that their health and safety is not placed at risk by work activities. Section 29 of the WHS Act requires that any person at a workplace, including customers and visitors, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must also cooperate with any actions taken by the person conducting business or undertaking to comply with the WHS Act Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Regulation. The main object of this Act is to Privacy Act 1988 provide for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces. The WHS Act protects workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook sub- and WHS The Privacy Act is supported by the Australian Privacy Principles which came into effect on 12th March 2014. The object of Australian Privacy Principles is to ensure businesses and Page 22 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service government agencies manage personal against information person) on the grounds of a disability in an open and transparent way. Review the another person (aggrieved of the aggrieved person if, because of section within handbook that relates protection. It provides to this privacy you with information about: the aggrieved person’s disability, the discriminator treats or proposes to treat the aggrieved person less favourably than, in circumstances that are the same or are not materially − the kinds of personal information that the entity collects and holds; different, the discriminator treats or would treat a person without the disability. − how the entity collects and holds personal information; For the purposes of subsection (1), circumstances in which a person treats − the purposes for which the entity or would treat another person with a collects, holds, uses and discloses disability are not materially different personal information; because of the fact that different − how an individual may access personal information about the individual that is held by the entity and seek the correction of such information; about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles and how the will required by the person with a disability. Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Objects The objects of this Act are: − how an individual may complain entity accommodation or services may be deal with such a complaint; and − whether the entity is likely to disclose personal information to overseas recipients. Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Sect 5 - Disability Discrimination − to give effect to certain provisions of the Convention Elimination of Discrimination All on Forms Against the of Women; and − to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in the areas accommodation, of education, work, the (1) For the purposes of this Act, a provision of goods, facilities and person (discriminator) discriminates services, the disposal of land, the Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 23 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs; and of age, as the rest of the community; and − to allow appropriate benefits and − to eliminate, so far as possible, other assistance to be given to discrimination involving dismissal people of a certain age, particularly of employees on the ground of younger and older persons, in family responsibilities; and recognition − to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination involving sexual of their particular circumstances; and − to promote recognition and harassment in the workplace, in acceptance within the community educational of the principle that people of all institutions and in other areas of public activity; and − to promote recognition ages have the same fundamental and acceptance within the community of the principle of the equality of men and women. rights; and − to respond to demographic change by: • Age Discrimination Act 2004 the ground of age in the areas of access to premises, the provision of goods, and facilities, accommodation, the disposal of land, the administration Commonwealth programs and older and discrimination against persons on services to particularly in the workforce; − to eliminate, as far as possible, education, barriers people participating in society, The objects of this Act are: work, removing laws requests of and for information; and − to ensure, as far as practicable, that everyone has the same rights to equality before the law, regardless Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook • changing negative stereotypes about older people. Racial Discrimination Act 1975 This Act gives effect to Australia's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its major objectives are to: − promote equality before the law for all persons, regardless of their race, colour or national or ethnic origin, and Page 24 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service − make discrimination against people on the basis of their race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin unlawful. 10% of the words of a work in electronic form. Fair Work Act 2009 The main objectives of this Act is to Copyright Act 1968 provide a balanced framework for Copyright is a type of property that is cooperative and productive workplace founded on a person's creative skill relations and labour. It is designed to prevent economic the unauthorised use by others of a inclusion for all Australians by: work, that is, the original form in which an idea or information has been expressed by the creator. that promote prosperity national and social Providing workplace relations laws that are fair to working Australians, are flexible for businesses, promote Copyright is not a tangible thing. It is productivity and economic growth for made up of a bundle of exclusive Australia's future economic prosperity economic rights to do certain acts with and take into account Australia’s an original work or other copyright international labour obligations; subject-matter. These rights include the right to copy, publish, communicate (eg. broadcast, make available online) and publicly perform the copyright material. fair, relevant minimum allows a work to be reproduced without infringing copyright. Where a part of a work is copied, the issue is whether a substantial part of that work has been reproduced and thus an infringement has occurred. However, there is a 10% rule which applies in relation to fair dealing copying for the purposes of research or study. A reasonable portion of a work may be for that purpose, and a and terms enforceable and conditions through the National Employment Standards, There is no general exception that copied Ensuring a guaranteed safety net of modern awards and national minimum wage orders; Enabling fairness and representation at work and the prevention of discrimination by recognising the right to freedom of association and the right to be represented, protecting against unfair treatment and discrimination, providing accessible and effective procedures to resolve grievances and disputes and providing effective compliance mechanisms. reasonable portion is deemed to be 10% of a book of more than 10 pages or Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 25 of 26 Queensland Ambulance Service National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 student will be informed 7 days prior to changes taking effect. This legislation provides that basis for the regulation of Registered Training Organisations in Australia. The legislation provides the basis for the establishment of the National VET Regulator who are the registration authority for RTOs. An core component of this legislation is that it defines the condition for the registration of an RTO which include: − compliance with the VET Quality Framework − satisfying Fit and Proper Person Requirements − satisfying the Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements − notifying National VET Regulator of important changes − cooperating with National VET Regulator − compliance with directions given by the National VET Regulator Changes to terms and conditions QAS reserves the right to amend the conditions of the student’s enrolment at any time. If amendments are made that effect the student’s enrolment the Version 1.0 April 2015 QAS Community Education – Student Handbook Page 26 of 26