Changes have been made to reduce confusion regarding supervision and on the job training requirements for traineeships being undertaken in the home care environment.
A number of awards have been amended to reflect 2020 updates.
Superseded Bulletin
This Commissioner's Information Bulletin supersedes Bulletin 646.
Registered training organisations (RTOs) may commence training in either the new or superseded qualification but must meet the requirements of ASQA. For more information refer to ASQA's General Direction - Learner Transition.
Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish an apprenticeship or traineeship, whether full-time part-time or school based, will not be approved unless the Commissioner for Vocational training is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.
All private sector employers and employees in New South Wales are covered by the national industrial relations system administered by Fair Work Commission (the Commission). The industrial instrument that applies will be a national (modern) award or a current enterprise agreement registered with the Commission. Further information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman by telephoning 13 13 94 or via their website.
Trainees may be employed under the following Awards:
Generic ACS template agreement- negotiated by the employer association NSWNA & HSU Aged Care employers in the Charitable sector may use this template agreement
Generic ACS template agreement - negotiated by the employer association NSWNA & HSU Aged Care employers in the Charitable sector may use this template agreement
On successful completion of the relevant qualification
parties may apply to the Commissioner for Vocational Training for completion of the apprenticeship or traineeship prior to the nominal completion date of the training contract or;
Training Services NSW may issue letters from the Commissioner to both parties inviting them to consider competency based completion if it has received advice from the training organisation that the apprentice or trainee is eligible to receive their qualification.
For more information and an application form, click here.
For all school based part-time traineeships currently being delivered in New South Wales, refer to School Based Traineeships.
For further information on the delivery of training for school based traineeships refer to Training Arrangements.
Early Childhood Education and Care
School based traineeship approval requirements
Applications to establish CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care school based traineeships will be subject to the following requirements.
The following units of competency are not suitable for delivery to school-based trainees:
CHCECE014 Comply with family day care administration requirements
CHCECE015 Attend to daily functions in home based child care
Pre-employment
The potential school based trainee is interviewed by school, registered training organisation and Training Services NSW personnel prior to undertaking the pathway to ensure the student understands clearly the work involved, the time commitment required, the lack of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) outcome and the suitability of the student to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector
family or guardian consent is gained after full and clear sharing of the same information
employment must be in a licensed environment
the employer is made aware of their responsibilities and the special requirements of employing a school based trainee. There must be a commitment from the employer to provide appropriate on the job training and supervision
the potential school based trainee is interviewed by the potential employer to ensure all employment processes, expectations and relationships are clearly understood and met and that the trainee will work effectively with the team.
is not left to close up the facility or be responsible for opening the centre
is not to undertake duties outside those directly related to working with children. For example, the trainee is not to undertake other kitchen hand, clerical or general cleaning duties
is to be supervised by an appropriate Children's Services worker at all times. The trainee must work to an appropriately qualified mentor/supervisor on site at all times they are in the workplace.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or earlier equivalent qualification)is the minimum mentor or supervisor qualification
is not to be left alone and/or unsupervised whilst caring for children
Employment, the School Based Trainee:
The employer is required to have a risk management policy and procedures guideline in place for staff which includes for staff under 18 years of age.
All parties must cooperate to ensure that the trainee can achieve all competencies required by the traineeship. Where employment is being considered in a preschool or similar service where 0-2 year olds are not in attendance, the school based trainee will be required to work at more than one workplace to ensure time is spent with 0-2 year olds to gain the relevant experience for the unit of competency CHCCN305A Provide care for babies which is essential in the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care jurisdiction and is required to meet the outcome of the qualification.
Monitoring
The school based traineeship is to be monitored by Training Services NSW.
Supervision and on-the-job training for all Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) trainees
All people employed in early childhood environments have great responsibility for infants and children from six weeks to school age. As a general rule, people wanting to do an Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship should be 16 years or over and meet all the legislated requirements which includes the Working with Children Check. However, special consideration may be given, depending on circumstances, for applicants under the age of 16. Applications for special consideration should be submitted to Training Services NSW, and be accompanied by a risk mitigation plan.
Young people under the age of 18 years working in child related employment are exempt from the requirement for a Working With Children Check (WWCC). However, once they turn 18, people working with children (including trainees and students undertaking a work placement) must have a WWCC clearance number. Individuals seeking child-related employment can apply for a WWCC online for any employee/trainee/student aged 17 years 9 months or older. For further information go to http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check.
Early Childhood Education and Care employers considering the establishment of traineeships in CHC30113 Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care and/or CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care for their employees must ensure they are able to implement and support such a training program. There must be a commitment from employers to provide appropriate on-the-job training and supervision.
Distinguishing characteristics of work or employment environments that are suitable for supporting a trainee must be licensed and include full time supervision by a qualified and experienced Early Childhood Education and Care supervisor in the workplace, reflecting at least the same level as that at which the trainee is engaged but preferably, as a minimum, at the Diploma level when the trainee is in the workplace. The workplace supervisor must be in attendance alongside the trainee at all times when there are children present. This provides suitable professional training, modelling, coaching and professional judgments regarding a trainee's competence when working with the children in their care.
Environments that are unsuitable for Early Childhood Education and Care traineeship pathways are those that involve practicing as a sole operator. These include (but are not restricted to):
Family Day Care
In home care, such as governess, nanny, au pair, family support worker
Crèche
Resort child care operations
Education Support SBT Program
CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support is suitable for delivery in schools within the School Based Traineeship program. This provides the opportunity for senior secondary students to undertake preliminary student teacher training via a school based traineeship.
The traineeship will only be available for suitably identified students attending a participant high school, known as the home school. The school principal and school region or diocesan management committee must agree on the selection of suitable trainees. The school based trainees will be employed in a local primary school.
Traineeship approval requirements
Applications to establish CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support school based traineeships must include evidence that the senior school student has been selected for the traineeship by the regional or diocesan management committee and the student's school principal.
The full training plan submitted with the application should include the required core and elective units of competency as specified in the NSW Board of Studies Endorsed Course for the CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support qualification.
Traineeship arrangements
Trainees may be employed by a group training company, with nominated primary schools as the host employers, or directly with the nominated primary schools. The CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support course of study will be undertaken in the senior secondary school years and will contribute towards the trainee's Higher School Certificate studies. The traineeship term will be 24 months part-time and completed by 31 December of the Higher School Certificate year.
Traineeship implementation
The regional/diocesan management committee will ensure there is a program officer who will have responsibility for the trainee to ensure host employers and other participants are aware of their responsibilities and obligations under this traineeship. On-the-job, trainees will be supported in the workplace by the supervising classroom teacher. Classroom teachers must also be provided with appropriate training and support to ensure they can provide the appropriate learning experience for trainees.
Off-the-job, trainees will be supported by their home school and the responsible RTO for the formal training, particularly where the trainees will be undertaking the formal training through distance course delivery. At each home school, there will be a head teacher or other suitable person responsible for the program.
Traineeship requirements
To ensure maximum safety for trainees and primary students alike, the following requirements must be met by all employers of NSW school based trainees in Certificate III in Education Support:
The School Based Trainee is not included in the necessary student:teacher ratio of the school
The employer has a risk management policy and procedures guideline in place for staff which includes staff under 18 years of age
Young people under the age of 18 years working in child related employment are exempt from the requirement for a Working With Children Check (WWCC). However, once they turn 18, people working with children (including trainees and students undertaking a work placement) must have a WWCC clearance number. Businesses offering child-related employment, or hosting students undertaking work experience, can apply for a WWCC online for any employee/trainee/student aged 17 years 9 months or older. For further information go to http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check.
The school based trainee must not work alone with primary students at any time
The school based trainee must be supervised by an appropriate and competent person within the host school at all times
The arrangement is to be closely monitored by Training Services NSW field staff.
Individual Support and Community Services SBT Program
The pathway CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support - Home and Community stream is not suitable for SBT delivery
The following units of competency are NOT suitable for delivery to school students
CHCECE015 Attend to daily functions in home based childcare
CHCHCS001 Provide home and community support services
TLIC3011A Transport passengers with disabilities
TLIC1051A Operate commercial vehicle
School Aged Education and Care SBT Program
Regulatory arrangements
From 1 January 2012 OSHC services in NSW have been regulated by the NSW Government under the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care. The Framework is made up of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) l guide implementation of the Framework.
As part of the Framework, the Education and Care Services National Regulations were approved by the Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs on 14 October 2011. Further information is available from the ACECQA website.
Supervision and on-the-job training
All people employed in school age education and care (OOSH) environments have great responsibility for children of school age. The Community Services and Health ITAB advises that to work in OOSH, persons must be 16 years or over and meet all the legislated requirements which includes the Working with Children Check.
Young people under the age of 18 years working in child related employment are exempt from the requirement for a Working With Children Check (WWCC). However, once they turn 18, people working with children (including trainees and students undertaking a work placement) must have a WWCC clearance number. Individuals aged 17 years 9 months or older working or seeking to work in child-related employment can apply for a WWCC online. For further information go to www.kids.nsw.gov.au.
Applications to establish school based traineeships in the CHC40113 Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care, the following unit of competency is not suitable for delivery to school-based trainees:
SISXEMR402A Coordinate emergency response
School age education and care employers considering the establishment of traineeships in CHC40113 Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care and/or CHC50213 Diploma of School Age Education and Care for their employees must ensure they are able to implement and support such a training program. There must be a commitment from employers to provide appropriate on-the-job training and supervision.
Distinguishing characteristics of work or employment environments that are suitable for supporting a trainee must include attendance of a qualified and experienced School age education and care supervisor, reflecting at least the same level as that at which the trainee is engaged but preferably at the Diploma level when the trainee is in the workplace. This provides suitable professional training, modelling, coaching and professional judgments regarding a trainee's competence when working with the children in their care.
Environments that are unsuitable for School age education and care traineeship pathways are those that involve practicing as a sole operator or where children are aged exclusively between 0 and 4 years (reflecting an Early Childhood Education and Care relevance rather than school age). These include (but are not restricted to):
Supervision and on-the-job training
Industry Capability Employers considering the establishment of traineeships delivering care in the home environment must only employ trainees with a full drivers licence. Employers with trainees working in a home environment must ensure they are able to implement and support a suitable training and supervision program. Employers must be able to provide appropriate on-the-job training through the life of the traineeship and appropriate supervision by a suitable experienced and/or qualified staff member.
Home and Community Workplace Environment Community Care workers provide personal care, domestic duties and respite care to clients in their home, as well as support services outside the home such as taking clients shopping and to appointments. Workers' clients may include older people, people with disability and people in need of individual care and support. The job role of a home / community care worker requires travel between clients' homes to enable them to remain safely and live with dignity and independence in their own home. Trainees working in a home environment must be provided with
formal and on-the-job training appropriate to the qualification and home care environment;
on-the-job support and adequate supervision commensurate with the knowledge, skills and experience of the trainee.
Trainees must have immediate present supervision and/or buddying until the trainee is assessed as capable to work in each home care industry context with a particular client type (eg. aged, disabled etc), on identified tasks or within a defined scope of practice (eg. cleaning, personal care etc) suitable to their individual capabilities, with adequate supervision components in place.
Employer Capability Assessment
Employers considering a traineeship pathway for their in home workers must demonstrate how they will meet their obligation under section 13(a) of the A&T Act "to enable ... the trainee to receive the work-based component of the required training".
Before lodging a training application for approval, they must develop a business case model demonstrating appropriate supervision and on-the-job training that:
identifies a nominated supervisor with suitable experienced and/or qualifications to supervise the trainee and facilitate their on-the-job training at clients' homes
ensures that the level of workplace supervision is appropriate to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the trainee
outlines arrangements that are in place to monitor (at the worksite – the office and/or the client’s home which may include Buddy shifts and feedback) the trainee's progress in gaining skills across the full range of competencies required for the relevant qualification, as specified in the Vocational Training Order
specifies arrangements for the supervisor and/or Buddies to provide feedback to the trainee, and to answer any questions they have about their progress
requires the workplace supervisor to liaise with the registered training organisation (RTO) regarding the development and implementation of the training plan and the trainee's progress.
It is also important that supervision and on-the-job training arrangements consider the capability of the trainee - their proficiency and level of knowledge and skills. Where trainees are competent in particular tasks and roles and do not continue to require immediate present supervision in aspects of their work, employers should confirm and record that the trainee is confident to proceed with no immediate on site supervision and ask the RTO to formalise these arrangements through competency assessment and completion. The progressively completed units and employer endorsed proficiency must be visible on the trainee’s NSW Training Plan for any officer monitoring the trainee
Approval and monitoring of HAC traineeships All applications for in home care traineeships lodged with Training Services NSW for approval must have a supervision and on-the-job training model in place that meets these minimum requirements. Training Services NSW officers may seek formal evidence of this supervision model or visit the workplace to assess whether these requirements are in place before approval and as part of their ongoing monitoring procedures.
Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with the assessment, screening and vaccination requirements of Policy Directive PD2011_005.
A Working With Children Check is a prerequisite for anyone in child-related work. It involves a national criminal history check and review of reported workplace misconduct. NOTE: An employer who employees a person in a child related traineeship must ensure the person has undertaken all clearance checks as required. To obtain a Working With Children Check, applicants go to http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check
Young people under the age of 18 years working in child related employment are exempt from the requirement for a Working With Children Check (WWCC). However, once they turn 18, people working with children (including trainees and students undertaking a work placement) must have a WWCC clearance number. Businesses offering child-related employment, or hosting students undertaking work experience, can apply for a WWCC online for any employee/trainee/student aged 17 years 9 months or older. For further information go to http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/working-with-children-check.
For registered training providers that can deliver the traineeship qualifications go to www.training.gov.au.
A list of registered training organisations that are in contract with the NSW Department of Education to be paid for the delivery of the training is here.
When developing Training Plans, registered training providers should ensure that the training program satisfies the qualification packaging requirements and, at the same time, reflects the nature of the business. Training Plans should be customised so that workplace activities support and align with the qualification units of competency.
From 1 January 2015 the NSW Government introduced new fee arrangements for government subsidised vocational education and training (VET). Under Smart and Skilled, all apprenticeship and most traineeship qualifications are subsidised. For a full list of all the qualifications refer to the current NSW Skills List. Information on the types and levels of subsidies can be found in the "Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy". Training for existing-worker trainees is not subsidised.
A copy of each Vocational Training Order is available for inspection on this internet site or at any Training Services NSW Regional Office of the NSW Department of Education.
Enquiries
To sign up an apprentice or trainee call 1300 363 831. To find a job in an apprenticeship or traineeship search here.
For implementation of new pathways in relation to this Training Package profile, please contact Susan Scowcroft on mobile 0418 478 012 or sscowcroft@csh-itab.com.au
David Collins
The Commissioner for Vocational Training
Job descriptions
Certificate IV level trainees will complete specialised tasks and functions in aged care; either in residential, home or community based environments. Workers will take responsibility for their own outputs within defined organisation guidelines and maintain quality service delivery through the development, facilitation and review of individualised service planning and delivery. Workers may be required to demonstrate leadership and have limited responsibility for the organisation and the quantity and quality of outputs of others within limited parameters.
Certificate IV reflects the role of entry level workers who provide services and interventions to clients with alcohol and other drugs issues and/or implement health promotion and community interventions. Work is undertaken in contexts such as community based organistions, withdrawal services, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services under the guidance of other practioners and professionals, with limited responsibility and within established parameters.
Certificate II maybe used as a pathway for workforce entry as community services workers who provide a first point of contact and assist individuals in meeting their immediate needs. At this level, work takes place under direct, regular supervision within clearly defined guidelines.
Certificate III reflects the role of entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or support the implementation of specific community-based programs.
At this level, work takes place under the direction of others and supervision maybe direct or indirect. Work may take place in a range of community services organisations.
Diploma level reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing individuals, groups and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management, program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers in a range of community settings and clients' homes, who provide training and support in a manner that empowers people with disabilities to achieve greater levels of independence, self-reliance, community participation and well-being. Workers promote a person-centred approach, work with direct supervision and may be required to supervise and/or coordinate a small team.
At Certificate III level the role of workers is reflected in a range of early childhood education settings. They support the implementation of an approved learning framework and support children's wellbeing, learning and development. Depending on the setting, educators may work under direct supervision or autonomously.
At Diploma level workers are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood education and care services. They may have responsibility for supervision of volunteers or other staff.
Certificate III reflects the role of workers in a range of education settings, including public and independent schools and community education settings, who provide assistance and support to teachers and students under broad-based supervision. Some job roles may require tasks to be performed with a moderate level of autonomy and/or the provision of supervision/leadership to other staff/volunteers.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers in a range of education settings, including public and independent schools and community education settings, who provide assistance and support to teachers and students under broad-based supervision. Some job roles may require tasks to be performed with a moderate level of autonomy and/or the provision of supervision/leadership to other staff/volunteers.
At Certificate IV level the workers provide a range of programs and services to individuals and groups of clients and employers to support them in locating, securing and maintaining suitable employment. Trainees will learn to:
implement business strategies to expand client base
source and assess candidates
provide employment management services
manage the recruitment process for client organisations
facilitate, co-ordinate, promote, implement and monitor management activities on a day to day basis
Certificate III level reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting who follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing, disability or some other reason. Work involves using discretion and judgement in relation to individual support as well as taking responsibility for own outputs. Workers have a range of factual, technical and procedural knowledge, as well as some theoretical knowledge of the concepts and practices required to provide person-centred support.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers participating in the design, implementation and evaluation of leisure, health activities and programs for clients in one or more sector areas. Workers may be in residential facilities and/or in community agencies and day centres, completing specialised tasks and functions in relation to leisure and health. While workers are responsible for their own outputs, work is carried out under direct supervision within defined organisation guidelines.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers who provide self-directed recovery oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work involves implementing community based programs and activities focusing on mental health, menthal illness and psychiatric disability. Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as community based non-government organisations; home based outreach; centre-based programs; respite care; residential services; rehabilitation programs; clinical settings; or supporting people in employment. Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals.
Diploma trainees reflect the role of workers who provide services to clients in relation to mental health issues. They can provide counselling, referral, advocacy and education/health promotion services. These workers are required to have high level specialist knowledge skills and competencies especially in regard to laws affecting people with mental health issues, the range of services available to them and health issues related to mental health.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers who have lived experience of mental illness as either a consumer or carer and who wok in mental health services in roles that support consumer peers or carer peers. Workers are employed in the mental health sector in government, public or community managed services.
Certificate IV trainees work with school age children in outside school hours care and vacation programs.
At Diploma level workers are responsible for the day-to-day running of a before and after school care and/or vacation care service, including planning and managing programs which address regulatory and duty of care requirements.
Certificate IV reflects the role of workers who are engaged in delivering social housing services and support to tenants, residents, applicants and the community, including clients who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Workers at this level may work under limited supervision in an administrative and/or assisting capacity in delivering housing support services in the social housing sector.
Jobs at the Certificate IV in Juvenile Justice are in the challenging field of youth justice work. This Juvenile Justice qualification covers workers who supervise young people (aged 10-18) who have been directed by the justice system to be in the care and direction of authorised community and government agencies.
Jobs include developing and co-ordinating programs for young people through a range of community based programs designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, development and protection needs of young people.
This qualification covers workers who develop and facilitate programs for young people through a range of community based programs designed to address the social, behavioural, health, welfare, development and protection needs of young people. This work may be undertaken through employment in community, government and welfare agencies and workers will be:
responsible for implementing policies and guidelines of the employing organisation
largely self-directed with fairly autonomous decision making capacity under the indirect supervision of a manager
At Certificate IV level the trainee will learn to:
build relationships
conduct assessments
organise group work
plan programs/provide training related to employment, recreation and adventure
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Community Services - Education Support - Traineeship
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationary period
2 months
Community Services - Employment Services - Traineeship
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationaryperiod
2 months
Community Services - Individual Support - Aged Support Traineeship
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationaryperiod
2 months
Community Services - Individual Support - Disability Support Traineeship
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
Probationaryperiod
2 months
Community Services - Individual Support - Home and Community Traineeship**
The term for a school based traineeship will be calculated in months from the date of commencement to 31 December of the HSC year. During this period the school-based trainee must undertake a minimum of 100 days of on-the-job training.
