Course Prospectus. Nationally Recognised Qualifications

Transcription

1 Course Prospectus Nationally Recognised Qualifications i n f f t t a. c o m. a u w w w. f t t a. c o m. a u R T O

2 Contents... Welcome 03 Job opportunities 04 Why choose FTTA? 05 Nationally Recognised Qualifications 06 Government assistance 07 Fun facts about FTTA 08 Classes and workshops 10 Distance courses 12 How to enrol 14 Payment options 16 Work placement 18 Meet our staff 20 Common questions 22 Certificate III in Education Support 24 Certificate IV in Education Support 26 Certificate III in Disability 28 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and care 30 Certificate III in Aged Care 32 The legal mumbo jumbo 34 Please read this document in conjunction with the student handbook, course summary and other documentation found on the FTTA website or supplied by FTTA staff. Note that this information may from time to time be out-dated and is intended to be general in nature. Please speak to an FTTA student adviser for the latest advice in regards to your situation, requirements and other details. 2

3 Welcome Fast Track Training Australia is a Registered Training Organisation. We work hard to offer supportive, flexible and high quality courses to all students. FTTA is the number one choice for adult learners and has been for many years. Students can expect no less than exceptional support and high quality training. Our reputation as a high quality provider means students are better trained, more employable and generally find employment much easier. Students are often apprehensive about studying especially those who have not studied for many years or who are new to Australia. I can assure you that all students are in the same boat and have the same concerns. However, we specialise in adult learning and have supported thousands of students to achieve their goals. Good luck and I hope to see you in class! Judi Harris Head Trainer Judi Harris Head Trainer (far left) with a graduating class 3

4 Job Opportunities Never before has the demand for qualified staff been so great. Across Australia almost all industries are experiencing shortages and employment, for the right person, is not hard to find. We commonly hear employers say that We can easily find staff...but we can t find good staff. Students at FTTA complete their qualifications using the latest resources and technologies including a modern, user friendly online learning platform. Students can watch past lectures, complete quizzes or download assessments. Aged care workers (usually called PCAs which stands for Personal Care Assistants) are in high demand in all areas. Aged Care facilities are crying out for good quality staff with the right training and knowledge. Childcare is similarly in demand. The child care industry has a high turnover and there are ample opportunities for promotion. Many childcare centres are full to capacity so there is no doubt that this industry will continue to grow. Education Support is another growing and expanding industry and overall the industry continues to grow rapidly along with the growing population. In 2014 the WA school system was given an additional $300 million by the government. Part-time and casual employment continues to be relatively easy to find for the right person which often leads to full time work. 4

5 Why Choose FTTA? There are many options for students when it comes to Nationally Recognised Qualifications. However, FTTA is a leader in the field of adult learning. Whether you choose to study by class or distance you can be assured of the latest resources created in consultation with industry experts. Hints, tips, examples, anecdotes and the latest industry practices are all included in your learner guide for the low price of absolutely free. FTTA has a dedicated curriculum development team and in-house online learning experts. We use state of the art technology and employ only the best trainers to help you throughout your course. FTTA prides itself on offering unrivalled student support services. This includes , phone and one to one support if needed. We help with everything from your placement to academic questions. While FTTA may be a large provider, we continue to offer dedicated support to all students. Finally, FTTA is locally owned and operated. In fact FTTA was started by a high school teacher in Mandurah, Western Australia. Since then students, job service providers and other organisations have chosen FTTA as their number one source for training and assessment services. 5

6 Nationally Recognised Qualifications Nationally Recognised Qualifications are issued by Registered Training Organisations who are audited against the rules and regulations that govern the VET system in Australia. Your Nationally Recognised Qualification gives you the opportunity to work anywhere in Australia now and in the future. We regularly conduct audits to ensure that our courses, systems, processes and services are well beyond the minimum standards. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) FTTA must ensure that: Assessments, resources and leaning materials are of a high standard and suit the needs of students. Trainers and assessors can demonstrate competence in each unit and their industry skills and knowledge is current. All aspects of FTTA s operations are regularly evaluated, examined and continually improved. Industry consultation takes place regularly to ensure courses meet the needs of the workforce and industry. 6

7 Government Assistance Fee Subsidies FTTA is one of a limited number of providers approved by the Department of Training and Workforce Development to deliver Nationally Recognised Qualifications with government fee subsidies. This means that students can access FTTA courses and pay the same as they would enrolling with any public provider such as TAFEs and Polytechnics. The fees for government funding is set by the government each year and FTTA are required to charge this set fee. Payment options are available and can be paid by direct debit. Allowances and pensions Students may be eligible for pensions or other allowances to assist them during their studies. Students will need to speak to the relevant government department or agency for more information. Transperth Approved Courses FTTA is an approved tertiary institution for eligible students applying for public transport concessions in WA. 7

8 Fun facts about FTTA First in Australia FTTA was the first training provider in Australia approved to deliver the Nationally Recognised CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support and CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support. We were the first organisation to be approved in WA and the second in the country to deliver the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Industry approved resources FTTA are one of the few organisations that offer students in-house designed training materials. Our world class resources are developed by our curriculum development team and are approved by the regulator during qualification audits. We don t just hand you a pile of boring academic books! This is one reason why our graduation rate is so high. High graduation rate FTTA has an exceptional graduation rate which ranges from 80-90% of participants who begin a course. This is well above the national average of 20-30% according to the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research. The reason? Quality learning materials, professional staff and exceptional support. 8

9 At FTTA our students always come first. Each student is allocated a trainer who can help with everything from administration issues to your work placement and also academic questions. Students can contact their trainer by and phone throughout the course and as often as needed. We don t expect you to go at it alone. 9

10 Classes and workshops Class based learning is the most popular study mode and is great for students who have not studied for a long period of time, who live closer to the venue or who simply enjoy being in class. Classes start every school term in most locations where FTTA run courses. Students tell us that they enjoy being in class for two main reasons. Firstly, because they can ask questions much more easily and the trainer can work closely with them on a regular basis. Secondly, students enjoy the social aspects of being in class: swapping stories, talking about the course and helping each other along the way. Many students make new friends and study together outside of class time. Did you know: Class based students generally have a higher success rate. Most sessions begin with general admin and questions and students go through a section or topic with the trainer. Students may undertake a number of activities such as working on the assessments in pairs or small groups. Classes are friendly, supportive and safe environments where students come together to explore and expand their understanding. Classes use a blended learning and assessment structure. This structure suits busy adult learners who have children, employment and other commitments. No longer do you need to spend 3-5 days each week in a classroom watching movies or completing other time wasting activities. With FTTA, most of our courses are run one day per week. This means students attend one day per week at our college and complete most of the activities and assessment at home. All in all, we advise that courses take between hours* depending on your previous experience and strengths. Don t forget the work placement as well which is completed at the end of the course. *This is a best guess average however some students will take much longer whereas others may move through parts of the course much quicker. For example, if you are enrolling in childcare and have completed a childcare course previously, other related courses or have experience with children it is possible that you may take less time to complete the course. 10

11 Classes start every school term (check the calendar for latest dates). Students attend class one day per week for a set number of weeks and also complete activities at home on alternative days. For example, attend on Monday and on other days students watch lectures, answer questions, complete activities and so forth. This is called blended learning - the benefits of distance learning for busy adult learners combined with the important advantages of regular class sessions. 11

12 Distance courses Distance study is predominantly online using FTTA s state of the art online learning portal. Students work through the same course materials, assessments and activities as students who are attending classes or workshops. A wide variety of learning activities are available including online lectures and videos, learner guides, quizzes, presentations, additional readings and a range of other activities to promote learning and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Distance students are allocated a friendly and supportive trainer who they can , phone or even drop in to meet for any questions or to discuss any course related issues. This is why FTTA has a high graduation rate and are so popular with students - exceptional support combined with high quality training materials which means students are more successful. Distance students can enrol at any stage and begin almost straight away - no waiting for the next lot of classes to begin! 12

13 Distance courses are great for busy people. The same expert assistance from friendly trainers only an or phone call away yet the benefit of studying at a time that suits you. What could be better than that! Speak to an FTTA adviser today about your options. 13

14 How to enrol Enrolling with FTTA is easy: 1. Complete the enrolment form. The online enrolment form is the easiest way. Alternatively, you can print a form, pick one up from our office or ask a friendly student adviser to post you a hardcopy. 2. Sign the Direct Debit form and hand it to FTTA ( , fax, post, by hand). 3. Provide a copy of your concession card if applicable 4. Submit a copy of your ID such as a driver s license. 5. Pay the deposit. You will then be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment letter. This letter if your official acceptance and can be used for proof of enrolment at Centrelink or to show employers if applying for work. And that is it! You can now begin your course. 14

15 FTTA is a Registered Training Organisation with the Training Accreditation Council - Western Australian Government - Registration number under the Vocational Education and Training Act 1996 (VET Act). What does this mean? High quality services from a reputable company that you can trust. 15

16 Payment options Each course has one or more payment options. See the relevant course tab on our website for the latest fees and options. Why do FTTA offer payment options? Simple, so more students can access training. We realise that many people who are looking to get back into the workforce or to change careers may not have bundles of money laying around. So we try to help out! Payment options mean students can pay off their loan over a period of up to 10 months interest free. Fees and charges for government funded qualifications are set by the government and are the same fee that students pay at all training organisations including public TAFEs and Polytechnics. Hint: Remember that once enrolled for 30 days the full amount is due regardless of the amount of training or assessment that is completed. The payment option is a loan for the upfront fee and not a monthly subscription type arrangement. 16

17 FTTA payment options are all interest free! This means you can pay off your course fee with no worries or stress about interest rates, monthly fees or other nasty surprises. AT FTTA, we want to help as many students as possible to gain Nationally Recognised Qualifications and we realise that not everyone can afford up-front course fees. 17

18 Work Placement Each qualification has a work placement requirement. See FTTA s website for the latest requirements. All students are required to complete a placement towards the end of the course. The assessments you will complete during your placement, including the observation when your trainer visits you in the workplace, are probably the most important part of your course. This is where you are required to demonstrate that you can apply the theory in the real world. The government sets the minimum requirements for placements (aged care 120 hours, child care 120 hours, education support 100 hours) however these hours are the minimum and we always recommend doing as much as possible in order to ensure that you are successful and job ready. Many students find work where they do their placement. Note that the placement is the last thing that students usually do for their course so you don t have to worry about the placement until later on. Common question: Does FTTA find me a placement or do I have to find one myself? Answer: you have two options: 1. During your course your trainer will speak to you about the placement and give you all the relevant information. They can organise a placement for you. While we try hard to place you in a preferred location, we cannot guarantee that it will be in the organisation or location requested. 2. You can find one and let us know. Your trainer will then ensure the placement is suitable. This is the best option if you have a workplace in mind. For example, if you have a friend who owns a childcare centre or know a teacher at the school you wish to go to, we recommend speaking to them. We place hundreds of students every year and cannot guarantee that you will be placed where you would like to be. Using your contacts means you can help us find a placement that suits you and where you feel comfortable. Note that typically aged care is organised by FTTA. 18

19 The work placement is a structured learning tool that helps you practice the theory you have studied during your course. You will be allocated a mentor or supervisor who will show you the ropes, give you hints and tips and make sure that your skills and knowledge are at industry standards. Many students find employment with the organisation that they complete their placement. 19

20 Meet some of our staff Trainers and assessors who work at FTTA are of the highest level of experience and ability. They are experts in their field who know the local industry like the back of their hand. Staff undergo a series of professional development activities each year and are often active in the industry. They have years of experience to draw on and every trainer is friendly, supportive and here to help you through your course. Meet Kylie: Kylie is an Early Childhood Teacher with many years experience in Western Australia especially in regional and rural schools. She has been a trainer with FTTA for more than 4 years and has helped hundreds of students complete Nationally Recognised Qualifications. Kylie spends most of her time in the workplace assessing students who are on placement and speaking to their supervisors. She is also a member of the curriculum development team which conducts research, industry consultation, produce resources, evaluate resources and undertake continual improvement activities. Kylie also has experience in childcare and specialises in disabilities and additional needs in the education environment. 20

21 Ever completed a course and found your teacher just didn t know that much, or didn t seem to care? At FTTA we work hard to support students and employ only the highest calibre trainers and assessors. You can be assured that your trainers know their stuff. 21

22 Common questions TWO MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long does it take to complete a course? Certificate III and IV level courses generally take 500 hours however this can range depending on the students previous experience, training and abilities. Class based and distance students complete activities at home such as readings, quizzes and basic research. All students complete a placement. All the activities are presented in a structured and easy to understand progression. How long do I have to complete my course? All students are given 12 months to complete their course and extensions can be purchased in most cases. While it will often take less than 12 months to complete your course students are allocated this period in case of illness or other events. If you finish early and want to receive your qualification before the end of your payments, simply pay out the remainder. OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS What are the assignments like? There are no exams, essays, tests or lengthy assessments requiring professional writing skills. Most assessments are short answer or activity based. Some courses have projects such as posters, portfolios and other hands-on activities. Rarely do students fail or not complete a course unless they decide to withdraw. What are the entry requirements? Certificate III level courses generally have no entry requirements other than suitable English skills and we also do not take some types of visas. Government subsidised courses have some conditions (see relevant tab on our website for latest information). Higher level courses generally require completion of a Certificate III. What if I need help? FTTA trainers offer exceptional support to all students all of the time. All students can trainers at any time. Students can also call to discuss issues and questions or pop in for a chat. With a graduation rate of well over 80%, FTTA s support is exceptional and make a big difference. 22

23 Class pic - Perth Certificate III in Education Support - picture taken during a lesson. 23

24 Certificate III in Education Support The Certificate III in Education Support - teacher assistant course is the introductory course for individuals wishing to work as a teacher aide, teacher assistant, support worker or integration aide in schools. This qualification covers all the basics of working as a teacher assistant in a school such as behaviour management, rules and regulations and supporting literacy learning. This is the Nationally Recognised Qualification for individuals wishing to work in schools from K-12. FTTA run this course every school term in multiple locations across WA as well as by distance. The Certificate III in Education Support consists of 17 units and takes approximately 500 hours to complete including a 100 hour work placement (minimum). Students who have experience with children, schools and formal training often complete the course quicker. This qualification is very popular with parents especially mothers who need flexible working hours that coincide with school times. Teacher assistant positions are relatively easy to find especially for those wishing to work on a part time or casual basis. This course is an excellent option for students who have never studied before, who have family commitments and who need trainers who are flexible and understanding. Everyone enrolled in this course has access to our exceptional trainers who are friendly, supportive and have decades of experience. All students are allocated a trainer who will help and support you every step of the way. For more detailed information including fees please see the relevant course page at 24 CHC30213

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26 Certificate IV in Education Support The Certificate IV in Education Support - special needs teacher aide course is the qualification for individuals wishing to work as a support worker, teacher aide, integration aide or teacher assistant usually with special needs students. It expands on the knowledge and skills learnt in the Certificate III in Education Support. This course covers some of the most common disabilities and disorders and introduces you to the main issues, strategies and tools used by teacher aides or integration aides while working with special needs students. Many students complete the Certificate IV in Education Support - special needs teacher aide course in order to enhance their job prospects as well as to be employed in specialist roles which often attracts a higher pay rate. Entry requirements apply to this course. Generally students must have completed the Certificate III in Education Support or have suitable experience such as in child care or other related field. For more detailed information including fees please see the relevant course page at While the Certificate IV in Education Support - special needs teacher aide course is said to specialise in special needs, you will cover a range of topics such as supervising students outside of the classroom, teaching and learning strategies as well as beginning to plan activities, assessments and learning programs. 26 CHC40213

27 Class pic - Mandurah Certificate III in Education Support - picture taken outside the classroom on the last day. 27

28 Certificate III in Disability This course is designed for those who wish to work with students with additional needs such as teacher assistants, education support workers, integration aides and other professionals generally working in the educational environment. This qualification is very similar to the Certificate III in Education Support. Students often study this course before completing the Certificate III in Education Support or Certificate IV in Education Support. Students will study a variety of topics including additional needs, behaviour, work health and safety, duty of care and literacy support. to complete the necessary assessments. However all education assistants work with children with special needs at some stage so this requirement is not difficult to meet. Students may enrol by distance or class based. Workshops begin every school term and run for ten weeks. Workshop based is recommended as students are able to speak to trainers on a regular basis. This course is approximately 500 hours including placement and other activities. For more detailed information including fees please see the relevant course page at The course aims to train students to work with a variety of children from K-12 in Australian schools and in a range of subject areas. Students will need to work with students with additional needs during their placement in order 28 CHC30408

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30 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care - child care course is the introductory course for individuals wishing to gain entry into the child care industry. This is a blended class/distance study mode which means students study one day per week for 10 weeks and complete most of the course self-paced. This course gives students a solid understanding of the main skills required to work in a child care facility usually under the supervision of a qualified carer. The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care - covers employees who work within the requirements of policies and procedures to deliver activities and provide care to children, facilitating their leisure and play and foster and support development. Depending on the setting, workers may work under direct supervision or autonomously. A heavy emphasis is placed on ensuring future carers understand the systems and strategies used to ensure the safety of children under their care. This course includes the unit Provide care for babies and Provide care for children meaning graduates can work with any age group in the child care setting. Many students go on to study the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care which is the required course for supervisors in the child care organisation. For more detailed information including fees please see the relevant course page at 30 CHC30113

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32 Certificate III in Aged Care The Certificate III in Aged Care is designed for individuals wishing to gain employment as a personal care assistant in the aged care industry. Most graduates find work as a care worker in an aged care facility such as a nursing home or other similar care facility or organisation for the elderly. The Certificate III in Aged Care contains a large amount of practical training such as using hoists, cleaning, hand washing procedures, working with clients with dementia and a range of personal care skills (activities of daily living or ADLs). This qualification addresses work primarily in residential facilities under direct or regular supervision within clearly defined guidelines. You may carry out activities to maintain personal care and/or other activities of daily living for people in an aged care setting, carry out activities related to an individualised plan and report directly to a supervisor. This Certificate III in Aged Care is a popular course due to the high demand for aged care workers and the relative ease in which qualified individuals can find work in their local area. As with all our courses, students have access to our friendly and supportive trainers for the duration of their studies. Students wishing to enrol in the Certificate III in Aged Care must be able to obtain a police clearance and be of suitable character to work in this industry. For more detailed information including fees please see the relevant course page at 32 CHC30212

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34 The legal mumbo jumbo * Withdrawing before the census date 1. Students who withdraw before the census date (30 days) are entitled to a full refund. Resources must be returned in good condition. A withdrawal form must be completed. Withdrawing after the census date 2. After 30 days, the full course fee vests (is applied and due) regardless of the amount of training completed or length of enrolment thereafter. 3. Students have a maximum of 12 months (unless specified otherwise) to complete every aspect of a course. Extensions beyond 12 months attract a fee. Payment of fees 4. Payment for dishonours are due within 5 days and a $10 dishonour fee will apply. Non-payments will be referred to a collections agency and fees will apply. A certificate (or any confirmation) will be issued only when all fees are paid. 5. Funded courses: Fees are set by government and may increase each year. Units started in the following year may attract a higher fee. Evidence of starting a module can be completed in the previous year to avoid additional fees. General terms 6. FTTA is permitted to film or photograph students during a course unless the student objects. 7. Enrolments are only valid if the student continues to reside close to the enrolment address 8. Student must satisfactorily finish every aspect of their course in order to graduate. 9. Each course has terms listed in the student handbook which must be considered before enrolment. For example, aged care requires personal tasks such as bathing clients and early shifts. Child care placements cannot be completed in Family Day Care. Agreement statement 10. I have read and understood this agreement, the handbook and other information. I understand that this agreement is legally binding and I will honour this agreement. I am over the age of 18 or are the legal guardian of a person under the age of 18. * Terms on enrolment may be different from terms displayed here which are for reference only. See Student Handbook for latest terms and conditions. 34

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