A Training Package is a set of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications used to recognise and assess the skills and knowledge people need to perform effectively in the workplace.

Training Packages are a key resource for registered training organisations (RTOs) in the delivery of structured, accredited training.

A Training Package states what competencies need to be achieved but does not prescribe how an individual should be trained. It is the responsibility of the RTO, through its trainers, to develop teaching strategies and assessment methods to meet the needs, abilities and circumstances of learners.

The purpose of a Training Package is to:

• enable qualifications to be awarded through the direct assessment of competencies
• encourage the development and delivery of training to suit individual needs
• encourage learning in a workplace environment
• provide a pool of potential employees who meet nationally recognised standards of competence in a particular area.

The benefits of Training Packages include:

• Training meets the needs and requirements of industry and standards set by industry.
• Qualifications are consistent and nationally recognised, making it easier for students to move between states and territories and for employers to hire people who have worked for other companies or moved from interstate.
• Students and employees have the flexibility to choose how, when and where the training is undertaken.
• Individuals and businesses are assured of the quality of training and qualifications in areas that specifically suit the needs of the enterprise.

Components of a Training Package

A Training Package has two parts: endorsed components and support materials.

Endorsed components

The three compulsory endorsed components of a Training Package are:

• national competency standards – the skills and knowledge a person must be able to demonstrate at work are defined by industry and packaged into combinations that form various qualifications aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
• national qualifications – all qualifications (certificate I, II, III, IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma) for an industry and the units of competency required for each qualification. For example, the IT Training Package ICA99 includes 34 qualifications and 328 units of competency.
• assessment guidelines – the requirements for an individual's performance to meet the competency standards. They are designed to ensure judgments made by the people assessing the competence of an individual's performance are valid, reliable, fair and consistent.

Support materials

Training Package support materials are designed to support the delivery and assessment of the training. Generally they are either learning strategies, assessment resources or professional development advice.

Costs

Training Packages can be downloaded from the National Training Information Service (NTIS). Training Packages can also be purchased from industry skills councils (ISCs). ISCs sell components or the complete package. Prices range from under $100 to over $1000 depending on the contents of the Training Package, the industry and the components selected.

Training Packages are usually available in hard copy or on CD-ROM. To obtain current prices and versions you should contact the relevant industry skills council.

Customising a Training Package

Training Packages can be customised within limits set by customisation guidelines. For more information see customising a course.

Organisations can also develop and accredit a new course if a Training Package does not satisfy an identified need. For more information see accrediting a new course.