Training Package Assurance

The Australian Government has decided (in consultation with states and territories) to consider alternate arrangements for the Training Package Assurance function which means it will not be transitioning to ASQA as planned. Instead, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations will establish the independent Training Package Assurance function for a limited time, to ensure training products meet national standards. The arrangements will commence on 1 January 2023 allowing time for Industry Clusters and Jobs and Skills Australia to become established before a decision is made on where to house the function long-term.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is well placed to undertake the Training Package Assurance function on an interim basis due to the collaboration to date with ASQA to establish this function.

The Training Package Assurance function will deliver increased transparency, accountability, and confidence in training products for employers, learners and training providers. It ensures high quality compliance assessments of training packages against the standards set by Skills Ministers.

ASQA will continue its role providing best practice regulation to ensure quality so that students, employers, governments and the community have confidence in the integrity of national qualifications issued by training providers.

The assurance function will replace this aspect of the role performed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) with the new industry engagement arrangements replacing the remaining functions of the AISC. The AISC will remain in operation until 31 December 2022 to ensure continuity and stability of the VET system during transition to the new arrangements.