Training packages

Training packages specify the knowledge and skills required by individuals to perform effectively in the workplace, expressed in units of competency. Training packages also detail how units of competency can be packaged into nationally recognised and portable qualifications that comply with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Training packages are used for a range of purposes, but predominantly:

• by training providers, to design training curriculum tailored to support individual learner needs, and the needs of employers and industry
• by employers, to assist with workforce design, development, and structure.

Training packages consist of the following nationally endorsed training package products:

• units of competency, which specify the standard of performance required in the workplace
• assessment requirements (associated with each unit of competency)
• qualifications aligned to the AQF (Certificate I to Advanced Diploma, and Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
• credit arrangements.

Registered training providers can only deliver training package qualifications and units of competency if those products are on their scope of registration. For more information visit the Change scope of registration page.

Training Package development

Training packages are developed by industry and endorsed for use in the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC). The AISC’s role is to ensure that the directions taken by Skills Ministers are informed by an industry-based perspective focused on the quality and relevance of the national training system. The AISC is responsible for appointing Industry Reference Committee (IRC) members.

Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) are the key industry advisory bodies to the AISC. IRCs are made up of experts in relevant industry sectors and play a critical role in identifying and responding to emerging skills and training needs. Through IRCs, industry requirements for skills are considered and defined in training packages.

IRCs are supported in their work by independent, professional service organisations, known as Skills Service Organisations (SSOs). SSOs support IRCs in their engagement with industry, employers, and enterprises to identify the skills required for jobs, and to drive the training package development and review process so that units of competency and qualifications align with modern work practices. SSOs support IRCs to ensure training packages are developed in accordance with the Standards for Training Packages.

Updated training packages

When training packages are updated, training providers need to ensure they transition to the newest version of a training product. Learn more about when training products change.

When a training package is revised, the relevant IRC will publish an accompanying Companion Volume Implementation Guide to help providers implement the new or updated products. These guides are available through either:

• the individual training package entry on training.gov.au through the ‘Companion Volumes’ link, or
• via VETNet

ASQAs role in relation to training packages

ASQA's role is to ensure that providers are ready to deliver/are delivering training and assessment that meets training package requirements including managing the scope of registration of regulated providers.

ASQA automatically updates its regulated providers’ scope of registration when new equivalent training package products are released. Visit the Transition Items page for more information.

• ASQA has no role in the development, endorsement, or maintenance of training packages.