The Australian Quality Training Framework, also known as AQTF, consists of the national set of standards that guarantees superior-quality training and nationally consistent assessment programs mainly for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Australia.

1. Strengthening the AQTF and Its
Indicators

2. The Australian Quality Training Framework, also known as AQTF, consists of the national
set of standards that guarantees superior-quality training and nationally consistent
assessment programs mainly for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in
Australia.
In December 2009, there were significant amendments endorsed by the Council of
Australian Governments or COAG, particularly on the Essential Standards for
Registration. Said amendments were, actually, in response to concerns relative to the
quality of programs and services being extended among international learners.
Essentially, these reforms strengthened the coverage of the AQTF. In effect, all
regulators are certain to have the required tools in ensuring the general welfare and
interests of their students in the VET sector.
There are two (2) items in which the aforementioned reforms are embodied - in the
Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration primarily for existing
registered training groups and in the Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial
Registration primarily for training centers currently applying for initial registration.
These two (2) standards for continuing and initial registration were introduced in June
2010, and eventually, it became effective on the first day of July in the same year.
Moreover, these strengthening standards include ensured financial stability and a
number of fee protection conditions, which chiefly outlined non-negotiable, stringent
and understandable requirements. Needless to state, said requirements command
registered training centers to be more conscious in their training practices, financial
capability, and governance structure.
Clearly, the AQTF emphasizes three (3) quality indicators which shall serve as guidelines
for registering bodies to minimize risks, and for Registered Training Organizations or
RTOs to continually improve their services. These indicators are as follows:
1. EMPLOYER SATISFACTION. This indicator shows the quality of training acquired by
the learners manifested in the development of their competency. In one way or
the other, after training, employers can be expected to be satisfied in the quality
performance of the learners.

3. 2. COMPETENCY COMPLETION RATE. This indicator presents the extent of
completed enrolments, as well as the modules or competency awarded based on
the record provided by the training organizations in the immediately preceding
calendar year.
3. LEARNER ENGAGEMENT. This indicator targets the degree of engagements of
learners in activities, trainings and practices that will improve their skills and
capabilities.
Another significant requirement by the AQTF is for RTOs to maintain effective student
records management system; this means that the system must be able to provide
AVETMISS Compliant data, when so required, starting January 3, 2011. Note, however,
that the aforementioned three (3) indicators do not form part of the AVETMISS
compliance, although they are data collections per se.
For many RTOs, there is really no need to acquire a special type of system in order to
comply with this condition. The required student records management system can be
commercial RTO software, an in-house developed system, or a system from a relevant
state training authority. It is more important to note that the validation software is able
to verify and check that the entries are in accordance with the AVETMISS standards.
Both the amendments in the AQTF and the quality indicators for RTOs were designed for
the benefit and advantage of the learners in the VET sector. Registered training centers
are continually encouraged to develop their training activities, while ensuring
compliance with the AVETMISS standards.