Which Course?
Choosing the right course and training provider, is very important. There are an enormous amount of courses and training providers out there and any training will probably cost a lot in time and/or money, so young people, and you as their guardian / adviser, should take some time, get the information, and consider carefully.

Types of Courses

• Training Package Qualifications and Statements of Attainment
  Training Packages are nationally endorsed qualifications and standards used to recognise and assess skills. They are developed via industry consultation to best serve their workforce skills needs. They are used extensively throughout the vocational education and training system including VET in Schools, Australian Apprenticeships and recognition of existing skills.
  
  Training Package Qualifications and Statements of Attainment…
• Are nationally recognised
• Are competency based - they assess what someone can do not just what they know
• Can only be issued by a Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) which undergo rigorous Government compliance procedures so that quality is assured

Training Package Qualifications, such as Certificates I – IV and Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, will provide a young person with the skills and knowledge to work in a particular occupation or at an occupational level. Many, particularly Certificates I – III, can be done through an Australian Apprenticeships

Statements of Attainment demonstrate that a person is competent in one or more Units of Competency. Statements of Attainment are usually offered through short courses and can be credited towards a full Qualification.

• Accredited Courses are sometimes available where there is no Training Package to suit a particular training need. Accredited Courses are developed by training organisations and submitted to State and Territory training authorities for accreditation / approval. If, and when, a Training Package becomes available the Accredited Course will be phased out.

• Non-recognised Courses. Some providers offer courses without formal recognition. A person may gain valuable skills and may receive some form of certificate but this will not be an endorsed Qualification and industry and most employers will not recognise it.

Make Sure

• Check that the course a young person wants to do is based on a Training Package and will provide them with a nationally recognised Qualification or Statement of Attainment
  • Contact the provider and ask them
  • Request course information
  • Check the provider's website

• Ensure the provider is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and registered to deliver the Qualification, Statement of Attainment or Units of Competency required - this information is available at the National Training Information Service (NTIS)

• Shop around – check out all of the options
• Take a look – is there an Open Day? Can you view their facilities?
• Money – apart from fees, are there any 'other' charges e.g. for equipment and materials?
• I want out – if a young person discovers it's not for them what is the refund policy?
• Recommendation – can they provide testimonials from past students and employers? What about industry?

Will the course.…

• Provide the practical skills necessary in a young person's future employment?
• Provide 'work placement' to develop their practical skills in-situ?
• Provide both formal and practical Assessment of skills?