Trade skill qualifications are in high demand, but how can students and their parents ensure the skills they gain in the classroom will be recognised by industry and future employers?
The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence today announced the rollout of the Star Rating Scheme. The Scheme will recognise excellence in trade skills training among TAFE and private training providers, with a Star Rating.
Brian Wexham, Chief Executive Officer of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence said the Scheme aimed to recognise high performing registered training providers, and help individual schools and faculties understand exactly what their clients want from their training.
"The Star Rating Scheme is a national initiative which will help promote and advance the quality and relevance of vocational and technical training for the trades in Australia," said Mr Wexham.
The Scheme recognises and awards high performing registered training providers with a One Gold Star, Two Gold Star or Three Gold Star rating, with Three Gold Stars being the highest level of recognition.
"The Star Rating Scheme is an industry driven initiative and has been developed by The Institute and industry to provide a platform that will deliver the vocational training outcomes required to meet their needs," said Mr Wexham.
"The Scheme will also make it easier for students and their parents to ascertain which registered training providers have been recognised at an industry level, within their field of interest.
"Employers will also be able to assess the quality of trade skills training that graduates hold from each registered training organisation rated within the Star Rating Scheme," said Mr Wexham.
Throughout August and September, a number of registered training organisations took part in trials of the Star Rating Scheme.
"The results of the trials indicate that we have a very high standard of trade skills training in Australia, and this should be recognised," said Mr Wexham.
Trials of the Scheme involved the voluntary assessment of registered training providers against three broad criteria.
"The assessment process involved an initial self-evaluation and appraisal by representatives of the eight industry reference groups of focus for the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence," said Mr Wexham.
"The results of the trials indicate that registered training providers want to be recognised for their achievements in trade skills training.
"And with such great results so far, there is little wonder. The Star Rating Scheme is giving training providers the recognition they deserve," said Mr Wexham.
"This is about recognising those registered training providers that achieve excellent results for their clients, as well as highlighting the requirements of industry to ensure students receive the most up-to-date trade skills training available," said Mr Wexham.
Find out more about the Star Rating Scheme here.
