News

RTO's and Easy Guides

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:09:13 +1000

Helping RTOs get the most out of Easy Guides learning materials.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) are now the only way a person can gain a high risk work licence in many states or territories. An RTO must document a structured training program showing how the Unit of Competency learning outcomes have been achieved.

RTOs can continue to use our Learner Guides, PowerPoint Presentations and a range of other products, but must document how they form part of a structured training program. To assist RTOs in this process, Easy Guides has produced a brochure 'Helping RTOs get the most out of Easy Guides Learning Support materials'.

The brochure is packed with training ideas showing how a range of Easy Guides materials can be used to help a learner achieve the underpinning knowledge and skills required.

Dogging Learning Materials Released

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:39:36 +1000

After much blood, sweat and tears our 'CPCCLDG3001A Licence to perform dogging Start Up Pack' is now available for sale. This set of Dogging learning materials has been created to meet the NEW National Unit of Competency - CPCCLDG3001A Licence to perform Dogging.

Purchasing the Dogging Start Up Pack will provide employers, learners, trainers, assessors and RTO's with support materials that help meet the formal requirements of the Training Package containing the licence unit.

Included in this pack is:
1 x Dogging Information Book
1 x Dogging Learner Workbook
1 x Dogging Trainer's Handbook
1 x Dogging PowerPoint Presentation
1 x Dogging Trainer's Resource CD
1 x Dogging High Risk Training Logbook

Audit Tool
A new feature of this Start Up Pack is a fully completed Audit Tool to show that the learning materials have been fully mapped to Performance Criteria, Underpinning Skills and Knowledge, Range Statement and Critical Aspects of Assessment. This 'internal' audit of the learning materials will be a great help to both the RTO and the auditor when the actual audit is undertaken to add a unit to scope.

(The existing Start Up Packs - Forklit, EWP and Construction Induction will include a fully completed Audit Tool in the near future.)

To purchase our new CPCCLDG3001A - Licence to perform dogging Start Up Pack click here. If you aren't ready to buy but would like to find out more about how these Start up Packs work you can order one of our FREE Promotional CDs here.

New High Risk Training Record Logbooks

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:37:45 +1000

Easy Guides Australia has developed a new style of Training Record Logbook to comply with the requirements of the 'National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work'.

Just released:
LOG-002 Record of Training Logbook - Generic
LOG-101 Record of Training Logbook - Forklift
LOG-102 Record of Training Logbook - EWP
LOG-105 Record of Training Logbook - Dogging

Some of the features of the new High Risk Training Record Logbooks
include:

- space for date and time of training session
- Element and Performance Criteria covered by an activity
- a signed entry and licence details of the person supervising
- many other handy features.

The new High Risk Training Record Logbooks are the same price as our existing Operator Training Logbooks. Our existing Operator Training Logbooks (LOG-001) are still current and valid however do not contain the requirements of the new high units of competency now being used in NSW.

We recommend that our new High Risk Logbooks be purchased only by NSW companies and RTOs at this time as NSW is the only state using the new high risk licence units of competency.

Other states and territories should continue to purchase our regular Operator Training Logbooks until further notice.

To order the new High Risk Training Record Logbooks click here or phone 1300 733 220.

Earthmoving Status - NSW August 2009

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:38:39 +1000

(This letter reproduced with permission by Third Party Management Unit Occupational Health and Safety Division WorkCover NSW)

Dear Stakeholder,
Further to the two-stage review of the loadshifting classes that were not included in the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (National Standard), WorkCover NSW will be initiating the following strategy while the Ministerial decision is still pending. WorkCover NSW will advise of the final result as soon as the information becomes available.

Four of the five loadshifting classes will be retained as a state based certificate of competency from 1 September 2009, but will require a move to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) by 1 January 2010.

• Front-end Loader/Backhoe Operation (LB)
• Front-end Loader – Skid Steer Type (LS)
• Front-end Loader Operation (LL)
• Excavator Operator (LE)

While a licence for dragline operation (LD) will no longer be required, employers must continue to ensure that persons receive the necessary training and information to work in a safe manner as per their duty of care under Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, and operators continue to have a legal responsibility to ensure their own health and safety at work and to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of any other person when operating this equipment.

Within the three month transitional period WorkCover NSW accredited assessors may continue to provide licence assessment services for LB, LS, LL and LE without the requirement to be aligned to an RTO until 31 December 2009. After this date the following units of competency will be required to be delivered for a WorkCover NSW certificate of competency to be issued.

• OHSCER202A Operate a front end loader/backhoe (LB)
• OHSCER204A Operate a front end loader skid steer type (LS)
• OHSCER205A Operate an excavator (LE)
• OHSCER203A Operate a front end loader (LL)

For RTOs
WorkCover NSW has received approval from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) to adopt their accredited course, 30496QLD Course in operating loadshifting equipment, which contains the above units.
To add to scope a $210.10 administration fee will be required to be paid by each RTO to purchase the disc and the associated training materials. Purchases are conducted through the Centre for Training Materials (CTM), which is a business area operating within the Queensland Department of Education and Training (DETA).

Centre for Training Materials
Ph: (07) 3248 4675 or (07) 3248 4674
Fax: (07) 3248 4670
Email: ctm@deta.qld.gov.au
Postal: GPO Box 1326, BRISBANE QLD 4001

When purchased, the standard two-stage NSW registration process is required to completed. However, rather than adding the individual units of competency, the RTO is required to add course 30496QLD to their scope of registration.

• Stage 1 – apply to the relevant State or Territory Training Authority (i.e. the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board in NSW) to have the above course added to its scope of registration

• Stage 2 – apply to WorkCover NSW for approval to conduct the above loadshifting assessments. RTOs are required complete an application form and to nominate the WorkCover NSW accredited assessors who will be conducting the licence assessments on their behalf, in NSW. There will be no fee for RTOs who are already approved by WorkCover NSW for National Standard classes. For those that are not registered a $500 application fee is required. This fee includes a $200 non-refundable administration fee.

For assessors
You may continue to provide licence assessment services for LB, LS, LL and LE without the requirement to be aligned to an RTO until 31 December 2009. After this date you will need to be aligned with an RTO or be an RTO. No further transitional period will be provided. Options available:
• Become an RTO
• Work in partnership with an RTO
• Be employed by an RTO

For employers and workers
Workers may continue to be directly assessed by a WorkCover NSW accredited assessor until 31 December 2009. After this date, RTOs will manage all training and assessment processes. Before being assessed a worker will need to either undertake recognised training through the RTO, or to provide evidence of prior training that maps to the recognised training requirements, to be eligible for the licence assessment. This system will replicate the requirements for the licence types that were selected for the National Standard i.e. forklift, dogging, rigging, scaffolding, pressure equipment, cranes and hoists, which will commence on 1 September 2009.

Should you require any further information in relation to these changes, please contact the Third Party Management Unit on 1800 855 969 if an RTO or a WorkCover NSW accredited assessor, and 13 10 50 if an employer or worker.
Yours sincerely
__________________________________________________
Third Party Management Unit
Occupational Health and Safety Division
WorkCover NSW
__________________________________________________
92-100 Donnison Street, GOSFORD NSW, 2250 Australia
Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow NSW, 2252
Phone: 1800 855 969
Fax: 02 9287 5994
Email: thirdparty@workcover.nsw.gov.au
For more information on WorkCover please visit our website at: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/

Easy Guides Earns Noted Tick for Training Package Support Materials

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:26:44 +1000

National Construction Induction Card

On 6 August 2009 our Training Package support materials for CPCCOHS1001A - Work Safely in the Construction Industry were Noted by the National Quality Council (NQC).

To view our Construction Induction range click here

New High Risk Forklift Truck Licence Materials

On 6 August 2009 our Training Package support materials for TLILIC108A - Licence to operate a forklift truck were also Noted by the National Quality Council (NQC).

To view our Forklift Truck Licence Materials for the new high risk system click here.

New Release: Elevating Work Platform for High Risk Licence

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:26:18 +1000

We are pleased to announce the release of another set of learning materials created to meet the NEW high risk licensing system soon to be adopted throughout Australia.

Now on sale is a suite of learning materials for the Unit of Competency TLILIC508A - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform. To assist auditing and training requirements, learning activities have been clearly structured around the Elements, Performance Criteria and underpinning knowledge and skills outlined in the Unit.

For those who wish to apply for EWP to be on their scope under the new licensing system we recommend you purchase the Elevating Work Platform Start Up Pack .

Each Start Up Pack contains the following:
1 x Information Book
1 x Learner Workbook
1 x Trainer's Handbook
1 x PowerPoint Presentation
1 x Trainer's Resource CD

Information Book
The Information book closely follows the elements and the performance criteria from the National unit of competency. Each section includes easy to follow text in plain English along with an abundance of illustrations to assist the learner in visually grasping the concepts being taught.

Learner Workbook
The Learner Workbook ideally works in conjunction with the Information Book. After reading the Information Book the learner can easily complete the theory and practical training tasks presented in the Learner Workbook. This can be done on their own or in a classroom environment.

Trainer's Handbook
The Trainer's Handbook mirrors the Learner Workbook and includes the answers to the Theory Tasks. Also includes training ideas.

PowerPoint Presentation
A powerful tool for teaching groups of learners, this PowerPoint Presentation also follows the elements and performance criteria of TLILIC508A - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform. Includes easy to use navigation, full colour illustrations, related topic links, a review quiz which matches the Learner Workbook review questions and a glossary of terms.

Trainer's Resource CD
A 'must have' item! Invaluable resources on this disk include:
• review questions print out (formative assessment)
• review questions answer sheet (formative assessment)
• review practical tasks print out (formative assessment)
• feedback, lesson plan and record of training forms
• OHS forms
• the Unit of Competency
• National standard for licensing persons performing high risk work
• mapping of the elements and performance criteria (Learner Workbook)
• mapping of employability skills
• useful web links.

If you would like more information on our Start Up Packs and to see how they work you can request a FREE Promotional CD on 1300 733 220.

The new high risk licence system - What's the difference?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:45:21 +1000

By James Tennant, Managing Director, Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd

The "driving school" has become compulsory!"
When I sat for my driving licence test, it didn’t matter if I had been trained by mum or dad or a professional at a driving school. The only thing that mattered was that I could pass a knowledge and practical test and then I would be allowed to take to the roads! How I was trained to pass that test was not something the system was interested in.

Using the analogy of getting a car licence, the new high risk licence system has made the ‘driving school’ compulsory! The ‘driving school’ is called a registered training organisation (RTO). The course I do at the RTO is checked by the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) to make sure it meets all the requirements set by the government.

The RTO will train me in the practical skills and knowledge needed, and will give me mini tests (formative assessment) along the way to make sure I’m reaching the standards required as I move through the course.

Once the RTO is satisfied that I have met all the standards in the course, I will go on to do a final (summative assessment) test. This final test will be conducted by an accredited assessor who will use a test set by the guidelines of an ‘Assessment Instrument’. I will complete a knowledge and practical test, and if I pass, I’ll have my licence which will be recognised anywhere in Australia.
In a way I will have been tested twice in the new system. First I’ll have to pass all the things in the RTO course and then I’ll have to do a final test to receive my licence.

In the new system I’m not the only one being tested. The RTO is checked by the State Registering and Course Accrediting bodies and the assessors who conducts the final ‘Assessment Instrument’ test are checked by the OH&S regulator (eg. WorkSafe).

The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work covers areas including scaffolding, rigging, dogging, forklifts and crane operators.

With the emphasis on training in the new system, I’m sure Australia will be a safer place for people working in high risk licensed areas.

[NOTE: This article may be reproduced in full with acknowledgement to Easy Guides Australia Pty Ltd. You may find it helpful in explaining to employers and members of the public the key features of the new system. At the time of writing, no state or territory is using the new high risk units of competency. This is expected sometime in the next 12 months.]

Start Up Packs for High Risk Licensing

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:31:30 +1000

To help registered training organisations (RTOs) get started with delivering the new high risk licence units, Easy Guides Australia is developing a series of learning support materials for a number of licence classes in the new system.

Each Start Up Pack can be used as part of the auditing process for an RTO to get a new Licence Unit on their scope. Once purchased, the packs have been flexibly designed so that further ordering of materials can be tailored to suit your budget and training needs.

The learning and training resources in the Start Up Packs have been designed using the new high risk Units of Competency as their base so that they will be Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) compliant. We believe our learning materials represent ‘best practice’ so will be a valuable tool in implementing the new system.

The first Start Up Pack for ‘TLILC108A Licence to operate a forklift truck’ has is now available. With development in full swing, further Start Up Pack for other licence classes are expected shortly.

To find out more about the new forklift training materials click here.

To order a FREE promotional CD that explains and shows you samples of the new materials click here.

To view flexible training options in using an Easy Guides Start Up pack click on the PDF below.

Update - National Construction Induction 'White' Card

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:51:57 +1000

Following are some questions Easy Guides have been asked about the new national construction induction card CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry.

We have answered these questions to the best of our knowledge but always check with your state or territory authority for final confirmation.

Can NSW use the Easy Guides’ Construction Induction learning materials?

Yes. However, NSW has mandated that the Assessment Instrument and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) that trainers use be the ones created by the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPPSIS). These can be used in conjunction with the Easy Guides learning mat erials and downloaded for FREE via the links below.
Download the Assessment Instrument
Download the Group Assessment Instrument
Download the Recognition Application (to complete the recognition of prior learning paperwork).

Who can deliver training to issue the new national ‘white’ card?

Any registered training organisation (RTO) that has followed the relevant state or territory accreditation guidelines. The qualification now sits in a national Training Package (CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services Integrated Framework) making it much more available then the previous individual state and territory systems.

How can I see a sample of the Easy Guides ‘white card’ learning materials?

a) Order a FREE Demo CD. This can be ordered online here at the Easy Guides web site. Show me the FREE Demo CD

b) Visit us at Stand i20 at the Queensland Safety Show (Tues June 16th –Thurs June 18th). 1 July 2009 is the Queensland commencement date for CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry so the timing is perfect for Queenslanders to look at the Easy Guides learning materials for this unit.

Construction Induction Training Timeline

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:17:17 +1000

Helping trainers deliver the new national construction induction card course.

Six hours can be an intensive training time to cover the knowledge and skills required to gain the new national construction induction card. To help trainers deliver the materials, Easy Guides has added
a ‘Suggested training timeline’ to our Trainer’s Resource CD.

The timeline is designed to help trainers manage the time needed to cover the comprehensive set of learning materials in the six hours available. An additional timeline is included for extension activities when more than 6 hours is available for training.

Click on the link below to download a free Training Timeline for the Easy Guides Construction Induction Learning Materials.