Assessment for each unit of competence will be through a combination of classroom based and work placement tasks. Classroom based assessment includes but is not limited to:

• Classroom exercises
• Assignments
• Practical demonstrations
• Group Activities
• Projects
• Verbal and/or written questions
• Field visits

Workplace learning and assessment will be carried out in aged care facilities by workplace supervisor and assessed by APSI workplace assessor in accordance with log books.

Australian Professional Skills Institute will provide a uniform to all Aged Care and Ageing Support students while they undertake the theory classes and workplace training.

All learners are required to wear an APSI uniform while attending workplace training in accordance with APSI Aged Care and Community Services Dress Code.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is available to anyone who has experience working in a commercial kitchen.

RPL:

• provides an alternative pathway to achieving a qualification without course attendance
• is a consultative process between with the candidate and the assessor to determine whether the candidate has acquired the requisite learning, skills and knowledge to demonstrate that they have achieved the required learning outcomes or performance criteria of the course or qualification, for which the candidate is seeking
• identifies where appropriate additional learning experiences or training gaps are needed to achieve the course or qualification
• is the conduct of an assessment to confirm competency.

APSI has developed a process that promotes holistic and task-based assessment. It focuses on relating assessment activities to actual job tasks. The intention of this model is to streamline and simplify the process of recognising competency.

Prior to RPL, information is provided to the candidate on the assessment process. Specific advice is given to each candidate on how they can demonstrate their competence and what documentary evidence is required to support their application. Each industry has unique documents that can provide evidence of experience and competence.

The candidate is required to provide adequate information prior to, throughout and after a training and assessment experience. The assessor, in this process, needs to be fully aware of the needs of the candidate and help them identify relevant workplace personnel who can confirm the candidate’s competency.

The focus of the APSI streamlined holistic assessment process is to focus on demonstrated skills and knowledge and not to rely purely on documentary evidence as the main source of evidence.

Some examples of documentary evidence that can support the process include:

• licences such as First Aid, RSA
• CV or work history with details of job role and responsibilities
• previous qualifications from overseas and Australia
• certificates and records of results or assessments completed with other RTO’s
• photographs of work undertaken
• samples of related project work
• diaries of tasks performed
• task sheets/job sheets/logbooks
• site training records
• pay slips / employment contracts / job descriptions
• memberships of relevant professional associations
• references/letters/third party reports from previous employers/supervisors
• industry awards
• performance appraisals

An RPL application kit can be obtained here.

This program is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) at Certificate level. As a registered training organisation, qualifications issued by APS Institute are nationally recognised.

Upon completion of Diploma of Community Services, students can continue to study Bachelor of  Science (Nursing) with Edith Cowan University. Credits may be granted by the University for students who have prior recognised qualification in Nursing. Please check with the Institute for further details.

(Source: AQF Implementation Handbook 2007)

Face to Face classroom learning – Wellington Fair, 40 Lord Street, East Perth, WA 6004, Australia Workplace training – at the workplace as approved by Australian Professional Skills Institute workplace assessor.

A National Police Clearance is compulsory for all students who undertake industry placement or work experience. A National Police Clearance can be acquired from any Post Office for a small  fee.  Please allow 3 weeks for delivery.  Students cannot attend work experience without this.