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AUSINTEC Academy

 Terms and Conditions

 

 

 2006/2007

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

AUSINTEC Academy aims to provide quality training that meets the needs of equestrian industry.  The values and beliefs that underpin our code of practice are: responsiveness to the training needs of the relevant industry; equity; the principles of social justice; ethical practices; access; and inclusively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organisational Chart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Liaison Officer/Counsellor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equestrian Manager

 

 

 

 

Office Manager

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

Marketing Manager

 

 

 

Financial Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equestrian Staff/

Workplace Trainers & Assessors

 

Office Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors

 

English Language  Teachers, Trainers & Assessors

 

Specific Skills Workplace Trainers & Assessors

 

Marketing Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors

 

Financial Staff/ Workplace Trainers & Assessors

 

 

                                                                                           

 


 

 

1    Systems for quality training and assessment

 

 

Educational Standard

 

AUSINTEC Academy has adopted policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the delivery of education and training services, and which safeguard the educational interest and welfare of clients.

 

AUSINTEC Academy aims to maintain a learning environment that is conducive to the success of all clients. 

We have:

-          The capacity to deliver all advertised courses (Human resources and physical resources meet requirements of the offered courses);

-           Adequate facilities for delivering all courses;

-          Appropriate materials, resources and methods to cater for the needs of international and domestic clients.

 

The clients’ progress throughout any courses will be closely monitored and allocation to classes will be periodically reviewed according to the client’s progress.

 

AUSINTEC Academy has an innovative program, which integrates practical tasks with theoretical knowledge, which enables clients to progress at a rate relevant to their individual ability levels.

 

Ongoing tutorial assistance (including English Language, Literacy and Numeracy) is available and additional work experience organised where necessary or requested.

 

AUSINTEC Academy understands that as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) they can only provide courses that are registered with State and National authorities.

 

It is AUSINTEC Academy’s responsibility to monitor and assess each client’s performance, course attendance and progress.

 

AUSINTEC Academy has policies and procedures in place which ensures that all staff who are involved with clients are not only suitably qualified but also sensitive to the culture(s) and differences of individual clients being taught and will provide for training of such staff as appropriate. 

 

AUSINTEC Academy works within the 'Working with Children' guidelines set down by the Commission for Children and Young People

 

 

Risk Management

 

The Director or a designated staff member to identify and manage risks associated with the compliance and non-compliance of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations will conduct AUSINTEC Academy’s Risk Management assessment

 

Any risks that are identified are investigated and deemed likely or un-likely, we also investigate the impact that would be had on the students and on AUSINTEC Academy, if these are found to be substantial, procedures to limit the impact are brought into place. 

 

All findings and new suggested policies and procedures are documented using our Risk Management Table and or Risk Management Form with the results being made available to the Director for review.  When these documents are reviewed all new policies and procedures will be implemented into the everyday running of the institute.

 

 

Continuous Improvement

 

AUSINTEC Academy strives to be an internationally recognised educational provider, considering this it is important for us to continually improve.  Our educational material and systems are continually reviewed and improved.  

 

Staff and students are regularly surveyed and asked for feedback on our educational material and systems.

 

Stakeholders are also regularly surveyed and asked for feedback and satisfaction data.

 

Any staff member, student or stakeholder that detects the need for improvement is encouraged to discuss the matter with the Director. 

 

If this feedback is given verbally, it is then written into a report by the relevant staff member.

 

These opinions are important to AUSINTEC Academy and are all read and considered by the Director. If this information can be used to improve the Policies and Procedures of Ausintec, they will be reviewed and monitored.

 

 

 

 


 

2    Compliance with Commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulatory requirements

 

AUSINTEC Academy has identified and complies with relevant Commonwealth, state/territory legislation and regulatory requirements including, but not limited to:
i           occupational health and safety

ii          workplace harassment, victimisation and bullying

iii         anti-discrimination, including equal opportunity, racial vilification and disability           discrimination

iv         privacy

v          VET

vi         apprenticeships and traineeships

 

AUSINTEC Academy ensures its policies and procedures meet the requirements of Commonwealth or state/territory legislation and regulatory requirements that are relevant to the RTO’s operations including industry legislation and regulatory requirements specific to its scope of registration and that:

i           staff are provided with information about current legislation and regulatory requirements       that significantly affects their duties

ii          clients are provided with information about current legislation and regulatory   requirements that significantly affect their participant in VET

 


 

3    Effective financial management procedures

 

 

Financial Management

 

All students’ fees (Domestic and International) will be placed into the nominated trust account/s

If a Student Visa is denied* all monies except enrolment fee will be refunded

Thirty (30) days before commencement of course 20% of student fees will be drawn down

Seven (7) days before commencement of course a further 20% will be drawn down

Once course has commenced the remaining portion will be drawn down weekly

*Withdrawal of Visa is not accepted as Visa denied

 

 

Fee Structure

 

AUSINTEC Academy’s course fee structure is addressed clearly within each enrolment/application form for clients.

 

AUSINTEC Academy has strict financial standards to safeguard funds paid by clients. 

 

We fully comply with the provision of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and its accompanying Regulations.  We have a Trust Account for all full-time client fees to be held, with withdrawals being made in compliance with ESOS Regulations. 

 

Should we for any unforeseen reason be unable to deliver all agreed services, we will make a refund to the client in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and/or State and Territory legislation. 

 

We ensure that there is proper documentation of the contractual and financial relationship between the client and the provider and will make available to the client copies of this documentation.

 

 

Refund of Fees Policy

 

AUSINTEC Academy’s policy is fair and equitable to all students (International and Domestic).  It is designed to protect and enhance our reputation as a training provider as well as that of our state. It also incorporates the cancellation procedure that is to be followed if a student wishes to cancel their enrolment.

 

Notice of cancellation from a course is only valid if such notice is received by AUSINTEC in writing.

 

The enrolment fee for all courses is non-refundable.

 

All fees, except the enrolment fee, will be refunded if a client is not granted a visa.

If notice of withdrawal is received more than and including 28 days before commencement of the course, then all fees, except the enrolment fee, will be refunded within 14 days.

If notice of cancellation is received less than and including 28 days before course commencement, then 80% of course fees will be refunded within 14 days.

If notice of cancellation is received less than and including 7 days before course commencement, then 60% of course fees will be refunded within 14 days.

No refunds of enrolment or course fees will be made if a client cancels enrolment on or after the course commencement date or withdraws before its completion.

 

No refunds will be made directly to any overseas client whilst such client is in Australia without consultation with Management first.

 

Any refund will only be paid to the person who originally entered into the contract with Ausintec about the student, unless the person gives a written direction to Ausintec to pay the refund to someone else; and by providing for a refund to be fully paid by the registered provider in the same currency in which the fees were paid, unless payment in that currency is impracticable.

The total amount of each refund to be paid no later than two months after it is due.

 

If a client is participating in the AUSINTEC Academy homestay program and wishes to conclude these arrangements, then that client is required to give two weeks notice for the termination of the homestay accommodation. No refund on homestay fees will be given if a client cancels out of the program within this period.

 

If AUSINTEC Academy terminates or does not offer a course and is unable to offer a suitable course, the client will be refunded the full amount of unused fees.

Tuition fees are not transferable to another person or institution.

 

AUSINTEC Academy reserves the right to expel a client who is in breach of Australian Government visa requirements or whose conduct disrupts the normal operation of classes. In such cases no refund will be made.

 

AUSINTEC Academy reserves the right to change, alter or amend curricula, syllabi, course structure, fees and any other matter pertaining to the provision of a course at any time. Such changes, alterations and amendments may be made without notice.

 

If AUSINTEC Academy has to change any of the above conditions for any reason, all students will be notified of the change in writing.

 

This agreement does not remove the right to take further action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.

 

AUSINTEC Academy’s dispute resolution processes do not circumscribe the student’s right to pursue other legal remedies.

 

Refunds will be paid within the relevant time period specified in the ESOS Act 2000.

 

If AUSINTEC Academy defaults, a refund cannot be covered by a written agreement between AUSINTEC Academy and the student. Such situations are covered by the provisions of the ESOS Act 2000 and the ESIS Regulations 2001.

 

 

 

 


 

4    Effective administrative and records management procedures

 

 

Administration and Records Management

 

All records will be held in a locked and held at AUSINTEC Academy.

 

An electronic copy of all records will be held in a locked room behind the hay shed.

 

AUSINTEC Academy retains all files and records for thirty (30) years for archiving and retrieval and transfer in accordance with State registering requirements.

 

AUSINTEC Academy complies with the external reporting requirements for the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS)

 

Except as required under the Standards for Registered Training Organisations or law, information about clients is not disclosed to any third party without the written consent of the client.

 

Clients may access their own personal records after consultation with the Director.

 

 

Version Control

 

When AUSINTEC Academy documents are updated or renewed a record will be made on the Version Control table, detailing the date, document, version and any other details and the details adjusted on the updated renewed documents, with the Director overseeing the process.

 

Each document should have

-          www.ausintec.com in top left hand corner

-          name of document in the top right hand corner

-          version in the lower left hand corner (including initials of author and date)

-          page number and total pages in the lower right hand corner

 

 

 


 

5    Recognition of qualifications issued by other registered training organisations

 

AUSINTEC Academy’s goal is to ensure that each individual is given recognition for prior learning gained through training (from other Registered Training Organisations), work experience or other life experiences.

 

RPL Principles

AUSINTEC Academy acknowledges the key principles governing the recognition of prior learning (RPL) as specified in the NFROT Agreement.

 

The recognition of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by any other Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

 

The recognition of prior learning shall focus on the competencies held as a result of formal and informal training, not how, when or where the learning occurred.

The recognition of prior learning underpins a system of competency based training. 

It is essential that training providers have a demonstrable commitment to recognising the prior learning of adults.

The recognition of prior learning shall be available to all potential clients.

The recognition of prior learning shall involve processes that are fair to all parties involved.

The recognition of prior learning shall involve the provision of adequate support to potential clients.

 

 

RPL Objectives

 

These principles underpin the objectives of our RPL policy and our action plan is to see that:

Access is available to AUSINTEC Academy courses by way of RPL (particularly relevant to domestic courses);

RPL is recognised as an integral component of the assessment process in determining an individual’s eligibility for an award;

The implementation of our RPL policy is consistent with NFROT principles;

 

All procedures for RPL incorporate a range of valid and reliable techniques designed to accurately assess competencies held and Non traditional learning processes are considered as valid pathways to competency achievement and recognised training outcomes. 

 

 

Key Principles of Assessment in RPL

 

In recognising prior learning the mechanisms used will be valid, reliable, flexible and fair.  The following principles will be observed.

Validity

Assessments will cover the range of skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate competency. 

Assessment of competency will be a process that integrates knowledge and skills with their practical application.

Assessment of a learner’s competency will be judged on evidence gathered on a number of occasions and in a variety of contexts or situations.  The evidence will be collected from activities and tasks that can be clearly related to the unit of competency or learning outcomes specified and demonstrate that the performance criteria have been met.

Reliability

 

Assessment practices will be monitored and reviewed to ensure that there is consistency in the interpretation of evidence.

Assessors will be competent in terms of the national competency standards for assessors. 

Assessors will have adequate knowledge of the area of competence they are assessing.  (Note:  Without reliable assessments there can be no comparability of credentials)

 

Students may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL), Ausintec provides a formal process for conducting and recording this. A record of the student’s RPL is signed by the student and a copy placed on their file.

 

When an overseas student is granted RPL which leads to a shortening of the student’s course, Ausintec will do one of the following

If the RPL is granted before a visa is granted, the registered provider will indicate the actual net course duration (as reduced by RPL) in the eCoE issued for that student for that course.

If the RPL is granted after the visa is granted, Ausintec will report the change of course duration via PRISMS under s19 of the ESOS Act 2000. In such cases Ausintec will remind the student that it is a condition of their visa that they be enrolled in full-time study. If the student finishes their course early, they must either enrol in another CRICOS-registered course or depart Australia immediately unless they have been given authorisation by DIMA to remain in Australia.

If Ausintec grants an overseas student RPL which leads to a reduced study load, ie contact hours per week, Ausintec will not allow the student to study less than a full-time load as defined in paragraphs 13.1 and 13.2 of the ESOS Code 2000.

 

 

Flexibility

 

Assessment will cover both the on and off-the-job components of training.

Assessment procedures will provide for the recognition of competencies no matter how, where or when they have been acquired.  This of course is subject to any legislation, regulations or licensing arrangements.

Assessment procedure will be made accessible to learners so that they can proceed readily from one competency standard to another.

Fairness

Assessment practices and methods where possible will be equitable to all groups of learners.

Assessment procedures and the criteria for judging performance will be made clear to all learners seeking assessment.

Assessment will be participatory.  The process of assessment will be jointly developed / agreed between the assessor and the assessee.

Opportunities will be provided to allow learners to challenge assessments and provision will be made for assessment.

 

AUSINTEC Academy has a formal process for conducting and recording RPL. Once the procedure is completed, a record of the student’s RPL must be signed by the student and a copy placed on their file.

 

When granting an overseas student RPL which leads to a shortening of their course, AUSINTEC Academy will either

-          if the RPL is granted before the visa is granted, Ausintec will indicate the actual net course duration (as reduced by RPL) in the eCoE issued for that student for that course.

-          If the RPL is granted after visa grant, Ausintec will report the change of course duration via PRISMS under s19 of the ESOS Act 2000. Ausintec will remind the student that it is a condition of their visa that they be enrolled in full-time study. If the student finished their course early, the student must either enrol in another CRICOS-registered course or depart Australia immediately unless they have been given authorisation by DIMA to remain in Australia.

 

Ausintec will not allow a student to study less than a full-time load as defined in paragraphs 13.1 and 13.2 of the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. This also applies to Ausintec granting RPL which leads to a reduced study load, ie contact hours per week.

 

 

 

Risk Management and Quality Assurance in RPL

 

AUSINTEC Academy is aware that when up to 100% recognition is claimed or may be claimed, that there is a higher risk associated with recognition. 

Given that the amount of risk in an RPL process is directly related to the following:

-          amount of evidence to be collected;

-          degree of rigour required

-          number of assessors to be used

-          cost of implementing RPL process

 

The following general principle will be observed. As the level of risk increases there will be a corresponding increase in the rigour of the process.  This will be achieved by requiring more evidence of a higher quality, more assessors to review the evidence and hence make a final assessment.

 

 

Fees and Charges for RPL Services

 

In determining fees and charges for Recognition of Prior Learning services the NFROT principles of access and fairness should be applied.

 

 

Stages of the RPL Process

 

The RPL process will include the following stages:

-          information;

-          initial support and counselling;

-          application; assessment;

-          post-assessment guidance; and

-          certification.

 

Implementation

All clients will be provided with information relating to the arrangements for the recognition of prior learning. 

 

 

 


 

6    Access and equity and client service

 

 

Client Information

 

AUSINTEC Academy supplies accurate and current information to enable a person unfamiliar with the Australian education and training system to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of the provider and its courses to the clients needs.

Information supplied to clients includes:

-          detailed and realistic estimates of costs for clients and for horse/riding proficiency requirements

-          programs including bridging courses, flexible programs and details of pre-sessional and in-sessional riding programs

-          Australian recognition given to qualification(s) offered

-          Withdrawal arrangements

-           Termination of tuition

-          Credit transfer

-          Refund entitlements including instances where the provider defaults

-          Details of facilities and equipment

-          Living conditions and staffing

-          Accommodation availability on and off campus

-          Internal and external grievance procedures 

-          Non-academic client support services

-          Disciplinary procedures

-          Provision for language, literacy and numeracy assistance

-          Course information, including content and vocational outcomes

 

 

We review regularly all information provided to clients to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

 

 

Client Support Services

 

AUSINTEC Academy is sensitive to cross-cultural issues and takes special care to meet the special needs of all clients, especially those under the age of eighteen years. 

Our services include:

Adequate orientation

Information and advice on accommodation

Counselling

Concurrent assistance

Bridging courses

Welfare facilities

Access to fair and equitable process for dealing with grievances

 

AUSINTEC Academy provides ongoing assistance in language, literacy and numeracy where necessary to complete the learning outcomes of the course.

 

AUSINTEC Academy discharges responsibility under DIMA requirements to approve accommodation/welfare arrangements for overseas students under 18 years of age.

 

 

 

Client Recruitment and Placement

 

Recruitment of clients for AUSINTEC Academy is conducted at all times in an ethical and responsible manner.  Offers of course placement are based on an assessment of the extent to which the qualification, proficiencies and aspirations of the applicant are matched by the educational opportunity offered.  Practical skills will be specifically assessed where necessary.

Many of AUSINTEC Academy’s courses will not require practical pre-requisites. We ensure that suitably qualified staff undertake assessment of educational background of intending clients and agents and AUSINTEC Academy will provide for the additional training of such staff and agents, as appropriate. 

 

Offers of course placements may include the following pre-requisites

a)     Academic qualifications

b)     English language

c)      Practical skills

 

AUSINTEC Academy informs prospective clients of the regulations governing students studying full time.  We inform prospective and enrolled clients of any changes to student requirements and conditions, as advised by the Department of Employment and Training (DET) or its equivalent. 

This information includes:    Advice on Austudy, Youth Allowance and Pensioner Income Supplement requirements; work rights; course requirements (including enrolment in full-time course of study, attendance and academic progress matters); to maintain adequate arrangements for the education of dependents; and to seek their prior approval of the specific Authority or its equivalent for certain course changes or before commencing or changing courses.

 

AUSINTEC Academy will notify the relevant Commonwealth authority if a client is no longer participating in a course and has had their enrolment subsequently cancelled.  We also ensure that the requirement and placement of clients comply with equal opportunity legislation and are consistent with other relevant requirements.

 

 

Staff and Student Feedback

 

AUSINTEC Academy values student and staff feedback, which is why we distribute a regular survey to students and or staff. Once they are collected the responses are examined, if there are no discrepancies the surveys are signed off on by a member of staff and filed. If there are any problems the issue will be investigated by the Education Manager. Once the issue has been resolved and documented on the Complaints and Appeals form it will be finalised by the Director then filed in the Complaints and Appeals folder.

 

All surveys are filed for later reference.

 

 

Dispute Policy (including overseas students)

 

Our Dispute Policy is:

 

Completely Confidential – Only the people directly involved in making or investigating a complaint will have access to information about the complaint

Impartial – Both sides will have a chance to tell their side of the story.  No assumptions will be made and no action will be taken until all relevant information has been collected and considered.

Free Of Repercussions – No action will be taken against anyone for making a complaint or helping someone to make a complaint.  Management will take all necessary steps to ensure that no victimisation occurs against anyone who makes a complaint.

Timely – All complaints will be dealt with as quickly as possible. We aim to resolve all complaints within 1 week if at all possible.

Documentation – All procedures will be documented using the Complaints and Appeals form, a copy of all documents and the outcome will be forwarded to the complainant.

 

Please use this procedure if you need to.  Don’t let people get away with harassment and unfair behaviour

 

AUSINTEC Academy has in place appropriate support services and is able to demonstrate the advice provided to intending overseas students on theses services. These include appropriate arrangements for independent dispute handling/dispute resolution, which is inexpensive and includes a nominee of the students if the students so chooses.

These procedures allow for prompt resolution having regard to the duration of the overseas student’s stay in Australia on a student visa.

 

AUSINTEC Academy has in place appropriate support services and be able to demonstrate the advice provided to intending overseas students on these services. Theses include appropriate arrangements for independent dispute handling

 

This procedure is designed to facilitate the resolution of client disputes.  The objectives of the procedure are to promote the prompt resolution of complaints and appeals through consultation, cooperation, discussion and documentation to avoid or resolve disputes, and to promote equity in the Institute.

 

Stage 1 – In the first instance a client should inform his/her immediate supervisor of the existence of a dispute and together they will attempt to resolve the dispute. The Supervisor is to document the complaint and any action taken.  The client may wish to exercise the right to consult a mediator during the course of Stage 1.

 

Stage 2 – If the dispute remains unresolved, the matter will be referred to the Education Manager, who will consult with the parties.  The Education Manager is to document the complaint and any action taken. The client may exercise the right to consult a mediator or have the latter present during the course of stage 2.

 

Stage 3 – If the dispute is still unresolved, the matter will be referred to the Director of the Centre.  The Director will ensure that:

(a)       the aggrieved client or the latter’s representative has the opportunity to present all aspects of the dispute; and

(b)       the dispute is investigated in a thorough, fair and impartial manner. 

 

The Director is to document the complaint and any action taken.

 

The Director may appoint another person to investigate the dispute. This person will not be the client’s supervisor. The Director will advise the client initiating the complaint, such client’s representative and any other client directly concerned, of the determinations made pursuant to the investigation of the dispute.

 

Stage 4          - If the dispute still remains unresolved, the matter will be referred to ACPET.  The decision of this body will be final.

 

 

Time Frames

 

This dispute procedure is to be completed in accordance with the following time frames unless the parties agree otherwise:

 

Stage 1:         Discussions should take place between the client and the latter’s supervisor within 24 hours and this part of the procedure will not extend beyond 48 hours. 

 

Stage 2:         Not to exceed three working days unless negotiated with the client

 

Stage 3:         Not to exceed seven working days unless negotiated with the client

 

The supervisor in the initial instance will take the following steps:

 

a)         work out if they are the right person to deal with the complaint.  They will send the complaint (with your consent) to the Manager if:

- they are biased because of their relationship with the person making the complaint or with the person who the complaint is about or

- if they do not have enough power to handle the particular complaint

 

b)         if they are the right person to deal with the complaint, they will:

explain the grievance handling procedure including what may happen if there is enough evidence to support your complaint or what will happen if there is not enough evidence to support your complaint; where you can go if you are not happy with the way that the organisation is dealing with the complaint; other places to go for more information.

 

c)         take a written record of the complaint;

 

d)         talk to the other person/people involved separately and impartially to hear their side of the story;

 

e)         tell you what the other person/people said and discuss what should be done to sort out the complaint;

 

make sure that whatever you have agreed/decided upon actually happens.

 

It is a good idea to have a list of actions appropriate to the behaviour complained of.

 

Some ideas are:

If the complaint is substantiated (it happened) – a written apology; an official warning; counselling; demotion; dismissal.

 

If the complaint is not substantiated (there is not enough proof) – training for all staff on anti-discrimination law; keeping a closer watch on the behaviour of employees.

If the complaint is frivolous (it did not happen) counselling for the person who made the complaint; a written apology; an official warning; cancellation of enrolment; follow up; including periodical assessments of the effectiveness of the agreed strategies.

 

 

Appeals

 

You can ask AUSINTEC Academy to take a second look at a decision if they have not followed the procedure set out here or you think the outcome was unfair. If you think that the dispute procedure was not followed properly or the outcome was unfair, you can appeal to the Director. 

 

They will look at the way that the complaint was handled. If they think it was handled properly, they will not take any further action. 

 

If they think it was not handled properly, they will organise for the complaint to be looked at again.

The review will be carried out by someone other than the person who first handled the complaint.

 

Complainants are advised in writing of the outcome of appeals or complaints.