Welcome to Sydney Community College’s Registered Training Organisation
(RTO 90054).
Student Information – Quality Assurance and Policies and Procedures
As a not-for-profit company and registered charity, Sydney Community College has at the heart of its mission the provision of affordable and accessible education and training programmes that develop individual and community capacity and support inclusivity.
To achieve this through our RTO, the College pursues an active quality assurance, compliance, consumer protection and student support ethos and partners with community organisations and Government to deliver learning programmes for those with tailored or specific needs who might otherwise miss out.
One such Government initiative is the Adult and Community Education (ACE) Program funded by the New South Wales Government's Department of Education. The ACE Program is designed to ensure equitable participation rates in training opportunities and is underpinned by the NSW ACE Strategy. The focus of the Strategy is social inclusion and cohesion by creating pathways to education and training through Colleges such as ours.
Sydney Community College is also funded under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled Program to help people gain the skills necessary to find a job and/or advance their careers.
Please take the time to read the following RTO Policies and Procedures and our Quality Assurance Framework. These ensure that our courses, student support and business operations are transparent, fair and comply with Government regulatory requirements.
Our RTO Manager can be contacted on 02 8752 7555 or email customer.service@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au
Contents
Glossary of terms in Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Student access and support
- Access and Equity
- Student Support Services
- Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Recognition of Prior Learning
- Fees and Fee Protection
Privacy
Quality Training and Assessment
- Undertaking a VET Course
- The Trainers and Assessors
- The Course
- Your Attendance and Participation
- The Assessment Process
- Requesting an Assessment Review
- Issuing your Certification
- Complaints and Feedback
- Confidentiality and Continuous Improvement
Glossary of terms in Vocational Education and Training (VET)
The following is a guide to better understand some common terms used in vocational education and training.
AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework): The system that sets the standards for vocational education and training qualifications in Australia.
Assessment: The process of checking if a student has the required skills and knowledge to be competent in a subject or job role.
ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority): The Government body that oversees and regulates most Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia, except in Victoria and Western Australia.
Certificate: A qualification showing that a student has achieved learning outcomes as described in the Australian Qualifications Framework AQF. There are four levels of certificates; they range from Certificate I (basic fundamental knowledge and understanding in a narrow area of work and learning) to Certificate IV (broad factual, technical and theoretical knowledge in a specialised field of work and learning). A certificate must be printed in a format that prohibits false reproduction.
Competent: When a student has demonstrated they have the required skills and knowledge for a particular job or task.
Credit Transfer (CT): The process of recognising previously completed units from another qualification to ensure you do not have to repeat skills and knowledge already acquired.
LLN (Language, Literacy, and Numeracy): Also called Foundation Skills, these are the essential reading, writing, speaking and maths skills needed for learning and working.
Nationally Recognised Training: Courses that meet Government-approved standards and are recognised across Australia.
Qualification: This is a formal certificate confirming that you have completed an entire qualification and have met all the required learning outcomes for the course. It will list the qualification title and the units of competency you have completed.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): A process that assesses a person’s existing work experience, skills and knowledge to see if they meet the requirements for a qualification or particular units of competency, meaning they may not need to complete all parts of a course.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO): A Government-approved provider that delivers nationally recognised training and qualifications. Sydney Community College is an RTO with the RTO number 90054
Statement of Attainment (SoA): A certificate given when a student completes part of a course but not the full qualification. Please note that an SoA is not the same as a full qualification. It is a record of individual units of competency you have completed when you have not undertaken a full qualification.
Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015: The set of rules all training providers must follow to maintain quality. These standards will be updated in 2025.
Third-Party Arrangements: When an RTO works with another organisation to help deliver training or assessment. These arrangements must follow strict rules to ensure quality and are oversighted by ASQA and the NSW Government.
Transcript: A document that lists all the units a student has completed in a qualification.
Unit of Competency: A small section of a qualification that teaches specific skills and knowledge required for a job.
USI (Unique Student Identifier): A national student number that allows students to track their training records online.
WHS/OHS (Work Health and Safety / Occupational Health and Safety): Laws and practices that ensure workplaces are safe. The term used depends on the state or industry.
Student access and support
Access and Equity
At Sydney Community College we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, nationality, or cultural background. Regardless of age, marital status, physical or intellectual abilities or religious beliefs
We follow the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate support.
If you have any concerns about access, equity or inclusion or if you need other support to fully participate in your studies, please see below or contact our RTO Manager at 02 8752 7555 or email the College Principal at principal@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au.
We are here to help and ensure you have a positive learning experience.
Student Support Services
At Sydney Community College we believe in supporting you throughout your learning journey and offer assistance to help you succeed in your studies including but not limited to:
Additional learning support with your trainer. This can be on the phone, by email or with extra class sessions.
Volunteering opportunities through our community partners to build your work experience and add to your resume.
Career and mentoring support to provide guidance and advice on pathways to employment in your chosen field.
Interpreter services and advice on accessing other community support services in your area.
If you need further information on how we can assist you through your learning experience while at the College, please contact the RTO Manager or Customer Service at 02 8752 7555.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
As part of your enrolment, youll need to apply for a USI - a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
What is a USI?
Your USI is your personal student number for all Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in Australia.
Why do you need one?
It keeps a secure record of all the VET courses you complete, no matter where you study in Australia. It also allows you to access your training records and transcripts easily online and in one place.
How do you get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, free, and easy. Simply visit the official USI website and follow the steps to create yours.
Need help? Contact us and well guide you through the process!
Recognition of Prior Learning
Sydney Community College is committed to recognising learners’ prior learning and qualifications through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) processes and policies.
To explain - RPL is the assessment by us of skills and knowledge you have acquired through previous training, work or life experience which are relevant to the course you are doing with the College. RPL allows us to assess your existing competency against the requirements of the course. You can be granted part or all of a unit of competency by RPL. You can apply for RPL after enrolling. You need to supply evidence to prove your skills and knowledge for RPL such as:
- records of completed training
- assessment items
- assessment records
- declarations from your employer
Credit transfer (CT) is recognition that you have previously completed a unit of your course through VET or higher education, in some cases with our College. To receive a credit transfer for a unit you must provide formal evidence that you have previously completed the unit or a unit which matches in content and outcome. Formal evidence can be a qualification certificate or transcript, statement of attainment or your USI transcript. When credit is recognised, you do not need to repeat training or assessment for that unit.
Contact the College to discuss the evidence requirements. Our RTO Manager will discuss with you the options which may also include further training.
Fees and Fee Protection
In the event of a fee being applied to a course run by the College, SCC would not collect more than $1500 in pre-paid fees for courses leading to a VET qualification in accordance with the Standards for RTOs. Where this is the case, the following procedure to process refunds, transfers and/or withdrawals is followed:
A full refund is processed when course cancellation is actioned by SCC or in the instance where the student withdraws either verbally or in writing.
Withdrawal must occur by the student prior to course commencement. Course commencement in this instance refers to where a student has interacted and participated in the relevant Unit of Competency (UOC) in a manner that exceeds mere attendance or accessing training materials. A pro rata cancellation fee totalling the charge of one Unit of Competency is charged when:
A student has been confirmed as having commenced the course by SCC.
A student withdraws after course commencement either verbally or in writing.
A student fails to return to the course.
Should a student elect to withdraw from the course, evidence of refund is retained for each unit of competency where no participation in training has been undertaken at the time of cancellation of enrolment.
A statement of fees is provided to the relevant party, including all fees applied and any fees refunded, if applicable.
In the event where Credit Transfer or RPL is applicable and modification has been made to the student fee, a pro-rata refund is provided on the amended amount.
A withdrawal with no penalty cut-off is determined by the pro-rated refund. The date is determined at the time of withdrawal.
Written requests for refund detailing circumstances for students withdrawing from courses will be considered at the discretion of SCC. In the event of exceptional circumstances please contact us on 02 87527555 to discuss your refund options.
Privacy
SCC adheres to the thirteen Australian Privacy Principles issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Keeping information secure is a priority for the College. The College respects the privacy of both its students and its staff. Information provided by individuals to the College is to facilitate access to (including enrolment) and participation in the College's education and training courses. The College takes all steps to ensure that the personal details of its students and staff are not released to unauthorised persons or organisations and personal information received by the College is kept secure in appropriate filing systems and record repositories before the ultimate secure destruction of the records. If you have an urgent concern that the personal information collected by the College is incorrect and/or is not properly secure please notify principal@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au.
When you enrol as a student in a vocational education and training (VET) course with the College we need to collect your personal information as an important part of your enrolment. This is because the College is required by law to provide personal information about you to the NSW Government and to Federal Government’s National Centre for Vocational Education Research (the NCVER) and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The Department is authorised by law to collect, use and disclose your personal information to meet functions and activities related to VET courses. These functions and activities include:
- administering VET, including program administration, regulation, monitoring and evaluation
- facilitating statistics and research relating to education, including surveys and data linkage
- understanding how the VET market operates, for policy, workforce planning and consumer information.
To understand more about this process please email VET-DataPolicy@dese.gov.au. To make a complaint or ask a question email privacy@dese.gov.au.
You must give written consent to the College to use your personal information and our VET course enrolment process includes your permission for your information to be used or disclosed in the way outlined above.
If you would like to seek access to or correct your personal information held by the College please contact us by email at principal@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au.
The College will from time to time, send mail and email to students and past students for marketing. Students may at any time request that all such marketing cease. All requests will be promptly complied with. The College will from time-to-time contact students by other means such as post and telephone for College-related marketing activities. Students who request so will be removed from any marketing lists. No personal information is ever or will ever be disclosed to overseas recipients.
The College does not allow for the use of student information for any secondary marketing not related to the College.
Quality Training and Assessment
Undertaking a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course with us at the College
You are about to undertake a nationally recognised VET course through the Colleges Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This means your training will meet national standards set by the Standards for RTOs and your Qualification or Statement of Attainment will be recognised across Australia.
The Trainers and Assessors
Our trainers and assessors are well qualified and experienced in their fields. They engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge and are committed to supporting student learning and success.
The Course
Your course will be delivered in accordance with the relevant Training Package requirements. The qualification or Statement of Attainment issued to you on successful completion will be nationally recognised.
In addition to nationally recognised training, the College may also include non-accredited training components. Non-accredited training is ideal for gaining relevant skills without needing certification and for bridging knowledge gaps to prepare you for further study in accredited courses. The College issues its Record of Achievement in these non-accredited components to successfully completing students in recognition of their learning accomplishment.
Your Attendance and Participation
Engagement in scheduled learning activities is critical to your success. Learning includes trainer-led instruction, peer collaboration, and practical activities. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled contact hours.
The Assessment Process
Your assessment is designed to measure your ability to meet industry and workplace standards. Assessment methods may include practical demonstrations, written tasks and projects, case studies, observations and discussions
Upon completion of an assessment, students will be graded as:
Competent (C) You have demonstrated the required skills and knowledge.
Not Yet Competent (NYC) You need further learning or reassessment.
Requesting an Assessment Review
If you disagree with your assessment result, you have the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving the result and here are the steps involved in that process:
Step 1: Informal Review. First, discuss your concerns with your trainer. Many issues can be resolved informally.
Step 2: Formal Appeal Process. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the informal review here is what to do next: a. Submit a written appeal to the RTO Manager via email using this link.
b. The RTO Manager will review the appeal in consultation with the trainer.
c. You will receive a written outcome of the review.
Step 3: Independent Review. If you are still dissatisfied after Step 2 you may escalate the appeal to the Principal within 14 days of receiving the review decision who will then arrange an independent review of the assessment decision. Contact the Principal by following this link.
The decision of the independent review will be final, however, if you are still not satisfied, you may submit a complaint to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) by phoning 1300 701 801 or emailing ASQA Complaints.
Issuing your Certification
If you are enrolled in a nationally recognised training course and have successfully met all the required assessment criteria, you will be issued with a Qualification and/or a Statement of Attainment in accordance with the Standards for RTOs. A Qualification is formal certification that confirms you have successfully completed all requirements of a full program of learning. It will include the Qualification title and code, along with a list of all units of competency completed. A Statement of Attainment is issued when you have completed one or more units of competency but have not met the full requirements of a qualification.
If you lose or misplace your Statement of Attainment or Qualification, you may request a replacement free of charge for the first reissue. The reissued certificate will reflect the original date of issuance. Requests for a replacement must be submitted in writing to the RTO Manager, outlining the reason for reissue and providing any required supporting evidence. Any additional requests for replacement certificates may incur a fee.
Complaints and Feedback
SCC is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent and accessible process for handling complaints, appeals and feedback in accordance with the Standards for RTOs.
Complaints
Students and staff may submit complaints regarding any aspect of our services, including training, assessment, support services, and administration. Complaints should be made in writing and submitted to the RTO Manager 02 87527555. The process for dealing with complaints is as follows:
- Acknowledgement: Complaints will be acknowledged in writing within five (5) business days.
- Investigation: An impartial review will be conducted, allowing all relevant parties to present their case.
- Resolution: A written response will be provided within 20 business days. If additional time is required, the complainant will be informed.
- Escalation: If dissatisfied, the complainant may request an internal review or refer the matter to the Australian Skills Quality Authority. For best guidance see https://www.asqa.gov.au/about-us/how-asqa-uses-feedback/complaints-about-training-providers.
Feedback
We encourage students and stakeholders to provide feedback to improve our courses, services, and operations. Feedback can be submitted formally through surveys, suggestion boxes, or directly to staff.
Confidentiality and Continuous Improvement
All complaints, appeals, and feedback will be handled confidentially. Records will be maintained to ensure compliance and support continuous improvement. No complainant or appellant will face disadvantage for raising concerns in good faith.
For further details or to submit a complaint, appeal or feedback, please contact the College on 02 8752 7555
Last reviewed and updated: December 2024