There are 10 qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) that range from Certificate 1 to a PHD at level 10. Certificate IV, Diploma, and Bachelor Degrees are most common at TAFE and University. There are also short courses that issue vocational Units of Competence (AQF level 1-5) such as first aid or pool lifeguard.
Community QualificationsIn another category there is a range of training and qualification that are not endorsed within the AQF and are issued by a variety of private businesses, clubs, incorporated associations, voluntary organisations, community groups, charities and some sport peak bodies. The current status of this second category which are often termed 'Community Qualifications' are what we would like to better understand, and how in 2022 they can still be used as a quality pathway into finding employment within the outdoor sector/industry.
Note: We are broadly using the word qualification to mean evidence that proves a course of learning/training has successfully been completed by someone. It could be issued by any of the above mentioned.
Some examples of community qualifications would be those issued by ACIA, APSI, Auscycling, Paddle Australia, PADI, RLSSA, or Rescue3. We know at times there can be an overlap where an incorporated association can deliver both its own qualification, and via an RTO provide a statement of vocational AQF Unit/s.
This focused survey is only interested in the community qualifications themselves, and not the RTO endorsed certificate or statement or Units completed.
