differences between accredited and non-accredited training: what's it all about ?

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Training: What's It All About? (WA Edition)

As an RTO Manager, I have extensive experience navigating the complexities of vocational training. For those outside the industry, terms such as "accredited," "non-accredited," "RTO," and "WA TAC" may seem unfamiliar. However, understanding these distinctions is essential, particularly when safety is at stake.

At Safety First Training (RTO 52610) in Perth, Western Australia, we focus on accredited training in essential safety skills such as working at heights and rescue operations. Our commitment extends beyond compliance; we prioritise the safety of every participant by adhering to a regulated framework overseen by our state regulator.

So, what's the big deal with "accredited" versus "non-accredited" training, especially when we're talking about something as serious as heights and rescue? Let me break it down for those outside the training game.

The Accreditation Advantage: Our Non-Negotiable Standard in WA

Accredited training at RTO 52610 signifies that we have undergone rigorous assessment and approval by the Western Australian Training Accreditation Council (WA TAC) 1. WA TAC serves as the state regulator for vocational education and training (VET) providers in Western Australia, ensuring quality and compliance across the industry.

For us, being accredited by WA TAC means:

1. Compliance with National Standards and State Oversight: Each course we offer, including 'Work Safely at Heights' (RIIWHS204E) and 'Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel' (UETDRMP007), is part of a nationally recognised training package 2. These packages are developed by industry experts to ensure relevant skills and knowledge. National training packages establish the standard, while WA TAC ensures that we, as a WA-based RTO, deliver training that meets both industry demands and legal requirements.

2. Quality Assurance: WA TAC thoroughly reviews all aspects of our operations, including trainer qualifications, industry experience, facilities, equipment, assessment methods, and student support systems. This comprehensive oversight ensures that our training remains current, relevant, and effective.

3. Recognised Qualifications: Upon completing an accredited course, you receive a Statement of Attainment 3 for the specific unit of competency. This nationally recognised document is accepted by employers and regulators throughout Australia, supporting career mobility and ensuring your skills are valued across the country.

4. Meeting Legal Obligations in WA: In sectors such as construction, mining, utilities, and events management, specific tasks—including working at heights above 2 metres or performing electrical rescue—require accredited training by law 4. Using non-accredited training for these roles may breach WorkSafe WA regulations and compromise worker safety 5. Our compliance with WA TAC ensures we meet all state requirements.

The Role of Non-Accredited Training: Where it Fits

Non-accredited training also has a role. These are typically short courses, workshops, or specialised sessions developed by individual experts or companies that do not undergo the formal WA TAC approval process.

The benefits can be:

• Niche Expertise: Sometimes, a specialist might have developed an incredibly specific, cutting-edge technique that isn't yet part of a national training package.

• Flexibility and Speed: Non-accredited training can be rolled out much faster, enabling a quick response to new technologies or highly specialised operational needs.

• Refresher/Awareness Training: For general awareness or very specific refresher courses that don't require a formal qualification, non-accredited options can be useful.

However, in high-risk areas such as working at heights or rescue, significant concerns remain:

• No Formal Recognition: A certificate from a non-accredited course might mean very little outside of the specific company that issued it. It won't be recognised by WA TAC or other state/national regulators, and often won't satisfy the legal requirements of WorkSafe WA for regulated activities.

• Variable Quality: Without oversight from a body such as WA TAC, the quality of non-accredited training can vary significantly. Content may be outdated, trainers may lack formal credentials, and assessments may be inadequate. The same level of quality assurance is not guaranteed.

• Employer Liability: If an incident occurs and workers have not received the legally required accredited training, organisations may face severe penalties, fines, and reputational damage from WorkSafe WA. Most importantly, inadequate training can put lives at risk.

Making the Right Choice, Especially Here in WA

Industries in Western Australia frequently involve significant hazards, including mining operations, construction projects, and maintenance in multi-story buildings. These activities require strict adherence to safety standards.

For working at heights or rescue training, I strongly recommend choosing accredited training. This approach ensures compliance, competence, confidence, and genuine safety.

Before enrolling in any training course in Western Australia, consider the following questions:

• Is the provider a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)? Look for their RTO number (like our 52610). You can verify this on the national training register, training.gov.au 6, which lists all RTOs, including those primarily regulated by WA TAC for their operations in WA.

• Is the course part of a nationally recognised training package? Ask for the specific unit of competency code (e.g., RIIWHS204E).

• What qualification will be issued? It should be a Statement of Attainment for a nationally recognised unit of competency.

Do not compromise safety for cost or convenience. The risks associated with inadequate training, particularly in high-risk environments, are significant. Investing in accredited training ensures genuine skills, verifiable competence, and a safer workplace for everyone in Western Australia and beyond.

Footnotes

1. Western Australian Training Accreditation Council (WA TAC). About WA TAC. Retrieved from WA TAC website ↩

2. Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. National Training Packages. Retrieved from training.gov.au ↩

3. Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). Qualifications and statements of attainment. Retrieved from ASQA website (Note: While ASQA is the national regulator, the principles of Statements of Attainment apply to all RTOs, including those regulated by WA TAC.) ↩

4. WorkSafe Western Australia. Work Health and Safety Act 2020 and Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022. Specific regulations regarding high-risk work and associated training can be found on the WorkSafe WA website ↩

5. WorkSafe Western Australia. Working at heights. Retrieved from WorkSafe WA website ↩

6. Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. training.gov.au. Retrieved from training.gov.au ↩