The National Quality Council (NQC) has endorsed a new design and structure for Training Packages as part of the VET Products for the 21st Century project.

The Streamlined Training Packages are the culmination of more than two years of research and consultation by the NQC. The New Training packages will be accompanied by ‘Companion Volumes’ to provide guidance to RTO’s. It is intended the new format will be more user‐friendly and easier to use.

In summary;

• The Streamlined Training Packages will be written in simplified language, shortened, and contain appropriately segmented content.
• There will be a greater focus on assessment, knowledge and foundation skills
• Units of Competency will be simplified to be an expression of performance standards only - explicitly listing foundation skills.
• Assessment requirements are to be strengthened and given their own section.
• Required skills will be expressed in Elements and Performance Criteria.
• The range statement is to be renamed RANGE OF CONDITIONS and will reflect context and operating conditions only.

The NQC has agreed to a transition period until the end of 2012 for Industry Skills Councils to update all Training Packages.