2 days to go and AQTF (2010) Vs The VET Quality Framework

I am still trying to get my head around is how the new VET Quality Framework (as detailed in the glossary on the ASQA site as well as in the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 relates to and / or replaces all of  .. or parts of .. the AQTF. (Australian Quality Training Framework)

The current Components of the AQTF (see page 2) are:

1) AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration

2) AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration

3) The Quality Indicators

4) AQTF 2007 Standards for State and Territory Registering Bodies

5) AQTF 2007 Excellence Criteria

The new VET Quality Framework is:

(a) the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations

(b) the Australian Qualifications Framework
(c) the Fit and Proper Person Requirements;
(d) the Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements;
(e) the Data Provision Requirements.

The table below shows a snapshot of my understanding of the ‘current soon to be old’ and the ‘new and in force from 1/7/11’.

AQTF AND “VQF” Links or Comparisons: A Snapshot

*This is just my interpretation & understanding

Components of the AQTF	VET Quality Framework means the following:
AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Initial Registration	(a) the Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations (c) the Fit and Proper Person Requirements; (d) the Financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements;
AQTF Essential Conditions and Standards for Continuing Registration
Was not listed as a component – BUT ‘existed’	(b) the Australian Qualifications Framework
The Quality Indicators	(e) the Data Provision Requirements.
AQTF 2007 Standards for State and Territory Registering Bodies	Is not listed as part of the definition– BUT a version of ‘exists’ in the Legislation – as related to the NVR
AQTF 2007 Excellence Criteria	Is not listed as part of the definition and does not ‘appear’ anywhere that I can find

I am pretty sure, from what I can gather, that ‘AQTF’ is to become a thing of the past to be replaced with the ‘VQF’ (I assume that will be the acronym). The other thing that is still a bit confusing, is the timing implications.

Given not all to be NVR RTOs will be ‘under’ the NVR as of 1/7/11 .. Will non NVR RTOs still be under ‘AQTF’ while in 2 days will NVR RTOs be under the VQF? (and all the changes that will mean in documents etc)

This difference in compliance requirements has been raised with respect to another issue (logos) and quite rightly,  it has been pointed out that RTOs who will be joining ‘later in 2011’ are going to be at a distinct advantage as we will see it all unfold and have time to plan in comparison to 1/7/11 RTOs who are being told “we will tell you on the 1/7/11 – The day it all begins! (This and more discussions can be viewed in the Linked In Group Australian VET Leaders initiated by Wendy Perry (see an explanation on Wendy’s blog and look around her great site while you are there!) 

I have sought clarification on some of these issues and will post updates as things become clearer .. But in the mean time ... See the next blog post for some Comments on the VQF