Code of Practice This code of practice is available to all prospective PARTEC students. This code of practice details our commitment to our students and indicates the minimum standards set by PARTEC. Education standards PARTEC has policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the marketing and delivery of vocational education and training services, and which safeguard the interests and welfare of students. We will maintain a learning environment that is conducive to the success of students. We have the capacity to deliver the nominated course(s). We provide the facilities and use appropriate methods and materials. Marketing PARTEC markets our vocational education and training products with integrity, accuracy and professionalism, avoiding vague and ambiguous statements, in the provision of information. No false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other provider or course. Student Information PARTEC provides accurate relevant and up-to-date information to students prior to commencement. This includes, but is not limited to: " Our Code of Practice admissions procedures and criteria, our refund policy " Total costs/fees to students. " Certification to be issued to students on completion or partial completion of the course competencies to be achieved by students. " Assessment procedures arrangements for recognition of prior learning grievance/appeal procedure facilities and equipment " Trainee support services . - assessment policies User Choice funding arrangements Quality Standards PARTEC has in place an internal review process which demonstrates that the Quality Standards are being maintained. Quality Standards relate to: 1. Financial Management 2. Human Resource Management 3. Physical Resource Management 4. Provision of Information to Students Prior to Enrolment 5. Records Management 6. Training Outcomes and Issue of Certification Course Implementation Management Mission Statement The aims of PARTEC are to: Educate and train the Plastics Industry workforce in all aspects of plastics technology and related needs, be a supporting resource for High Schools, TAFE Colleges and Universities, for the educational needs of students who elect to include Plastics Technology in their courses. Quality Assurance Policy Statement PARTEC (QLD) PTY LTD provides education, training and some consultancy and testing services to the Plastics Industry. In order to meet the expectations and needs of our customers, we maintain good communication with the Plastics Manufacturing Industry and ensure that our services are of the highest standard. The requirements of ASINZS ISO 9000 2000 and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) form the basis of this Company's quality programme and the system defines all the operating procedures. These procedures ensure that we consistently meet the needs of our customers. This policy is issued to clearly indicate the attitude of PARTEC with regard to Quality Assurance, which we believe is essential to our long term success and reputation. PARTEC's goal is to become recognised as the leading Queensland based education provider for all plastics manufacturing and polymer related courses. To achieve this goal, all employees actively support this Quality Assurance Policy and understand their specific role in the Quality Assurance System. Information for Apprentices and Trainees Apprentices and trainees are people employed in industry who are party to Training Agreements or Contracts of Training, registered with the State Government. PARTEC is contracted by the State Government to provide training for several apprenticeship and traineeship areas, under a system that is referred to as 'User Choice'. What is User Choice? User Choice is defined as the 'system whereby an employer and student are free to choose which registered training organisation is to provide training to the student, and what approved delivery mode will be used'. (Source: User Choice Tender, Definitions). User Choice is a national initiative, referring to policies and funding mechanisms for apprenticeship and traineeship training and implemented by the Queensland Government through contracts with selected training providers throughout the apprenticeship and traineeship system. How does User Choice affect you? There are two main impacts of the User Choice system. The first is that PARTEC will assist employers and their apprentices or trainees to develop a training plan, which will be as flexible as possible to suit the needs of the employer, the student and the qualification structure of the apprenticeship or traineeship. The second major factor is that the State Government covers the majority of the cost of training under this system. However, there is a tuition fee (91 cents per hour for curriculum hours) which PARTEC must charge under its User Choice contract. Most PARTEC students covered by a User Choice contract complete between 250 to 350 hours each year towards their qualification. This means that an indicative tuition fee charge in the range of $220 to $308 per year will be payable to PARTEC by you. Eligibility for Tuition Fee Discounts There are a number of grounds for which PARTEC can grant discounts on User Choice tuition fee charges, such as in cases of severe financial hardship. Please phone PARTEC if you would like detailed information on tuition fee discounts, and we will assist you. Travel and Accommodation Assistance Apprentices and trainees may be eligible for State Government Travel and Accommodation assistance to attend their training at PARTEC. Details of this information are provided by PARTEC with the Training Plan. At present, assistance is provided when the journey to PARTEC for training is more than 50km from the home or worksite of the student Admission Policy Students will be advised not to enrol in courses which, in the opinion of PARTEC, would be too difficult or impossible for them to successfully complete. Prerequisites exist for some course units; these may be academic qualifications, specific workplace experience or completion of one or more other units. Prerequisites for each unit are listed in its Descriptor and also in the documents published in the Training Package for the particular qualification. Records Policy PARTEC will maintain confidentiality of student records, and not disclose outcomes to a third party who is not part of the Contract of Training. Students can access their information upon request. Refund Policy PARTEC Qid Pty Ltd has an accounting system in place, which guarantees that training fees paid by intending students are held in an appropriation account, and are not accessed until after training in the course has commenced. Should a course be cancelled by PARTEC the student will be entitled to a full refund. Should a student withdraw from a course PARTEC will consider such withdrawal on its merits. If the reason for withdrawal is considered valid fees may be refunded on a pro-rata basis after allowance for fixed costs incurred. Valid reasons for withdrawal include (but are not limited to) events which make continued attendance impractical, such as change of shift, relocation away from Brisbane, hospitalisation and injury which prohibits travel. Under some circumstances PARTEC will consider requests to defer completion of the course to a later date. In the event of a dispute, which can not be resolved, a committee from the relevant industry sector of the ITAB shall be called upon to give advice to PARTEC. Grievance and Appeal Procedure PARTEC has a quality system in place, which should minimise the risk of dissatisfaction about any aspect of training or assessment. PARTEC does, however, acknowledge the fact that it is possible for students to feel dissatisfied about aspects of a course or assessment of a course and it is PARTEC policy to take any dissatisfaction seriously. Students who feel that they have a genuine grievance have the right to a fair hearing at which they may state their concerns. The manager of PARTEC will receive, and act on, written notification of grievances at any time but it is recommended that the first approach be to the instructor concerned. If they are unsatisfied with the response from their instructor they should bring their grievance to the attention of the course co-ordinator or PARTEC's senior instructor either verbally or in writing. If they are still dissatisfied they should bring their grievance to the attention of the Manager of PARTEC. If the matter is still not resolved they should bring their grievance to the attention of the ITAB, where a relevant industry representative committee will advise on the matter. Grievances should be brought to the attention of PARTEC as soon as possible. Grievance about courses or assessments must be brought to the attention of PARTEC within three months of the end of the course or after receipt of notification of assessment, which ever is the latest date. Outcomes will be notified in writing. PARTEC will not investigate grievances that are notified after that time unless special circumstances exist. On-going Monitoring and Evaluation On-going review of the course will focus on: " relevance of content to any new legislation, technology and work practices effectiveness of delivery and assessment " employment of graduates " client satisfaction (both graduate and employer) Access and Equity PARTEC acknowledges the need for the principles of social justice to be appropriately addressed in all aspects of the course implementation. This will involve: " the right to equality of opportunity without discrimination " equitable access for all people to appropriate quality vocational education, training and employment programs and services " increased opportunity for people to participate in vocational education and training, and in associated decisions, which affect their lives Assessment Policy In accordance with the principles expressed above, PARTEC will make efforts to ensure that assessments are fair, reasonable, reliable, valid and flexible. Assessments will be constructed with the workplace outcome in mind, and can be varied to suit special needs of students, when this does not contradict the other assessment principles. What Students Can Expect From PARTEC PARTEC will provide training in plastics technology which is up to date and relevant to the needs of the industry. Instruction PARTEC will do this by: providing an environment which is conducive to learning providing appropriate learning resources (physical resources and information) providing appropriately skilled and experienced instructional staff encouraging students to use their full potential All required information such as study guides and course notes are provided to the student within the standard course fee. Physical resources as prescribed for each course or module syllabus will be available as necessary. Facilities Parking is available immediately adjacent to the PARTEC building. Public transport is available in the form of Brisbane City Council buses which run along Cavendish Road. There is a bus stop at the main gate of the college campus. Canteen facilities are available on campus, and tea and coffee making facilities (and materials) are provided at PARTEC. PARTEC provides a smoke free environment. What PARTEC expects from you As a teaching and training facility PARTEC has some simple common-sense rules to ensure the well being of all students. Attendance A minimum of 80% attendance is recommended for off-the-job training, and for courses held at PARTEC. Assessment Results A student who does not achieve the learning outcomes of a course will be given six (6) weeks to undertake a supplementary assessment. Behaviour Students are expected to behave in a manner which is acceptable for other students and PARTEC staff. Workplace Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety is an element of all skills based courses. Students are reminded that they have obligations under Division 3, Section 36 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act. Students will be advised of these obligations as part of their PARTEC induction. Students will receive appropriate instruction before they are permitted to use the training workshop facilities. Students will be advised of appropriate clothing and footwear and they shall not be permitted to enter training workshop areas unless appropriately dressed. PARTEC shall provide all other necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Mutual Recognition Students who have achieved training outcomes in modules or Units of Competency which are part of their PARTEC training program can ask for their study elsewhere to recognised by PARTEC. This can be arranged after production of a Certificate or Statement of Attainment, which can be verified by PARTEC. Credit transfer and articulation arrangements Applications for credit transfer will be considered. Production of appropriate certificates from other Training Organisations will assist in this process. Almost all courses taught at PARTEC articulate into Nationally Recognised Qualifications for the Plastics Industry. Students can achieve full Certificate qualifications, or Units listed on statements of attainment, depending on their enrolment choices. Recognition of Prior Learning Students who consider that they can satisfy the requirements of a course, or module of a course, as a result of previous training, practical experience or both may apply to be granted exemption from, or credit for this module on substantiation of this claim. A copy of the following: " PARTEC Recognition of Prior Learning policy, " Course, or module, learning outcomes, " Request for RPL Assessment form, - " Advice for RPL Candidates, will be made available on request. Support Services Counselling services PARTEC can refer students to appropriate agencies, including qualified Department of Employment and Training Support Officers. Library Services TAFE Mt. Gravatt lending library and library facilities. Remedial services Students may be offered informal additional assistance depending on the student's particular needs and the availability of PARTEC resources suitable for those needs. It should be noted that PARTEC has a history of providing extra tuition to students who require it, and of referring students to local providers of literacy and numeracy assistance. Students with disabilities PARTEC has trained people with mild disabilities and has facilities to cater for the needs of mildly disabled people. Due to the nature of the work within the Polymer Processing industry there has been little demand for tuition from severely disabled persons. Disabled people should discuss their disability with PARTEC prior to enrolment, so relevant arrangements can be made. There is wheelchair access to PARTEC. Course Specific Information Course Fees Most PARTEC courses are subsidised by the State Government. PARTEC is required to charge a standard tuition fee for government subsidised courses. The fees for each course will be specified in the information brochure for the individual courses. Additional cost to students Unless otherwise stated the stated course fees will be all inclusive and no additional charges will be payable for that course. Course Outlines Most PARTEC courses are compiled from the Nationally Recognised qualification structure, and assembled according to the requests of industry sectors (for specialised training courses) or against the set Qualification Outlines for a particular Certificate outcome for an industry Sector. Students can achieve full Certificate qualifications, or Units listed on statements of attainment, depending on their enrolment choices. Outline of course content for particular offerings are contained in the course specific brochures accompanying this document. Course Facilities PARTEC is a purpose built facility, equipped for training the wider plastics industry workforce. There are four well-equipped workshops set up for five of the major technology streams. Classrooms, a laboratory, and a range of teaching aids are available on site in Brisbane, and in Townsville. This enables the majority of plastics training to occur in a safe, controlled environment. PARTEC training is also available off-site, usually at company premises, if advance arrangements are made. Equipment to be supplied by students Students will be expected to supply equipment as detailed in the specific information for each course. Usually this is restricted to pens, pencils, calculators and such items. Course entry requirements Course entry requirements will be stated in the specific information brochure for each course. Assessment requirements The assessment requirements will be referred to in the information brochure for each course, and explained fully as part of the first session of each course. Course outcome The most likely vocational outcome, where appropriate will also be stated.