In some cases, ASQA is empowered to approve transition periods longer than those detailed in Clauses 1.26 (a), (b) and (c) of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015.
In accordance with the General Direction - Learner transition, ASQA will only consider applications for a longer transition period where it can be demonstrated that there would be genuine disadvantage to a cohort of learners if such an extension was not approved.
Where ASQA has approved an extended transition period, that arrangement applies to all ASQA registered RTOs delivering the specific training product to the identified learner cohort (e.g., plumbing apprentices in a specific jurisdiction where the qualification has been superseded), regardless of who made the application.
ASQA has recently approved the extended transition request for MAR20318 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) to 31 January 2023 for ASQA registered RTOs.
The extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period for MAR20318 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) qualification will end on 31 January 2023.
It was demonstrated to ASQA that learners would be genuinely disadvantage if they were required to transition to the replacement qualification as the significance of changes would not provide the expected outcomes for existing learners.
ASQA consulted Victorian Registration and Qualification Authority (VRQA) and Training Accreditation Council Western Australia (TAC WA) for this extended transition request.
The decision was made with support from Australian Industry Standards in their role as the Skills Service Organisation; Maritime Industry Reference Committee, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and feedback received from ASQA registered RTOs currently delivering the MAR20318 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal).
The MAR20318 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) qualification will remain on ASQA registered RTOs scope of registration until the end of the extended transition period unless the RTO chooses to withdraw it from scope prior.
