Review Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) Phase 1 Scoping Report October, 2006 Project Consultant Don Jones Ph: 02 6258 9899 or 0410 220 968 [email protected] 2 Contents 1.0 Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 2.0 Background …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 3.0 Environment Scan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 3.1 Methodology …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 3.1.2 Project Management ………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 3.1.2 National Project Steering Committee ………………………………………………………………………...5 3.2 Consultation and research ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 3.3 Feasibility study into the merger of Rural Production, Amenity Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Packages ………………………………………………….7 4.0 RTF03 Training Package Uptake and Training Statistics ………………………………………………………………..8 4.1 Overview of Vocational Education Training ………………………………………………………………………………8 4.2 Related Training Statistics …………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 4.2.1 Apprentice and Trainees Commencements and Completions in Amenity Horticulture (RTF) ………12 4.2.2 Apprentice and Trainees Commencements for Qualifications in Amenity Horticulture (RTF) ………14 4.2.3 Comparison of RTF, RTE and RTD Qualification enrolments- commencements 2004-2005 ……..16 4.2.4 Training Statistics for Apprentice and Trainee Commencements and Completions by Student Characteristics ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17 4.2.5 Total number of Units of Competency/modules completed for all Training Packages ………………..18 4.2.6 NCVER Data Limitations………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20 4.2.7 Units of Competency enrolled 2003-2005 ………………………………………………………………………………21 5.0 Summary of Uptake of the Training Package ……………………………………………………………………………….21 6.0 Rationalisation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….22 7.0 Relationship to other Training Packages …………………………………………………………………………………….25 8.0 Employability Skills ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26 9.0 Equity Report ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26 10.0 Training trends ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28 10.1 National initiative………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..28 10.2 Industry specific trends ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...28 11.0 Description of Generic Industry Work Roles ………………………………………………………………………………..29 12.0 Industry Consultation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………34 12.1 Response Demographics ……………………………………………………………………………………………………34 12.2 Survey responses and feedback ………………………………………………………………………………………...35 13.0 Phase 1 Recommendations for Changes to Amenity Horticulture Training Package RTF03 ……………36 14.0 Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….59 Appendix 1: Consultation Register ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....60 Appendix 2: Qualification enrolments-commencements 2004-2005 for Rural Production (RTE) and Conservation and Land Management (RTD) ……………………………………………………………………………….64 Appendix 3: NCVER Training Statistics Apprentice and Trainee Commencements by Student Characteristics …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………65 Appendix 4: NCVER Training Statistics Apprentice and Trainee Completions by Student Characteristics …………………66 Appendix 5: Total number of Units of Competency/modules completed for all Training Packages ………………………….67 Appendix 6: Units of Competency Enrolments 2003-2005 ……………………………………………………………………………………69 Appendix 7: Integrated Framework Model ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………79 Appendix 8: Quadrant unit analysis for RTF30803 Certificate III in Horticulture (Turf) ……………………………………………80 Appendix 9: Supplementary Information ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………81 Appendix 10: Survey Questionnaire A ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………96 Appendix 11: Survey Questionnaire B ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….108 Appendix 12: Identified skills necessary to work successfully in your field now and in the future ……………………………114 Appendix 13: New job roles emerging ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….115 Appendix 14: Changes in technology, government policy or business trends …………………………………………………………116 Appendix 15: Changes in legislation, regulatory or licensing requirements ……………………………………………………………117 Appendix 16: List of responses to improvement of use of language and wording of the competency standards ……..118 Appendix 17: Summary of government-funded VET Provision 2002-2005 for the Amenity Horticulture Sector, Vic….119 3 1.0 Executive Summary The Agri-Food Industry Skills Council (AFISC) is responsible for four rural-related Training Packages; Rural production, Amenity horticulture and Conservation and land management and Animal care and management. All four are currently under review. This report relates to the review of RTF03 which is the current version of the Amenity Horticulture Training Package comprising 34 qualifications at Certificate II to IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels covering: Arboriculture • Floriculture • Landscape • Parks and gardens • Wholesale and retail nursery • Turf • The review is conducted in two phases; Phase 1 comprises an environmental scan to identify possible improvements to the Training Package that will ensure its currency and relevancy to industry needs, and accessibility to end-users. Phase 2 involves the implementation of agreed recommendations as presented in Phase 1 report, validation of enhancements and rationalisation actions and a Final Report containing details of the Review of the Amenity Horticulture Training Package Phase 1 which has run over six months concludes with this report, and its acceptance by the National Project Steering Committee for the Review of the Amenity Horticulture Training Package Recommendations based on feedback received from surveys and consultations have been divided into four groups. Group I recommendations involve changes to the Training Package which are common or generic across all sectors. Group 2 involve changes to the Qualifications Framework; Group 3 involves changes to Units of Competency and Group 4 is a summary of delivery and implementation issues referred for action. The recommendations can be found in Tables 21 to 24, with supplementary information where applicable at Appendix 9. Group I recommendations include addressing changes which are common or generic across all Amenity Horticulture sectors including proposed development of units for new technologies such global positioning systems and global information systems, use of chemicals, plant identification, plant function and botany, and use of water. Group II recommendations include proposed changes to the Qualifications Framework particularly to dedicated qualifications to reflect emerging technologies, new job roles and review of compulsory units of competency Group III recommendations include proposed changes to Units of Competency particularly to dedicated qualifications to keep abreast of current knowledge, skills, practices, legislation and government requirements. 4 Group IV recommendations include a range of delivery and implementation issues identified for referral action. In addition to the industry-related feedback, there are also several improvements requested by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) under direction on Council of Australia Government (COAG) and National Quality Council (NQC) advice. These are aimed at simplifying Training Packages and maximising flexibility and transferability of skills. AFISC has developed an integrated framework model (IFM) to facilitate this aim. During Phase 2 opportunities to remove duplication in units will be considered, and the IFM will be explored as an alternative means for packaging qualifications and specialisations. Overall, the Amenity Horticulture Training Package overwhelmingly meets with industry satisfaction. Notwithstanding, the current review process has provided a timely and welcomed opportunity by all industry stakeholders to consider current and future needs within the context of continuous improvement of the Training Package. The recommendations, therefore, do not promulgate major change but, moreover, reflect an opportunity to fine tune qualifications and units of competency in order provide improved training for future graduates to the industry. The recommendations also contain its up-take and usability by industry. 2.0 Background The first Horticulture Training Package was endorsed in 1998, and since then has been the basis of vocational education and training for the horticultural industry in Australia. The Training Package was developed by the Rural Training Council of Australia and represented the culmination of an extensive consultation and documentation process covering a diverse and dispersed range of industries. A two-part review of the endorsed Horticulture Training Package was undertaken between September 1999 and May 2000 and involved extensive feedback across Australia from a wide range of people and organisations in regional and urban centres with an interest in the Training Package. The subsequent Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) was the result of the review. It was endorsed in 22 September, 2003 and has become the framework for vocational education and training for those engaged in the horticulture industries. As part of a commitment to provide accurate industry intelligence to the vocational education and training sector about current and future skill needs and training requirements of representative industries, AFISC seeks the ongoing development, implementation and continuous improvement of training products and services, including Training Packages. 5 The review of RTF03 began in March 2006 in which Phase 1 comprised an environment scan to determine the scope and depth of changes required to meet industry and other client needs. The focus of the Review of the Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) is continuous improvement of the Package. This will ensure that the Package: reflects current DEST and NTQC policy on the content and coverage of • Training Packages, and captures within the qualifications all current and future work areas for the • amenity horticulture industry. The outcomes of the project will be a Scoping Report which will give direction to a Phase 2. Phase 2 will implement the agreed recommendations of the Scoping Report. 3.0 Environmental Scan The environmental scan involved researching how the Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) is being used and its effectiveness in meeting the needs of Arboriculture, Floriculture, Landscape, Parks and Gardens, Wholesale and Retail Nursery and Turf industry sectors and other users of the Training Package. 3. 1 Methodology 3.1.1 Project Management The review process is managed by Agri-Foods Industry Skills Council under the management of Jenny Wardrop. The project consultant is Don Jones. 3.1.2 National Project Steering Committee The members of this Committee, contained in Table 1 below, are nominated by the following organisations representing a range of sectors: Table 1: Membership National Project Steering Committee Arthur Blewitt Sheila Thompson Paul Rawlings AFISC, Chair Queensland Rural Industry WA Primary Industries Training Training Council Council Clive Larkman Kathi Eland Kris Newton Primary Skills Victoria Department of Education, Horticulture Australia Council Science and Training Don Clifford Rob Brownsey Elizabeth Smith The Australian Workers’ Queensland Department of Horticulture Training Pty Ltd Union Employment and Training 6 Michael Clune Barry Levarde Jason McGowery QALI National Horticulture Barry Levarde Training Training Providers Network Doug Sharp Candice McNamara Jenny Wardrop NMIT Nursery & Garden Industry Project Manager Australia Agri-Food Industry Skills Council Steven Potts Lesley Kirby Australian Golf Course Royal Tasmanian Botanical Superintendents Association Gardens The review is being conducted in two phases: Phase 1 Environmental scan • Identification of opportunities to improve Training Package functionality • through rationalising units and qualifications Scoping Report including recommendations for Phase 2 of the Training • Package Review Phase 2 Implementation of agreed recommendations as presented in Phase 1 report • Validation of enhancements and rationalisation actions • Final Report Review of Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) • 3.2 Consultation and research Phase 1 consultation has been conducted by: Developing a Discussion Paper • Developing and distributing survey instruments (Appendix ) by email and web, • using a range of networks including: - Industry associations - Peak industry bodies - State training authorities - State industry training advisory boards - Industry skills councils. - Trainer networks - Registered training organisations The two survey instruments comprised a comprehensive survey for people with a more in-depth interest in the Amenity Horticulture Training Package such as RTOs (Survey Questionnaire A) and a shorter survey designed for industry members such as employers and employees (Survey Questionnaire B) 7 Developing a Consultation Matrix comprising of the target audience • Placing information and an online survey tool on the Agri-Food Industry Skills • Council web site. Respondents could also download information about qualifications and competencies Participating in industry workshops, meetings, focus groups and • teleconferences hosted by - Primary Skills Victoria - Arboriculture Industry, NSW TAFE, Ryde - Nursery & Garden Industry Australia - Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association - Victorian Horticulture Training Providers Network Analysing key findings from surveys and developing and distributing paper • Amenity Horticulture Training Package Review Industry Consultation Feedback to stakeholders seeking further feedback and comments. Placing information and Amenity Horticulture Training Package Review • Industry Consultation Feedback online on the Agri-Food Industry Skills Council web site seeking feedback and comments from stakeholders. Conducting phone interviews with key stakeholders • Reviewing key reports and literature (refer Bibliography) • 3.3 Feasibility study into the merger of Rural Production, Amenity Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Packages Currently, AFISC is conducting a feasibility study to consider the implications of a possible merger between three rural-related Training Packages including Rural Production (RTE03), Amenity Horticulture (RTF03) and Conservation and Land Management (RTD02). As this report is not yet released, interested parties are advised to regularly visit the AFISC web site for further information as to its findings. No comments related to the possible merger of Amenity Horticulture with the other rural-related Training Packages are contained in this report 8 4.0 RTF 03 Training Package Uptake and Training Statistics Data and comment on the uptake of the Amenity Horticulture Training Package (RTF03) is based on statistics from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The following Table 2 describes these sources and any factors that should be noted in its interpretation. Table 2: Data Sources Data Source Limiting factors Interpretation description Qualification NCVER i. Data may/may not include non- i. Data compulsorily enrolments (National publicly funded enrolments required from DEST Center for (optional for RTOs to provide publicly-funded training Table 3, 4,5, Vocational this information) programs Education 6,7, 8, 9,11, Research) ii. Does not show short courses ii. Shows indigenous and Appendix 2 (non-qualification enrolments) non-indigenous enrolments Appendix 3 iii. Other data available but Appendix 4 not included in Appendix 2,3,4 on training activity by region, and completion Unit NCVER i. Data may not include some i. Data compulsory enrolments non-publicly funded required from DEST enrolments (RTOs not publicly-funded training Table 12,13, required to provide this) programs 14 ii. Other data available but Appendix 5 not included in Appendix 5,6 on training activity by Appendix 6 gender, country of birth, state and metro/rural 4.1 Overview of Vocational Education Training The publication Australian vocational education and training statistics: Students and courses 2005 – Summary (July, 2006) published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) contained the following data related to measures of vocational education activity overall. • The number of students enrolled in public VET increased by more than 46 000 students (2.9%) to 1.64 million in 2005. (See Table 3) 9 • All measures of activity in the publicly funded VET system increased between 2004 and 2005, including: - a 2.9% increase in the number of students enrolled (see Table 3 & 4) - a 2.9% increase in total subject enrolments Student numbers increased in all states and territories except Victoria (4.5% • decrease) between 2004 and 2005. The largest growth occurred in New South Wales (8.6% increase) and the Northern Territory (8.2% increase). See Table 3 Students in the VET system comprised: • - 27% aged 15-19 years (Table 4) - 40.0% aged 24 years or less (Table 4) - 51.6% male - 89.4% studying part-time - 48.1% enrolled in AQF Certificate III qualifications or higher Males continue to make up slightly more than half (51.6%) of the VET • population. However, the growth in female students (3.8%) was greater than male students (2.3%) In 2005 there were 1 131 900 students undertaking AQF qualifications, an • increase of 27 300 (2.5%) from 2004. Students undertaking AQF qualifications represented 69.0% of the total VET population in 2005. Slightly less than half (48.1%) of all students undertook AQF Certificate III or higher qualifications in 2005, a slightly lower proportion than in 2004 (48.5%). The largest increase in AQF qualifications occurred in Certificate I courses (which increased by 13.7% or 11 300 students) and in Certificate III courses (which increased by 7.2% or 29 500 students). See Table 5 • The number of students enrolled in national training packages grew by 6.4% in 2005 to 863 400. In 2005, agriculture, environment & related studies attracted 4.9% of students proving more popular than information technology (3.5%), health (4.7%), education (2.9%), creative arts (2.7%) and natural & physical sciences (.3%); but less popular compared to management & commerce (19.1%), engineering (16.0%), mixed field programs (11.6%), society & culture (9.9%), food, hospitality & personal services (9.2%) and architecture (6.3%). See Table 5 10 Table 3: NCVER Training Statistics: Number of students in VET (’000) by states or territories, 1996–2005(a) Year NSW(b) Vic. Qld SA WA Tas. NT ACT Australia 1996 484.4 395.5 195.0 99.3 109.7 24.4 14.4 18.6 1 341.2 1997 505.8 417.0 215.6 138.6 110.8 26.6 16.1 18.7 1 449.1 1998 514.1 428.7 247.9 140.2 114.0 29.0 17.5 18.5 1 509.8 1999 531.2 475.7 291.2 121.5 125.5 31.7 19.1 18.6 1 614.6 2000 638.0 468.2 266.5 132.6 128.7 32.0 21.7 20.2 1 707.9 2001 570.5 471.1 298.3 128.7 135.4 32.6 21.8 20.7 1 679.1 2002 553.3 496.8 298.6 127.6 131.9 32.6 22.4 19.7 1 682.9 2003 588.4 511.2 297.6 112.7 130.4 35.8 19.9 21.8 1 717.8 2004 517.5 480.7 278.8 111.3 126.5 38.5 19.7 22.3 1 595.2 2005 562.1 459.1 290.4 115.7 130.1 39.7 21.3 23.0 1 641.3 2004–05 8.6 -4.5 4.2 4.0 2.9 3.0 8.2 2.9 2.9 % change Notes: (a) This table contains a break in time series between 1996 and 1997 with the inclusion of private providers in receipt of public VET funds. (b) A large decrease in VET activity in the NSW adult and community education (ACE) sector in 2004 was mainly due to problems with software compatibility, as many of their providers introduced new systems during 2004 (refer Data quality issue #1). Table 4: NCVER Training Statistics: Participation rate of Australians aged 15 years and older in VET, 2000–05 Age 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 % % % % % % 15 to 19 years 25.5 25.5 26.0 26.1 26.1 27.0 20 to 24 years 20.4 20.3 20.5 20.3 19.1 19.1 25 to 44 years 11.7 11.4 11.3 11.2 10.2 10.2 45 to 64 years 7.1 6.6 6.6 6.8 6.1 6.3 65 years and older 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.0 1.1 15 to 64 years 12.5 12.1 12.1 12.1 11.3 11.4 Note: Participation rates are derived by calculating student numbers in the age group as a percentage of the estimated residential population in the corresponding age groups. 2005 figures are based on preliminary Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population figures. Sources: 2000–01 figures: ABS Population by age and sex, Australian states and territories, 2001 Census edition—Final, cat. No.3201.0, June 1997–2002, tables 9–10 2002 figures: ABS Population by age and sex, Australian states and territories, cat. No.3201.0, June 2003, table 6 2003 figures: ABS Population by age and sex, Australian states and territories, cat. No.3201.0, June 2004, table 6 2004–05 figures: ABS Population by age and sex, Australian states and territories, cat. No.3201.0, June 2005, tables 6–7. 2005 figures are preliminary Information contained in NCVER publication is, unless stated otherwise, derived from the National VET Provider Collection, which is compiled under the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS). Activity covered in this publication includes VET delivered by: TAFE and other government providers; multi-sector higher education institutions; registered community providers and registered private providers.
Description: