TAE gets Facelift

Key points

Bigger but more choice
Focus on the V in VET
More relevance
More electives
Stackable skill sets
ASQA’s input

TAE40122 Certificate lV in Training and Assessment was released into the wild in December 2022. The Case for Change noted that the units were outdated, there was little flexibility and there was a lack of ‘stackable’ skill sets. So how have these flaws been addressed?

Bigger but more choice
The number of units has been increased to 12, which aligns with many other AQF level 4 qualifications. There are now 6 core units and 6 electives, which is a big shift, as previously there was only 1 elective.

Focus on the V in VET
Finally, the word ‘vocational’ is being used without cringing, which is another sign that working with adults is being accepted as an important facet of Australia’s education industry.  The ‘V’ word is now featured in several places including in two new core units: TAEPDD401 Work effectively in the VET sector and TAEDEL411 Facilitate vocational training.

More relevance
Trainer assessors commence with good occupational competency but need to learn the two core skills of their new career: delivering training and conducting assessments. This is acknowledged in the updated qualification, where units that require them to ‘design and develop’ have been reassigned as electives. Hallelujah!

More electives
The rigid nature of previous versions of TAE made it a one-size-fits-all qualification. Now participants can tailor their learning with units like TAEDEL415 Complete a practicum in a VET environment, TAEDEL416 Facilitate learning for young vocational learners and BSBAUD412 Work within compliance frameworks.

Stackable skill sets
There are six new skill sets, the most notable being TAESS00024 VET Delivered to School Students Teacher Enhancement Skill Set, which requires the participant to be ‘an existing secondary school teacher who holds a Bachelor of Education degree or higher’.

ASQA’s input
TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment supersedes and is equivalent to TAE40116 and all training, assessment and certification issuance in the superseded version must conclude by 9 December 2024.

ASQA’s website says there ‘is currently no requirement for existing trainers and assessors to attain TAE22.’ It will be interesting to see the requirements in the updated Standards, later this year.