Master Builders has expressed strong concern over two proposals threatening the viability of many small to medium sized training providers.
The National Skills Standards Council (NSSC) is seeking to introduce changes that Master Builders says will increase the compliance burden for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The Australian Skills Quality Authority is also proposing to triple some fees as part of a cost recovery strategy.
Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia said if the proposals are adopted it will be a double whammy for RTOs at a time when industry conditions are tough.
"Many registered training organisations in the building and construction industry are one or two person operations who deliver high quality and specialised industry training,” he said.
"The proposals are a big concern to the building and construction industry as the largest employer of trade apprentices and one of the largest users of the VET system overall.”
"Small and medium sized RTOs offer workplace-based training and assessment to small groups often in regional areas. The trainers are industry people with decades of experience and deliver trades training in specialist areas such as scaffolding, rigging and crane operation.”
"Smaller Registered Training Organisations have expressed concern that the NSSC's proposal will cripple their ability to run a commercially viable business. It would be a great loss to the industry if these operators were forced to close."
"On top of that, the Australian Skills Quality Authority's proposal will triple many compulsory fees to small training providers.”
"Tripling the registration costs and imposing a massive compliance burden on training organisations is not the way to improve skills training. It will only limit training options across the country and exacerbate Australia's future skills needs," Mr Harnisch said.
