Charles Darwin University is currently undertaking a review into apprenticeship and training qualifications following the identification of compliance issues affecting some graduates.
This page provides clear, up-to-date information about who may be impacted, what the review involves, and what steps are being taken to address the situation.
Frequently asked questions: TAFE qualifications
Find answers and information regarding TAFE qualification impacts below.
I have a CDU TAFE qualification; how will I know if I’ve been impacted?
Charles Darwin University has already contacted a large number of individuals who have been impacted by a recent review into training and assessment records.
This review found that some required skills and knowledge within the CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry were not fully confirmed when they were delivered. Some of these units also impact people in the Certificate II in Construction Pathways and VTP544 a short course.
CDU is currently contacting people who are impacted. The process of contacting impacted individuals es expected to occur across the month of February.
If you are impacted, CDU will contact you. If you have questions, contact us at TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au.
Which courses are impacted?
The following courses have been impacted:
- CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
- CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways
- VTP544 in Power Tools
What will I need to do if I’m impacted?
There is a chance you have already demonstrated competency in the workplace; however, a percentage of individuals may need to complete additional training, undertake a theory assessment or both.
If you have received correspondence, we will outline the steps you will need to take to understand your individual circumstances.
If you have demonstrated competency in the workplace, a CDU VET lecturer will review your existing workplace evidence to determine if the required skills and knowledge have been displayed.
If further confirmation is needed, you may be required to do one or more of the following activities:
- complete a theory assessment,
- practical observation,
- training and assessment at a CDU campus.
If you are required to undertake additional activities to confirm your knowledge or skill, CDU will:
- explain what is needed and why,
- confirm how the activity will be carried out,
- determine a time and location with you to conduct these activities.
The maximum time required to complete these activities is two weeks. CDU will ensure minimal disruption to your work and personal commitments.
Once the required knowledge is demonstrated and confirmed, CDU will finalise the process, update the records accordingly, and notify you of this confirmation.
I am a business, how will I know if any of my apprentices are impacted?
CDU has already contacted many impacted individuals and is facilitating a follow-up process to ensure all necessary components are appropriately demonstrated and formally recorded.
This process includes liaising with businesses to ensure impacted apprentices and graduates can complete any additional activities with minimal disruptions to their schedules and to business operations.
Employers seeking to discuss this matter further can contact TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au
If I’m required to undertake training and travel, will I need to pay?
For those who need to travel to a CDU campus to undertake this training, CDU will cover reasonable costs of travel and accommodation. It is a priority to ensure this process has minimal disruption to work and personal commitments.
What happens if I don't do the activities CDU has asked me to complete?
If you are required to complete additional training or theory activities, CDU will support you to do so with minimal disruption to your schedule.
If you do not engage in the activities, the University may be unable to confirm that all competency requirements have been met, which may affect the status of your assessment outcome or qualification.
If I’m impacted, does this mean I am unqualified or that my qualification is invalid?
No. Your qualification is not automatically invalid. However, where additional training or assessment is required, the University must be able to confirm that all competency requirements have been met.
If competency cannot be confirmed because required activities are not completed, the University may be required to amend or withdraw the relevant assessment outcome or qualification in line with regulatory requirements.
What is CDU doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again?
CDU is conducting an independent review to examine how this occurred and how we can ensure it does not happen again.
CDU operates the most substantial vocational training infrastructures in the Northern Territory, with major training centres across the jurisdiction. We are committed to ensuring that the Northern Territory continues to have a strong, reliable public vocational education provider.
If you have any questions about your individual circumstances, please contact TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au
My contact details have changed and I haven't been contacted. How do I know if I'm impacted?
If you are unsure if you are affected, or if your contact details have changed and you would like to check, please contact us at TAFEquestions@cdu.edu.au.