The 2015 Australian Skills Quality Authority Users’ Guide of Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s). Explicitly outlines the requirements for RTO’s to consult with industry on development of training programs, assessment strategies, and resource development (Clauses 1.5 – 1.6 *).

In response to this requirement the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) introduced the Australian Furnishing Community of Practice Network (AFCoPN) to assist in providing direct access to a community of practice for RTO’s. AFCoPN Membership will help to ensure that RTO training and assessment practices are well informed and relevant to the needs of industry as required by the Standard.

AFCoPN will also work with RTO’s who must implement a range of strategies for industry engagement. It will systematically use the outcome of that industry engagement to ensure continuous valid industry feedback is provided for:

a) Its training and assessment strategies, practices and resources

and

b) The current industry skills of its trainers and assessors.

Chair of the AFCoPN, Simona Jobbagy says “I have accepted this role out of a strong belief that Industry engagement and collaboration is at the core of Vocational Education and Training, and saw this as an opportunity to help facilitate the conversation, and strengthen the relationship between industry and vocational training organisations.

Good quality training outcomes depend on a clear understanding of what industry needs, what are the critical skills for now and for the future. This requires an ongoing dialogue, an engagement that enables both industry and training providers to exchange information and knowledge that lead to training outcomes of a mastery level.” AFCoPN meetings occur quarterly and are free to attend for AFA Members.

For further information about the Australian Furniture Community of Practice Network (AFCoPN) or to become an AFA RTO Platinum Member contact membership@australianfurniture.org.au or call Edi Re on 03 8691 4244.

AFA Members can access the AFCoPN resources such as webinars, minutes etc by click the button below or by visiting https://australianfurniture.org.au/members/member-resources/