27 September 2023: Extended Transition for Interior Design and Furniture Qualifications
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has approved an extended transition period for select furnishing qualifications. This MSF training package update presents a significant opportunity for training providers across the country, giving you and your students enough time for a smooth transition.
ASQA has the power to grant transition periods longer than those outlined in Clause 1.26(a) of the Standards for RTOs 2015. This move comes with the utmost consideration for the well-being of learners and the effectiveness of training delivery.
The qualifications within the MSF training package that have been granted an extended transition period in this training update include:
- MSF40118 – Certificate IV in Interior Decorating
- MSF50218 – Diploma of Interior Design
- MSF30113 – Certificate III in Furniture Finishing
- MSF30818 – Certificate III in Flooring Technology
- MSF31113 – Certificate in Cabinet Making
MSF Training Package Update: An Opportunity for RTOs and Students
The training, assessment, and certification issuance period for these qualifications has been prolonged until 31 January 2024, providing students an extended timeline.
This extension primarily benefits students who initiated formal training and assessment on or before 7 to 20 December 2023. Within this group, students have two choices: they can either complete their studies and obtain certification or switch to an alternative training program before the updated transition end date.
ASQA has engaged in comprehensive consultations to make this decision, including discussions with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia. Additionally, ASQA sought input from Skills Insight, the jobs and skills council, which holds operational responsibility for the MSF training package.
Notably, the training products mentioned above will remain within the scope of registration for RTOs throughout the extended transition period. It ensures that training providers can continue to offer these courses, supporting existing and new students in pursuing qualifications in interior design and furniture-related fields.
7 March 2023 MSF Training Package Update: MSF30418 Gets an Extended Transition Period
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) recently approved an extended transition period for the MSF30418 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing qualification of the Furnishing (MSF) training package in Australia. The extension applies to currently enrolled apprentices only and will end on July 31, 2024.
ASQA can approve transition periods longer than those specified in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, but only when it is demonstrated that a cohort of learners would experience genuine disadvantage without an extension. The decision to extend the transition period for the MSF30418 qualification was supported by industry stakeholders, regulators, and providers.
This extension will provide much-needed relief for apprentices who have faced unprecedented challenges in completing their training due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors beyond their control. With additional time to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the glazing industry, apprentices will be better prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of their qualification.
MSF Training Package Update Impact on RTOs
The approval of the extended transition period for the MSF30418 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing qualification by ASQA will significantly impact the relevant RTOs that offer this qualification. RTOs will need to ensure they can continue delivering this qualification to currently enrolled apprentices within the extended timeframe approved by ASQA.
Plus, RTOS must stay informed about other training updates within the furnishing training package in Australia. Keeping up-to-date with these MSF training package updates can help ensure that training programs and RTO assessment resources remain relevant and effective and that students receive the most current and comprehensive training possible.
RTOs must inform current and potential students to avoid confusion about the extended transition period and ensure that apprentices understand how the extension affects their training plan.
