25 July 2023 Update
AHC Training Package Update: ASQA Nurtures Growth in AHC Training with Extended Transition
In an exciting development, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has taken a significant step to support learners in the agriculture and horticulture fields and delivered new AHC training package updates. ASQA approved an extended transition period for a range of qualifications that are vital in the agribusiness sector.
According to the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, ASQA carefully considers transition requests, especially when a group of learners faces genuine disadvantages without an extension. It means that students’ well-being and success are at the heart of this AHC training update.
This extended transition period for the AHC training package includes these qualifications:
- AHC10216 – Certificate I in Agri-food Operations
- AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture
- AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture
- AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture
- AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture
- AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture
- AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations
- AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture
- AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture
- AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture
- AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture
- AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture
- AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation
Excitingly, the extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period will last until 22 January 2025, offering your learners more time to complete their studies and allowing RTOs to manage a smooth transition.
For RTOs, you can still enrol and commence training during this period. However, it’s essential to note that all students must complete their course requirements and receive their certifications or statements of attainment by the transition end date. Alternatively, you can also transfer them to the replacement qualification, ensuring no learner is left behind.
Skills Impact, the Agribusiness Jobs and Skills Council, fully supported the decision to extend the transition date for these qualifications.
These qualifications will remain within your RTO’s scope of registration until the end of the approved extended transition period. With this additional time, learners are presented with a valuable opportunity to make the most of their training, paving the way for fulfilling and rewarding careers in the dynamic world of agribusiness.
18 May 2023 Update
Latest AHC Materials Update: ASQA Grants Extended Transition Period to Foundation Training Australia for AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens
ASQA has approved an extended transition period for Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd (RTO 31972) regarding the AHC20616 – Certificate II in Parks and Gardens, providing a training update. This latest AHC materials update aims to address potential disadvantages that a specific group of learners faces, ensuring a smooth continuation of their educational journey. The extended period for training, assessment, and certification will now conclude on 31 May 2023.
ASQA, responsible for maintaining high education standards, can approve transition periods longer than those specified in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. To ensure fairness, ASQA evaluates transition requests per the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, considering situations where learners may face genuine disadvantages if strict timelines are adhered to.
Foundation Training Australia Pty Ltd successfully presented evidence of potential disadvantages that could impact their learners pursuing the AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens. Responding to these concerns, ASQA granted an extended transition period, providing their students sufficient time to complete their training, assessments, and certifications without unnecessary obstacles.
With this new AHC resources update, they can now deliver comprehensive training, conduct thorough assessments, and issue certifications for the AHC20616 Certificate II in Parks and Gardens qualification during the extended period.
This latest AHC materials update demonstrates ASQA’s dedication to nurturing an inclusive and supportive education system. By extending the transition period, ASQA aims to cultivate an environment where every learner can flourish and achieve success. Recognising that students have varying paces of progress and unique learning capabilities, the extended transition period effectively accommodates diverse learning needs and individual circumstances. It ensures that all learners are provided with equal opportunities to thrive and achieve competency.
8 February 2023 Update
AHC Training Package Update: ASQA Grants Extended Transition Period for AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Exciting news! ASQA has recently approved an extended transition period for the qualification AHC30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction. This could significantly benefit your RTO, giving your students more time to complete the qualification.
This decision was made following the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, where ASQA considers applications for a longer transition period only if objecting to them would genuinely disadvantage learners. Skills Impact and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority also supported the decision.
As an RTO with scope for delivery for continuing students pursuing the AHC30916 qualification, the extended training, assessment, and certification issuance period will now end on 14 February 2024.
24 January 2023 Update
Breaking Down AHC Training Package 9.0: A Closer Look at the Latest Training Updates and New AHC Resources
The Agricultural and Horticultural (AHC) training package version 9.0 has been released, and we’re currently developing new AHC resources for the update! This updated version and the in-development latest AHC materials include new and revised units of competency. They also have changes to existing units to reflect industry developments and trends.
Some of the key highlights of AHC 9.0 include:
- New units related to sustainable farming practices and the use of technology in agriculture.
- Updated units on animal welfare and handling.
- Changes to the structure of some units to align with industry standards.
- The inclusion of new assessment requirements for certain units to ensure that learners have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry.
Secure New AHC Resources for these Qualifications
| Superseded Qualifications | Current Qualifications | Equivalency |
| AHC10216 – Certificate I in AgriFood Operations | AHC10222 – Certificate I in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture | AHC10322 – Certificate I in Horticulture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC10416 – Certificate I in Permaculture | AHC10422 – Certificate I in Permaculture | Equivalent |
| AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture | AHC20122 – Certificate II in Agriculture | Not Equivalent |
| AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture | AHC20422 – Certificate II in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC21716 – Certificate II in Permaculture | AHC21722 – Certificate II in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture | AHC30122 – Certificate III in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC30416 – Certificate III in Pork Production | AHC30422 – Certificate III in Pork Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30516 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | AHC30522 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | Not equivalent |
| AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture | AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC31516 – Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management | AHC31522 – Certificate III in On Country Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC32216 – Certificate III in Commercial Composting | Deleted | |
| AHC32516 – Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work | AHC32522 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work | Not equivalent |
| AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | AHC32822 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | Not equivalent |
| AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | AHC33722 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC33816 – Certificate III in Permaculture | AHC33822 – Certificate III in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | Not equivalent |
| AHC1616 – Certificate IV in Organic Farming | AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC42116 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | AHC42122 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture | AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management | Not equivalent |
| AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation | AHC51222 – Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation | Not equivalent |
| AHC51816 – Diploma of Organic Farming | AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC52116 – Diploma of Permaculture | AHC52122 – Diploma of Permaculture | Not equivalent |
| AHC60216 – Advanced Diploma of Horticulture | Deleted | |
| AHC60415 Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | AHC60422 Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Equivalent |
Updated Qualifications on the latest New AHC Resources
- AHC20919 – Certificate II in Sports Turf Management
- AHC30221 – Certificate III in Dairy Production
- AHC42421 – Certificate IV in Landscape Design
- AHC50621 – Diploma of Landscape Design
- AHC51120 – Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management
- AHC52021 – Diploma of Landscape Construction Management
- AHC60319 – Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management
- AHC60520 – Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture
Latest AHC Training Updates on Units of Competency and Skills Sets
On the other hand, heaps of units of competency and skill sets were also updated, added, and deleted in the latest AHC materials version 9.0. To learn more about the full scope of the update and the differences between version 8.0 and 9.0, visit training.gov.au.
Read the Recent Changes to Training Packages in Australia this year.
What RTOs Need to Do
Stay up to date! With the release of the latest AHC training package update, it’s crucial to take action.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Update your scope of registration to include the latest version of AHC qualifications, units, and skill sets.
- Keep an eye on the 12-month transition period and ensure all your learners are using the new materials within that time frame.
- Make sure students currently enrolled in the deleted units or qualifications complete their training within the required time frame.
- Apply to add new, non-equivalent qualifications and units of competency to your scope.
Don’t wait – make sure your RTO is using the latest AHC materials. Visit our online catalogue to get the resources you need, and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Fill out the form or give us a call at 1300 626 556.
