Month: February 2025

Understanding the Difference: Training Packages vs. Accredited Courses

Posted on by virtualsupportsuperstars

Understanding the Difference: Training Packages vs. Accredited Courses

Author: Danielle Duncan MBA, B.Comm, Dip.VET, Dip.TDD, Dip.ProjMgmt, Dip.LeadMentor, Dip.RetailMgmt

When considering professional development in the animal training and behaviour industry, it’s important to understand the distinction between training packages and accredited courses. Although all vocational qualifications are taught by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and overseen by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), there are some distinct differences.

What is an Accredited Course?

The Australian Government defines Accredited Courses as those being overseen by either vocational education managed by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) or university-level courses overseen by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Courses or programs of study which are not accredited by neither body are considered to be unaccredited forms of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). While unaccredited courses may provide valuable skills and knowledge for professional advancement, they do not carry formal accreditation or contribute to nationally recognised qualifications. CPD courses serve as supplementary education, allowing professionals to stay current in their fields or acquire new competencies, but they are not equivalent to accredited programs that meet the regulatory standards set by TEQSA or ASQA.

Training Packages: A Nationally Standardised Approach

Training packages are a set of nationally endorsed standards, units of competency, qualifications and assessment guidelines that define the skills and knowledge required for employment in specific industries. They are developed by industry experts and government bodies and aim to ensure consistent standards across Australia. They are regularly updated to ensure they remain relevant to industry standards and technological advancements, and are regulated by ASQA.

The Certificate 4 in Animal Training and Behaviour, which aligns with WAFA’s accreditation, is an example of a qualification within the Animal Care and Management (ACM) Training Package.

The key benefits of training package qualifications include:

· Industry recognition: Employers and industry bodies recognise these qualifications.

· Consistent standards: Ensures quality and consistency in training and assessment.

· Career progression: Can lead to higher-level roles and further study.

· Broader delivery: Can be offered by any accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO) meeting specific industry competency requirements.

Accredited Courses: A More Limited Scope

Where a gap exists in the current Training Package, independent organisations may apply to ASQA for permission to develop an Accredited Course. Accredited Courses, like the 225424C

Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training, are developed and assessed by private organisations in conjunction with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and are overseen by ASQA. While they can provide valuable training, their recognition and portability can be more limited.

Key considerations for accredited courses:

· Limited delivery: Often restricted to the course provider or their licensed partners.

· Varying quality standards: Quality can vary between pro4ders.

· Fewer career pathways: May not offer the same range of career opportunities as training package qualifications.

Once a Training Package duplicates the content covered in an Accredited Course, the Accredited Course can no longer exist. This is why the 10777NAT Diploma of Canine Training and Development is no longer offered.

Why WAFA Aligns with the Certificate 4

WAFA’s decision to align with the Certificate 4 in Animal Training and Behaviour reflects a commitment to raising industry standards, expanding career pathways, promoting ongoing learning, and supporting the growth of the animal care sector.

Certificate 4 in Animal Training and Behaviour requires a higher level of knowledge, practical skills, and competency, setting a rigorous standard for professionalism in the field. Unlike Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 3 qualifications, which prepare individuals for operational roles that require technical skills, Level 4 qualifications are aimed at equipping students with advanced competencies, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility suitable for complex roles. By aligning with this qualification, WAFA ensures that professionals are not only well-trained but also capable of taking on leadership and supervisory responsibilities, ultimately enhancing the quality and credibility of animal training services.

Attaining the Certificate 4 in Animal Training and Behaviour opens up diverse employment opportunities across a range of settings. Graduates of this qualification gain skills and knowledge that prepare them for higher level functions in supervisory and management roles, and support individuals to develop and run their own business. The certification also acts as a bridge to higher-level roles, enabling individuals to pursue careers that require specialized training and an advanced understanding of animal behaviour and welfare.

Certificate 4 emphasises the importance of continuous professional development, encouraging trainers to pursue further learning and specialisation. This approach fosters a culture of lifelong learning in the industry, allowing trainers to continually enhance their skills, stay updated with best practices, and respond effectively to advancements in animal care, training techniques, and behaviour studies. Such a commitment to growth not only benefits individual trainers but also contributes positively to the broader animal welfare community.

By aligning with a nationally recognised qualification, WAFA actively contributes to the professionalization of the animal training and behaviour industry. The Certificate 4 ensures that a standardised level of expertise and skill is maintained across the sector, which is essential for the sustainable development of a skilled workforce. This alignment also reinforces WAFA’s role in shaping an industry that values quality, competence, and ethical practices, ultimately building trust and credibility with clients and stakeholders.

By choosing Certificate IV, WAFA is committed to supporting the growth and development of the animal training and behaviour industry, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pro4de the best possible care for animals.

About the Author: Danielle “Dani” Duncan is a highly respected leader in Vocational Education and Training (VET), known for her expertise in instructional design, business coaching, and compliance. As founder of Learnivation Pty Ltd (RTO 45570), she has successfully guided numerous organisations through ASQA audits and led the design of TAFE Queensland’s Small Business Solutions qualification, impacting thousands of businesses across Queensland. With over a decade of experience, Dani has pioneered hybrid training models that blend traditional learning with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and clustered assessments, enhancing student experiences. She is also developing an innovative methodology, Skills Coaching, to improve student engagement and accountability. Her strategic approach and communication skills make her a key influencer in the VET sector, where she continuously drives quality and innovation.

Find out more here:

Why Australia Needs Higher-Level Qualifications in Animal Behaviour

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Why Australia Needs Higher-Level Qualifications in Animal Behaviour

Author: C.L.Williams M.EnvSci LLM M.A M.BA M.Sc(Ag) M.FishPol M.MariPol M.Ed GD.Orni GC.Autism GC.ChildDis GC.CyberSec GC.MH GC.CapVertMgmt GC.Nutr GC.SpecIncEdu GC.AdultVET GC.HighEd GC.Ed GC.Disab GC.Mari GC.ABS B.Sc B.Zool B.Phil Dip.FamHist Dip.CreatArt Dip.DemCare Dip.SustLiv Dip.MgmtLead Dip.PosPsych UGC.CommCare UGC.AppSci UGC.ClimChange UGC.AntClimChge UGC.DataEnv Cert4.WHS Cert4.SmallBusMgmt Cert4.EnvMgmtSus Cert4.LocGov Cert4.CompAnimSer Cert4.AnContReg Cert4.PetStyle

In Australia, animal behaviour qualifications are essential for advancing animal welfare and training standards, especially in fields involving working animals like assistance dogs and wildlife conservation programs. Currently, the highest nationally recognised qualification for animal behaviour and training is the Certificate 4 Animal Behaviour and Training level. However, this qualification is often considered insufficient for the specialised and complex work required in this field, particularly when it comes to roles supporting people with disabilities. Comparing our educational standards with those of other countries highlights why Australia must elevate its framework to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in animal behaviour.

The Current State of Qualifications in Australia

Under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the Certificate 4 in Animal Behaviour and Training sits at Level 4. This level equips graduates with foundational skills and knowledge but lacks the in-depth understanding of advanced animal behaviour principles, scientific research, and human-animal interactions needed to work with animals in specialised capacities. For those working with assistance animals, a deeper understanding of animal psychology, behavioural science, and human disability is crucial. At this level, trainers are unlikely to gain comprehensive knowledge about how disabilities affect the people they’re supporting or the complex behaviours that assistance animals need to perform.

Assistance animal training, for instance, requires knowledge beyond animal training basics. Trainers must understand various disabilities, psychological and emotional impacts, and the nuanced ways animals can aid people with these needs. Without an advanced academic background, trainers may be less equipped to handle the diversity of tasks required in this field, potentially impacting the quality of life for individuals relying on assistance animals.

Learning from Other Countries

In both the United Kingdom and the United States, advanced qualifications in animal behaviour are well-established. The Master of Science with a major in Clinical Animal Behaviour is a Level 9 qualification offered by the University of Edinburgh in the UK. A Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Behaviour and welfare Science is offered by the University of Bristol in the UK. This is a Level 7 qualification, as is the Bachelor of Technology with a major in Canine Training and Management at SUNY Cobbleskill in the USA. These are just some of the qualifications available internationally.

In the UK, universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal behaviour and animal-assisted therapy. Many programs also incorporate modules in disability studies, behavioural neuroscience, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates with a high level of expertise and a broad, interdisciplinary foundation. The USA similarly provides extensive training for animal behaviour through undergraduate and postgraduate programs, often including collaboration with veterinary schools, zoology departments, and psychology programs. These programs ensure that animal trainers and behaviour specialists have robust scientific training, understanding complex behaviour patterns, human psychological factors, and neurobiological processes that contribute to animal training. Graduates of these programs work in diverse fields, from assistance animal training to conservation biology, all of which benefit from high academic standards and rigorous qualification levels.

Raising Standards in Australia

In Australia, raising the standard of qualifications in animal behaviour to the university level is essential for improving outcomes in this field. By developing AQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) and Level 9 (Master’s degree) programs specifically for animal behaviour, we could provide students with the in-depth knowledge they need to specialise in areas such as assistance animal training, animal rehabilitation, and conservation work. These programs would encompass a blend of scientific, psychological, and disability-related content, preparing graduates to better serve communities and the animals they train.

This shift would also align Australia with international standards, making our graduates more competitive globally and better equipped for cross-disciplinary work, which is often required in advanced animal behaviour roles. For example, animal trainers who understand disability studies could enhance support for people with disabilities, while those knowledgeable in ecology could contribute significantly to wildlife conservation efforts.

This aligns with the Working Animal Foundation Australia (WAFA)’s commitment to increasing standards for working animals nationwide. WAFA is actively developing new qualifications to address the gaps in current training levels, ensuring that those working with assistance and other working animals have the necessary in-depth knowledge of both animal behaviour and human disabilities. These qualifications aim to bring Australian standards up to par with international benchmarks, supporting WAFA’s mission to enhance the welfare and efficacy of working animals in diverse fields across the country.

The demand for well-trained animal behaviour specialists is growing in Australia, especially in roles that support vulnerable communities and wildlife conservation. By introducing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in animal behaviour, we can raise the standard of education and ensure that those in the profession are better prepared for the diverse, complex needs of their roles. Establishing these qualifications would not only benefit professionals but also significantly enhance the welfare of both animals and the people they serve. It’s time for Australia to step up and ensure our educational standards reflect the critical nature of work in animal behaviour and training.

About the Author: C.L. Williams brings a diverse and comprehensive expertise to her work as a published author of children’s short stories, an accomplished artist and photographer, an experienced VET trainer, a university tutor and trainer of assistance and detection dogs. She combines a deep knowledge of education with practical experience, bringing insights into the needs of individuals with disabilities and the integration of assistance animals in support roles. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service in both educational and animal care fields reflects a dedication to advancing community support and environmental stewardship.