Registered training organisations (RTOs) in Australia must stay updated on training package updates and extended transition periods. These updates reflect industry shifts, ensuring quality training, while transition periods enable smooth adjustments for practical skill development.
23 August 2023 Training Update: ASQA Grants Extended Transition Period for 5 MST Qualifications
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has extended the transition period for several qualifications under the MST – Textiles, Clothing, and Footwear training package. ASQA, authorised to approve transition periods beyond the established norms set by clauses 1.26 (a), (b), and (c) of the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015, demonstrates its commitment to facilitating a seamless educational experience for learners.
The extension is in alignment with its Guidelines for Providers – Learner Transition.
The primary criterion for granting these extended transition periods revolves around mitigating potential disadvantages for a specific group of learners if ASQA did not implement the extension.
A Glimpse into the Extended Transition Period for MST Qualifications
Let’s take a closer look at the qualifications set to experience an extended educational runway:
- MST20616 – Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology
- MST30819 – Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology
- MST40119 – Certificate IV in Textile Design, Development and Production
- MST50119 – Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
- MST60119 – Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
The new transition end date has been set as 31 January 2025, offering an extended timeframe for training, assessments, and certification issuance. This transition window is exclusively for students who have commenced these qualifications on or after 20 December 2023 – the former transition end date.
As per the new arrangement, all students must complete their qualifications or transition smoothly to replacement qualifications within the new transition end date.
Continuity in Quality
Throughout the extended transition period, the qualifications—MST20616, MST30819, MST40119, MST50119, and MST60119—will remain listed within the respective registered training organisations’ (RTOs’) scope of registration.
During this extended phase, learners, educators, and institutions can rest assured that the value and recognition of these qualifications will remain steadfast.
Collaboration for Excellence
ASQA, in its pursuit of excellence and commitment to informed choices, consulted educational bodies—the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia (TAC WA)—before granting the MST extended transition period. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions are holistic and well-rounded, benefiting all stakeholders.
Career Opportunities with MST Training Package Qualifications
Embarking on the MST training package qualifications opens the doors to a dynamic world of applied fashion and textile design opportunities. MST graduates can venture into exciting careers as fashion designers, textile artists, product developers, merchandisers, and fashion marketers.
The MST qualifications provide a comprehensive skill set that equips individuals to create and innovate in the fashion industry, whether designing clothing lines, crafting unique textile patterns, managing fashion retail operations, or curating trendsetting fashion collections.
With the extended transition period facilitating their educational journey, learners can develop a solid foundation and shape their creative aspirations into thriving careers contributing to the ever-evolving world of fashion and design.
What Your RTO Must Do with the Impact of MST Training Package Update and Extended Transition Period
To align with the extended transition period for MST20616, MST30819, MST40119, MST50119, and MST60119, your RTO must:
- Review and adjust training and assessment strategies within the allocated timeframe.
- Provide effective communication and support to students during the updates.
- Develop a seamless transition plan to integrate the new course, offering essential training and guidance to students and trainers.
- Await confirmation of the scope of registration to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Verify that trainers hold the required qualifications and possess substantial experience.
- Enhance the learning experience by utilising RTO resources from reputable Australian publishers.
