Training group Construction Industry Training Australia (CITA) has had its RTO status cancelled for ‘short course’ advertising and poor recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessments by training industry regulator Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) originally reported CITA to ASQA for advertising unduly ‘short courses’ and concerns regarding sub-par RPL assessment approaches for Certificate II in Split Air-Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems and Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration courses. This led to ASQA investigating and subsequently resulted in cancellation of CITA’s RTO status.
CITA appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, however, they breached a number of conditions of a ‘stay order’ and continued to operate under a different name.
Glenn Evans, CEO of the ARC, said this result is a big win for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
“Sub-standard courses and dodgy trainers have no place in our industry. Appropriate qualifications are the cornerstone of the skills-based ARCTick licence scheme and ensure a level playing field for our industry,” he said.
“ARC has worked hand in hand with ASQA on this investigation, and others, providing technical support and guidance. We remain committed to ensuring that the qualifications associated with the ARCTick licence scheme are upheld for the credibility of the scheme and betterment of our industry,” he said.