25 July 2023 AHC Training Package Updates
Extended Transition Period AHC Qualifications
In accordance with the Guidance for Providers – Learner Transition, ASQA has the authority to approve transition periods that exceed the durations outlined in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015. This decision is not taken lightly and is based on a careful assessment of whether a cohort of learners would face genuine disadvantages if an extension were not approved. This approach reflects a commitment to equity and ensuring that learners have the best possible opportunity to complete their qualifications.
A recent decision by ASQA to approve an extended transition period for a range of qualifications in the Agricultural, Horticultural, and Community Coordination sectors underscores the importance of supporting learners during periods of change. The qualifications covered by this decision include:
- 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
The extended transition period for these qualifications will conclude on 22 January 2025. This extension enables new enrolments and commencements throughout the transition period. However, all learners must fulfill the qualification requirements or transfer to a replacement qualification by the designated end date. This approach strikes a balance between flexibility for learners and the necessity of ensuring timely completion and certification.
Collaborative Decision-Making: The Role of Skills Impact
It’s worth noting that the decision to extend the transition period for the aforementioned qualifications was not made in isolation. The Agribusiness Jobs and Skills Council, represented by Skills Impact, played a crucial role in supporting this decision. This collaborative effort between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders underscores the commitment to ensuring that educational pathways align with the evolving needs of the workforce.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Learners and Providers
The decision to extend the transition period for these qualifications comes with significant implications for both learners and training providers. Learners now have an extended window of opportunity to pursue these qualifications, adapt to changes, and receive their certifications. Training providers, on the other hand, must ensure that their programs remain relevant and compliant throughout the extended period. This may involve updating curricula, resources, and assessment strategies to meet the evolving industry standards.
8 February 2023 AHC Training Package Update
Transition Period Extended for AHC30916 – Certificate III in Landscape Construction
ASQA has approved an extended transition period for AHC30916 Certificate III in Landscape Construction. The updated transition period provides more time for learners and trainers to complete the training, assessment, and certification issuance period, which now ends on 14 February 2024.
All RTOs delivering this qualification to the identified learner cohort are required to comply with the approved transition period. The qualification will remain on RTOs scope of registration until the end of the approved transition period unless the RTO chooses to withdraw it from scope earlier.
We encourage all RTOs to take advantage of this extended transition period to provide learners with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in landscape construction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
24 January 2023 AHC Training Package Update
The AHC – Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package (Release 9.0) is now available on training.gov.au! The AHC Release 9.0 includes major updates on several qualifications and units of competency to adapt to current industry practices and regulations.
Read on for more information about the new AHC training package.
Qualifications
23 Qualifications Were Added:
| New Qualifications | Superseded Qualifications | Equivalency/Action |
| AHC10222 – Certificate I in Agriculture | AHC10216 – Certificate I in AgriFood Operations | |
| AHC10322 – Certificate I in Horticulture | AHC10316 – Certificate I in Horticulture | |
| AHC10422 – Certificate I in Permaculture | AHC10416 – Certificate I in Permaculture | Equivalent |
| AHC20122 – Certificate II in Agriculture | AHC20116 – Certificate II in Agriculture | |
| AHC20422 – Certificate II in Horticulture | AHC20416 – Certificate II in Horticulture | |
| AHC21722 – Certificate II in Permaculture | AHC21716 – Certificate II in Permaculture | |
| AHC30122 – Certificate III in Agriculture | AHC30116 – Certificate III in Agriculture | |
| AHC30422 – Certificate III in Pork Production | AHC30416 – Certificate III in Pork Production | |
| AHC30522 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | AHC30516 – Certificate III in Poultry Production | |
| AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture | AHC30716 – Certificate III in Horticulture | |
| AHC31522 – Certificate III in On Country Management | AHC31516 – Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management | |
| AHC32522 – Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Sites Work | AHC32516 – Certificate III in Aboriginal Sites Work | |
| AHC32822 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | AHC32816 – Certificate III in Rural Operations | |
| AHC33722 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | AHC33719 – Certificate III in Protected Horticulture | |
| AHC33822 – Certificate III in Permaculture | AHC33816 – Certificate III in Permaculture | |
| AHC40122 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | AHC40116 – Certificate IV in Agriculture | Merged Qualifications |
| AHC41616 – Certificate IV in Organic Farming | ||
| AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | AHC40416 – Certificate IV in Horticulture | |
| AHC42122 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | AHC42116 – Certificate IV in Permaculture | |
| AHC50122 – Diploma of Agriculture | AHC50116 – Diploma of Agriculture | Merged Qualifications |
| AHC51816 – Diploma of Organic Farming | ||
| AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management | AHC50416 – Diploma of Horticulture | |
| AHC51222 – Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation | AHC51216 – Diploma of Community Coordination and Facilitation | |
| AHC52122 – Diploma of Permaculture | AHC52116 – Diploma of Permaculture | |
| AHC60422 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management | AHC60415 – Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Land Management | Equivalent |
One Qualification Was Deleted:
| Qualification | Action |
| AHC60216 – Advanced Diploma of Horticulture | Deleted |
Eight Qualifications Were Updated:
| Qualifications | Action |
| AHC20919 – Certificate II in Sports Turf Management | Updated from release 2 to release 3 |
| AHC30221 – Certificate III in Dairy Production | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC42421 – Certificate IV in Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC50621 – Diploma of Landscape Design | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC51120 – Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC52021 – Diploma of Landscape Construction Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60319 – Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
| AHC60520 – Advanced Diploma of Arboriculture | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
Meanwhile, several AHC units of competency were also added and deleted in AHC Release 9.0. For the full scope of AHC training package updates and to help you understand the latest AHC updates better, visit training.gov.au.
What Should RTOs Do Now?
With the release of the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management (Release 9.0), it is important for your RTOs to update their scope and secure the latest AHC materials. To ensure that students have access to the most updated AHC resources, RTOs should:
- Add the updated version to their scope of registration
- Monitor the 12-month transition period and transition all learners to the new version within that time frame
- Ensure that students in deleted products complete their studies within 1 year for deleted units and skill sets and 2 years for deleted qualifications
- Apply to add new, non-equivalent qualifications and units of competency to their scope
Get the latest AHC materials today! Visit our RTO resources to purchase for your organisation and get the new AHC resources you need. If you need additional assistance, please contact us by filling out the form or call 1300 822 599.
