Key Takeaways:
- Training package reform across the AHC, MSF, and AMP training packages is accelerating as industry reviews reshape qualifications and units of competency.
- Projects led by Skills Insights focus on aligning training outcomes with current workplace standards and industry capability requirements.
- Collaboration between industry stakeholders and Workforce Australia ensures vocational education and training reflects real job roles and emerging skill demands.
- RTOs must closely monitor draft releases, consultation phases, and transition timelines to minimise delivery disruption and compliance risk.
- Proactive review of scope, documentation, and enrolment planning helps RTOs respond confidently to workforce-driven training package updates.
Across Australia, training package reform is gaining momentum as each Jobs and Skills Council works closely with industry to ensure qualifications reflect current workplace needs. With ongoing consultation between industry stakeholders, regulators, and Workforce Australia, these updates are not just administrative changes. They are strategic shifts designed to strengthen Australia’s skilled workforce and keep vocational education and training aligned with real-world demands.
For RTOs delivering qualifications under the MSF, AMP, and AHC training packages, staying informed about Skills Insights projects is essential. Each project signals potential changes to qualifications, units of competency, and industry expectations. Below is a structured look at current initiatives and what they mean for your delivery planning.
AHC Training Package Projects
Landscaping Skills Review
Skills Insights is reviewing qualifications and units within the AHC training package that relate to landscape construction and design. It is assessing whether current training products reflect modern industry practices, including hardscaping, irrigation, plant establishment, environmental sustainability, and safety requirements.
The review responds to industry feedback about skill gaps and evolving job demands, with the aim of ensuring qualifications better align with real-world landscaping operations and workforce expectations.
Learn more about the project here.
Career Pathways for Agricultural Trades
This project reviews trade-level qualifications within the AHC training package, including apprenticeship and post-trade pathways, to clarify how learners progress across agricultural occupations. The project is examining qualification structures, packaging rules, and unit linkages to ensure progression routes are logical and reflect how careers develop in sectors such as cropping, livestock, and mixed farming.
The goal is to improve career visibility and support stronger alignment between industry demand and vocational education and training, contributing to a sustainable and capable skilled workforce in the agriculture sector.
Learn more about the project here.
Rural Operations Project
The AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture is being reviewed to ensure it reflects current broadacre and mixed farming practices. It is assessing whether qualification structures and unit content align with modern machinery use, livestock operations, cropping systems, safety requirements, and emerging on-farm technologies.
Learn more about the project here.
MSF Training Package Projects
Furnishing Apprenticeship Guidance Project
This project is developing clearer apprenticeship guidance within the MSF training package, particularly for furnishing and cabinet making trades. It is clarifying unit selection, sequencing, and trade outcomes to ensure apprenticeship structures reflect current workplace practices and employer expectations.
The aim is to provide clearer direction for RTOs and employers, supporting more consistent delivery and stronger alignment between structured training and on-the-job competency development.
Learn more about the project here.
Window Furnishings and Shade Sails
This project reviews qualifications and units within the MSF training package that relate to the manufacture and installation of window coverings and shade structures. The review is assessing whether current training products accurately reflect industry practices, technical skill requirements, and workplace safety standards.
The goal is to address any identified gaps and strengthen alignment between training outcomes and employer expectations, ensuring learners graduate with skills that meet real workplace demands and support a capable skilled workforce in the sector.
| Affected Qualifications: |
| MSF30919 Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles |
| Affected Units of Competency: |
| MSFBA2011 Select and apply hardware and fixings for blinds, awnings, screens, and grilles |
| MSFBA3011 Assemble awnings |
| MSFBA3012 Assemble interior blinds |
| MSFBA3014 Assemble pelmets |
| MSFBA3016 Install awnings |
| MSFBA3017 Install interior blinds |
| MSFBA3018 Assess suitability of blinds and awnings |
| MSFBA3019 Assemble roller shutters |
| MSFBA3020 Install roller shutters |
| MSFBA3021 Assemble louvre shutters |
| MSFFDT3001 Install low voltage technology, automation, and intelligent management systems in furnishing |
| MSFGN2001 Make measurements and calculations |
| MSFSS3004 Install non-security and security screens and grilles |
| MSFSS3005 Assemble non-security and security screens and grilles |
| MSFBA2004 Construct roll-up and pull-down style blinds and awnings |
| MSFBA2005 Construct vertical-style blinds |
| MSFBA3006 Construct pleated style blinds |
| MSFBA3015 Install louvre shutters |
| MSFSF2020 Make up tracks for window coverings |
| MSFSF2017 Construct unlined curtains and drapes |
| MSFSF2018 Construct lined curtains and drapes |
| MSFBA2012 Use blinds, awnings, security screens and grilles hand and power tools |
| MSFBA2013 Set up, operate and maintain blinds and awnings static machines |
| New Skill Sets: |
| MSFSSXXX30 Security Screen Skill Set |
| MSFSSXXX31 Manufacturing Leadership Skill Set |
| MSFSSXXX32 Exterior Shading Screen Installer Skill Set |
| MSFSSXXX33 Shading and Security Screen Sales Skill Set |
| New Units of Competency: |
| MSFWHS3X1 Identify installation work hazards and select risk control strategies |
| MSFOPS3X1 Develop product knowledge |
| MSFSSG3X3 Assess suitability of security screens |
| MSFOPS3X2 Perform repairs and maintenance |
| MSFBAA3X18 Install curtains |
| MSFBAA3X15 Assemble venetian blinds |
Learn more about the project here.
AMP Training Package Projects
Retail Butchers and Smallgoods Project
This project will be reviewing qualifications and units within the AMP training package that relate to retail meat processing and smallgoods production. The review is focused on ensuring training products accurately reflect current workplace practices, food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and the technical skills required in modern retail butcher operations.
The project aims to address skills gaps and strengthen alignment between industry expectations and vocational education and training, supporting a capable and job-ready skilled workforce within the retail meat sector.
| Affected Skill Sets: |
| AMPSS00005 Basic Meat Industry Skill Set |
Learn more about the project here.
Worker Safety Induction Pilot
This project is trialling a nationally consistent safety induction skill set for workers entering agriculture, horticulture, and related industries. It is testing whether a structured induction program can better prepare new entrants for workplace hazards, safety obligations, and regulatory requirements before commencing work.
The pilot aims to strengthen baseline safety capability across the sector and determine whether a formalised induction approach should be embedded within relevant training products.
Learn more about the project here.
Essential Meat Processing Skills Project
This project is defining a clear set of core entry-level competencies within the AMP training package for new workers in abattoirs and meat processing facilities. It is examining foundational units linked to hygiene and sanitation procedures, knife handling and sharpening, carcase processing basics, workplace health and safety, and regulatory food safety compliance.
The project aims to establish a consistent baseline skill set for industry induction and early employment, ensuring new entrants are equipped with the practical capabilities required in operational meat processing environments.
Learn more about the project here.
What RTOs Should Do Now
With reform underway across the AHC, AMP, and MSF training packages, RTOs should use this period to prepare early rather than react later. Training package updates led by a Jobs and Skills Council are designed to strengthen alignment between industry needs and vocational education and training, and that means delivery adjustments are inevitable.
Here’s where to focus:
- Review your scope of registration and flag qualifications that may be impacted.
- Monitor project timelines and draft releases to anticipate transition requirements.
- Assess enrolment pipelines in case transition periods affect upcoming intakes.
- Prepare to update training and assessment strategies (TAS), mapping, and marketing materials once revised products are endorsed.
- Brief trainers and compliance teams early to ensure consistent internal messaging.
Reform across these training packages reflects broader workforce priorities connected to Workforce Australia and the ongoing need for a responsive, industry-aligned skilled workforce. RTOs that plan ahead will transition more smoothly when updates are finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Jobs and Skills Council and how does it affect training packages?
A Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) is an industry-led body responsible for reviewing and updating national training packages. When a JSC initiates a project, it can lead to changes in qualifications, units of competency, packaging rules, or skill sets, directly impacting how RTOs deliver vocational education and training.
How often are training packages updated in Australia?
Training packages are updated on an ongoing basis rather than on a fixed schedule. Reviews are triggered by industry feedback, regulatory changes, technological advancements, or workforce capability gaps identified through consultation with stakeholders and Workforce Australia.
What happens when a qualification is superseded?
When a qualification is superseded, RTOs are typically given a transition period to move students into the new qualification or complete delivery of the old version. During this time, training and assessment strategies, mapping documents, and marketing materials may need to be updated to reflect the endorsed replacement.
How can RTOs prepare for upcoming training package changes?
RTOs can prepare by monitoring draft releases, participating in public consultation phases, reviewing their scope of registration, and planning for potential teach-out arrangements. Early preparation reduces compliance risk and avoids disruption to enrolments and delivery schedules.
Why are workforce priorities influencing training package reform?
Workforce priorities identified through industry consultation and Workforce Australia data help determine where skills shortages or capability gaps exist. Training package reform ensures vocational education and training remains aligned with employer expectations and supports the development of a responsive, job-ready skilled workforce.
Conclusion
Training package updates driven by Jobs and Skills Councils are designed to strengthen Australia’s skilled workforce and ensure vocational education and training keeps pace with industry needs. For RTOs, the key is preparation, clarity, and access to well-structured training materials for RTOs that align with current standards.
Explore our expanding catalogue at TotalVET Training Resources to find updated, quality-assured training materials for RTOs that support smoother transitions and confident delivery.
