Important Things to Know
This section details all the important information that you need to be aware of. Please read this carefully and familiarise yourself with it.
Before Starting Your Course
Pre-Training Review
Before being offered a place in your course, your abilities and aspirations will be checked through the Pre-Training Review to make sure the course is right for you and you meet the entry requirements. This includes a check on your language, literacy and numeracy skills, with Learning Support available where required.
Practical Placement
Some courses require practical placement, where you attend a worksite with a host employer to gain real-life work skills and experience. You and the host employer must sign a Practical Placement Agreement before starting the placement.
Methods of Training
Courses are available in a variety of training methods such as classroom learning, online through goLearn, remote video conferencing through Microsoft Teams, workplace learning on-the-job, or a blend (combination) of methods. Some courses are offered through Apprenticeships and Traineeships, or as part of secondary schooling as VETDSS or School-based Apprentice-Traineeships.
Sometimes another training company will be engaged by GOTAFE to provide training or other services to you as part of your course. Each third party has undergone a rigorous approval process to act on GOTAFE’s behalf, and GOTAFE will monitor your progress through the course. You will still be enrolled as a GOTAFE student and your qualification is issued by GOTAFE.
Attendance in each training session is recorded. If life gets in the way and you start to miss classes, you will be offered as much support as possible to help you stay on track with your studies.
Assessment
Assessment is a key component of your course. It is how you demonstrate you have developed the skills and knowledge to be ‘competent’ and achieve your qualification.
Assessment can be done through many methods, depending on the course, for example:
- Questions - Written (including online) and oral questions & tasks e.g. multiple choice questions, tests, short and long written answers, assignments, case studies, presentations, role plays, interviews, scenarios, and reflections.
- Observations & demonstrations -e.g. observations while completing tasks in the workplace, on placement, or in a simulated workplace, practical tasks, and simulations.
- Portfolios & Products - e.g. samples of work completed, use of documents, journal/logbooks, videos, annotated photos, projects, reports, products (e.g. baking a cake).
- Third-party feedback - e.g. testimonials, workplace or placement supervisor reports, interviews with employer/host employer.
Reasonable Adjustment
The method of assessment may be adjusted for students with a disability, injury or medical condition in order to give you the same educational opportunities as everyone else. The adjustment must be reasonable and allowable within the qualification’s rules. The Student Experience Team will work with you and your trainers to develop an Education Access Plan outlining the approved reasonable adjustments.
Get in touch with Student ExperienceExtension of Time
If you think you will have difficulty meeting the due date for an assessment and need an extension of time, you will need to speak to your trainer and complete the Application for Extension of Time form.
Please note:
- An extension of time can only be granted if requested in writing before the assessment due date using the Application for Extension of Time Form.
- The maximum extension of time that can be applied is two weeks after the original due date.
- Only one extension of time is allowed.
- If there are special considerations (eg. illness), a longer extension can be negotiated if applied for on the Special Consideration Form.
- If the submission is late without an extension, or submitted after an extended deadline, you will need to re-enrol in the unit or cluster, which will incur additional fees.
- If the due date for an assessment is after the end of the year, an AP (Assessment Pending) will be recorded.
Assessment Attempts
If you are assessed Not Yet Competent (NC), you will be given oral or written feedback on areas that need improvement.
A final result of Not Yet Competent (NC) will be given to students who are unable to demonstrate competency after two unsuccessful attempts.
If any of the assessment tasks for a unit have not been attempted, a Withdrawn (WD) will be recorded. If an assessment task is submitted late without an extension, or is submitted after an extended deadline, it will not be assessed and a WD will be recorded.
If you wish to complete the unit, you will be required to re-enrol in the unit and pay the prescribed fee.
For apprentices and trainees, refer to the contractual conditions regarding assessment.
Resubmissions
For each assessment task, only one resubmission will be accepted.
With resubmission, you must attach the original assessment also. Changes need to be clearly distinct from the original work. Do not destroy your original work.
You have a maximum of two weeks to resubmit your work and there are no extensions for resubmissions.
Plagiarism (Copying)
If you use ideas from another person, you must acknowledge their work. Copying the work of others without referencing the owner is cheating; it is called plagiarism. It is considered to be dishonest, contrary to the GOTAFE Values, and is a serious misconduct
For academic purposes, it is required that you reference any ideas taken from another person using APA Referencing.
You are required to sign an Assessment Cover Sheet whenever you submit assessment work. This is your declaration that it is your own work.
If submitted work shows any signs of copying without acknowledgement, this will be seen as plagiarism and will not be considered for assessment. You will be given a warning, offered tutoring by your trainer on how to avoid plagiarism, and asked to resubmit your work in your own words. Further cases of plagiarism will be given a Not Yet Competent (NC) result, and for repeated cases, you may be withdrawn from the course.
Assessment Appeals
If you have concerns about the assessment process or assessment results you have the right to appeal.
Refer to the Feedback, Complaints and Appeals Procedure.Skills Recognition
Skills Recognition is an assessment-only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification. You will need to provide proof of your prior studies through authenticated Statement of Attainment or a USI Academic Transcript.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience. A GOTAFE Assessor will interview you and discuss the types of documents you could provide to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to support your RPL application. Chat with the GOTAFE Enquiries and Engagement Officers about applying for Skills Recognition.
Fees
Details of fees are outlined on the GOTAFE website and application of those fees are detailed in the Fees & Charges brochure that was supplied to you in your Student Enrolment Pack. You can access the brochure on the Fees and Student Loans page. Make sure you read the information carefully.
Prior to enrolment, you will receive a 'Statement of Fees Estimate’ which will give you an approximate quote of what you could be charged for your course.
Funded and Free TAFE courses
Many students undertake their courses through Victorian Skills First funding or other Victorian training initiatives such as Free TAFE. It is important you understand the ‘rules’ around accessing funding. For example, ‘Free TAFE’ only applies to the tuition component of your fees and you will still need to pay for other fees.
Please be aware, there may be limits on how many courses you can start under the funding arrangements which can impact your ability to access funding in the future.
Contact GOTAFE Enquiries and Engagement Officers to discuss your individual circumstances.
Interstate students
Some students who live in NSW or SA near the Victorian border can access Victorian Skills First funding. Contact GOTAFE Enquiries and Engagement Officers to check if you are eligible.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tuition Free Initiative
If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, you may be able to have free Tuition fees for your course. This only applies to the tuition component of the fees.
Concessions
If you hold a concession card you may be eligible for a reduced tuition fee rate. This only applies to the tuition component of your fees. You must present your concession card when you enrol to access the reduced rate, or standard fees will be charged. However, if you become eligible for concession part-way through your course, you can present your card later and any units that you have not started can have the concession rate applied.
Payment of Fees
We understand that our students have different personal and financial circumstances, so we have a number of tailored approaches and support services available to ensure that you are able to make payments of your course fees.
Payment Methods
Students are able to make payment of their fees at all major campus locations – Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla, Seymour and Wallan by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, deferred, credit card and instalment by setting up a payment plan.
Refunds
If you withdraw from a course, you might be entitled to a refund, but this depends on how much of the course you have started, and how soon after the course start date you apply in writing to withdraw. To find out whether you qualify for a refund, please refer to the Fees and Charges brochure, which you should have received prior to enrolment.
Debts to GOTAFE
Any outstanding debt payable to GOTAFE will render your academic record “suspended”. This means that NO results or certificates will be released, and no computer or library access will be available until all debts have been paid.
Hardship
Fees are payable at the time of enrolment. In some cases, there may be options for students in financial hardship. Students who cannot pay their fees because of financial hardship should contact our friendly Student Experience Advisors for financial advice. You can contact our Student Experience Advisors to arrange an appointment.
Scholarships
GOTAFE have several scholarships that are available across various learning areas.
VET Student Loans
VET Student Loans from the Commonwealth Government are available for approved Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses. Make sure you read the VET Student Loans Entry Student Fact Sheet and the Australian Government information about VET Student Loans and be aware of your obligations and census dates.
Fees and Loan options
Course Deferral, Pause of Study or Course Withdrawal
Sometimes circumstances change and you may want to stop studying for a while. If you simply stop attending, you may be withdrawn from your course, so please talk to your Trainer or the Student Experience Team to explore options available to you to help you with your studies. You may decide to defer, pause your studies, or withdraw from the course. Please read carefully the information and conditions in the Course Deferral, Pause or Withdrawal Application Form before you make this decision.
Student Safety and Security
GOTAFE is committed to ensuring we provide a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Please discuss any safety or security concerns with your Course Coordinator, the Student Experience Team or campus reception.
Child Safety
GOTAFE has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and neglect and we recognise that all children and young people have a right to be kept safe from harm.
GOTAFE is committed to, and will uphold the following principles in applying this policy:
- Preventing child abuse: identifying child abuse risks early and removing and reducing these risks.
- Zero-tolerance of child abuse: all allegations and safety concerns will be treated very seriously, in a consistent manner, and expeditiously addressed.
- Reporting suspected child abuse: complying with our legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child's or young person's safety.
- Protecting equity and diversity: children and young people feel safe and are listened to and respected regardless of their abilities, sex, gender, sexual orientation religion, cultural or economic background.
- Safety, participation, and empowerment: employees and students, including children and young people, are aware of child safety practices and have access to raise concerns about abuse or misconduct. Students are supported to raise concerns through GOTAFE's student support services, and all staff receives relevant training and support to enable them to do so.
- Training and educating: our employees receive training and support, proportionate to their role, to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide children and young people with safe learning environments; understand the responsibilities and boundaries of their roles; and respond to any child safety concerns.
- Continuous improvement: regularly reviewing and removing any systemic issues which may be contributing to, or hindering, GOTAFE from being safe, or providing a safe environment.
GOTAFE is committed to fostering a culture where all employees, students, contractors, visitors, children, young people, and their families feel able to raise child safeguarding concerns.
GOTAFE will take all allegations of abuse against a child seriously and will report all allegations to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Legal & PrivacyOccupational Health and Safety
GOTAFE is committed to the principles contained within the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004. Students at GOTAFE are required to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and secure manner. Any matters relating to OH&S at GOTAFE may be raised with your trainer or directed to a Health & Safety Representative on your campus or the OH&S Coordinator at the Shepparton Campus. All hazards and incidents must be reported using the Incident Report Form.
First Aid
Each Campus has trained First Aid Officers and first aid kits. Report all incidents or accidents to a trainer, staff member or reception, so that first aid assessment and treatment can be arranged if required. All first aid events must be reported using the Incident Report Form.
In the case of a medical emergency, Phone 000 and provide your campus location to Emergency Services.
Ambulance
As ambulance cover is not covered by GOTAFE and is costly, students are encouraged to purchase an Ambulance Membership. Call 1800 648 484 for further information.
Students who hold a Centrelink Health Care Card may be entitled to free Ambulance Cover. Contact Centrelink or Student Welfare for further information.
Injuries and Illness
If an incident is relatively minor, it can be treated by a First Aid staff member. However, if the incident requires immediate medical attention, First Aid staff may provide initial treatment, and then contact or ask you to contact medical assistance or emergency services.
If a student under 18 years of age is unwell, GOTAFE will endeavour to contact a parent or guardian to make arrangements for the student to be transported home safely.
Where possible, the student or their emergency contact should organise transport home or to medical attention. If this is not possible, it is appropriate that a GOTAFE staff member accompany the student to medical treatment using a GOTAFE vehicle.
If GOTAFE is unable to contact the student’s relevant emergency contacts in an emergency medical situation, a GOTAFE staff member will remain with the student until they receive medical attention, or their emergency contact arrives.
GOTAFE staff members will not transport students home or to medical attention in their personal vehicles.
For medical emergencies involving students, a GOTAFE staff member will remain with the student until they receive medical attention, or their emergency contact arrives.
Rights and Responsibilities
All members of our GOTAFE community, including those visiting, can expect an environment and interactions that are friendly and free from any harm.
At GOTAFE we believe that every student has the right to know what to expect from GOTAFE and what is expected of students in order to make the learning journey enjoyable and successful.
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Code of Conduct Procedure outlines the expected behaviours of students.
At your course induction, your trainer will further explain the responsibilities regarding:
- Inter-personal behaviour at GOTAFE
- Attendance
- Use of electronic and personal mobile devices
- Recording class lectures
- Grievances
- Expected classroom behaviours
- Health & Safety
Children in Class Guidelines
Where possible, GOTAFE supports students with parental and caring responsibilities who may need to bring children onto campus from time to time. Requests to do so will be treated on their merits and consider anti-discrimination laws. Students cannot expect others to care for the child/ren and the request may be refused if it causes undue hardship. Reach out to Student Experience Team to discuss alternative arrangements on
studentexperience@gotafe.vic.edu.au.
Student Dress Standards
GOTAFE aims to prepare students for their working life. It is therefore expected that while participating in GOTAFE activities, students will dress in a manner that is clean, neat, and safe, as is expected in any other workplace.
Students should not wear any clothing that is likely to offend others because of slogans, cartoons, symbols, or graphics that could provoke, intimidate, condemn, or ridicule others; or because of its lack of decency, modesty, or cleanliness.
For some programs, you will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment as directed by your trainers. This may include safety glasses, steel-capped boots, and hearing protection.
Loose clothing worn in a practical activity could become a hazard. Clothing must provide adequate cover and be reasonably close-fitting, with no torn parts that can be caught on machinery.
Statement of Adherence
Australian society is defined, among other aspects, by a belief in elected Government, by a commitment to the rule of law, to equal rights for all before the law, and by a belief in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association. Our society is also tolerant of a range of religious, political, social and cultural beliefs and values in the context of the fundamental principle of our democracy.
As a registered training provider operating under the regulations of the Victorian Education and Training Reform Act, GOTAFE undertakes to deliver our programs and teaching in a manner that supports and promotes the principles and practice of Australian democracy.
This includes a commitment to:
- Elected government
- The rule of law
- Equal rights for all before the law
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech and association
- The values of openness and tolerance
GOTAFE is committed to operating in a manner consistent with these principles and to ensure that these principles are put into practice through appropriate inclusion in Institute policies and procedures.
The GOTAFE community is enriched by people of every ethnicity, faith, age, disability, culture, language, gender identity, sex and sexual orientation. GOTAFE aims to treat all members of the community with dignity, courtesy and respect.
By creating a positive environment in which the welfare and needs of students is of paramount importance, GOTAFE seeks to enhance the learning experience and optimise outcomes for all students. In this way, GOTAFE aims to not only practice these principles but to imbed them in the learning process to contribute to their perpetuation.
Through the GOTAFE Behavioural Policy and Procedure, the Institute aims to:
- Foster an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying
- Always promote appropriate standards of conduct
- Implement education and awareness-raising strategies to ensure that everyone is made aware of their rights and responsibilities
- Encourage reporting of inappropriate behaviour and provide an effective procedure for resolving complaints in a sensitive, confidential, fair and timely manner
- Provide protection from victimisation
- Provide individuals access to information outlining how to best manage their health and safety
- Ensure the principles of natural justice are adhered to at all times