COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Core Skills Support Integration in Vocational Training & Assessment course. This program has been designed to build your expertise in identifying, supporting and embedding core skills into training and assessment across diverse VET contexts.
Core skills underpin all vocational learning and workplace performance. This course begins by outlining the purpose of integrating core skills into vocational education and training, the roles and responsibilities of trainers, teachers and assessors, and the contexts in which core skills are developed—spanning workplace, learning and assessment environments. It also introduces the five core skill areas defined in Australian frameworks—learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy—and their relevance to competency-based training and employment readiness.
Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements ensures that core skill integration is both ethical and effective. This section examines the legal obligations relating to core skills support, the regulatory requirements imposed by the VET Quality Framework and Standards for RTOs, and compliance expectations for trainers and assessors. Learners explore how to uphold quality and equity while embedding core skills in daily training and assessment practice.
Organisational systems guide consistent support for learners and candidates. This section covers procedures for integrating vocational and core skill development, identifying learner support needs, referring individuals for external assistance and gathering feedback on the effectiveness of support provided. Learners consider how these systems sustain inclusive, compliant and learner-centred delivery.
Understanding national skill profiles informs realistic training design. This section summarises findings from the most recent Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), outlines the typical core skill levels of VET learners and analyses the implications of these findings for training, assessment and learner support planning.
National frameworks provide structure and consistency in identifying and addressing core skill demands. This section explores the nature, purpose and structure of authorised Australian foundation skills frameworks, showing how they can be used to analyse task demands, assess learner levels and inform practical support strategies across training and assessment.
Core skills are essential to workplace performance and safety. This section outlines common workplace expectations, the specific core skills required for effective communication and task completion, and the importance of aligning training outcomes with real-world skill demands.
Nationally recognised training products embed core skill requirements within units of competency. This section explains how to interpret training products, identify embedded foundation skill elements and analyse performance criteria to determine underpinning core skill demands relevant to each qualification or unit.
Integrated core skill development provides measurable benefits. This section highlights advantages for learners—including improved confidence and employability—for trainers and assessors, through enhanced learning outcomes, and for employers, through better job performance and reduced workplace errors.
Identifying core skill demands is a key competency for VET professionals. This section explores strategies for analysing training products, workplace tasks, learning materials and assessment instruments to determine where and how core skills are required and assessed.
Identifying specific skill requirements helps trainers support learners effectively. This section explores the literacy, oral communication, numeracy, digital and learning skills required across vocational contexts, ensuring trainers understand what learners must read, write, interpret and calculate to achieve competence.
Accessing and interpreting core skill assessment data supports targeted intervention. This section outlines procedures for accessing learner assessment results, using data to identify skill gaps and applying findings appropriately within the trainer or assessor’s professional scope.
Referral processes ensure appropriate learner and candidate support. This section explains how to compare skill levels with training demands, recognise needs beyond one’s scope, refer learners through approved organisational channels and maintain compliance with all regulatory and privacy requirements.
Integrating core skills into facilitation enhances engagement and achievement. This section covers how to select and adapt training strategies, customise learning resources, integrate vocational and core skill learning, monitor progress and adjust facilitation in response to learner needs.
Assessment design must also reflect core skill integration. This section explores how to design assessments that accurately measure both vocational and core skill outcomes, select strategies suited to candidate cohorts, maintain alignment between demands and outcomes and implement equity-focused adjustments where required.
Clear understanding of trainer and assessor roles ensures safe and compliant practice. This section outlines responsibilities within the VET framework, boundaries of professional scope, collaboration with colleagues and maintenance of a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Digital literacy is a vital component of modern core skill development. This section examines how trainers and assessors can use digital tools effectively, support learner digital capability and manage electronic learning and assessment systems confidently.
Communication remains at the heart of core skill support. This section covers strategies for using clear, inclusive language, giving structured instructions, building rapport through oral communication and encouraging learner participation and confidence during training.
The course concludes with a focus on reflective practice and continuous improvement. This section examines how to gather learner and candidate feedback, evaluate one’s training and assessment approaches, identify areas for improvement and monitor the long-term effectiveness of integrated core skill strategies.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, practical strategies and compliance understanding required to integrate core skills effectively into vocational training and assessment—enhancing learner outcomes, employability and workforce capability across the Australian VET sector.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
This course is designed to align with the content outlined in the Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency TAELLN421.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Core Skills Support in Vocational Education and Training
- Purpose of integrating core skills into training and assessment
- Role of VET trainers, teachers and assessors
- Contexts for integrating core skills in workplace, learning and assessment environments
- Core skill areas defined in Australian frameworks
2. Legislative and Regulatory Requirements for Core Skills Integration
- Legislative obligations relating to core skills support
- VET regulatory requirements impacting integration
- Compliance requirements for training and assessment delivery
3. Organisational Procedures for Core Skills Integration
- Procedures for integrating vocational and core skill development
- Procedures for identifying learner and candidate support needs
- Referral procedures for learners and candidates
- Mechanisms for gathering feedback on support provided
4. Overview of Core Skill Levels in the Australian Adult Population
- Summary outcomes from the most recent PIAAC survey
- Typical core skill profiles of VET learners
- Implications of national data for training and assessment
5. Current Authorised Australian Foundation Skills Frameworks
- Nature, purpose and structure of authorised frameworks
- Use of frameworks to analyse core skill demands
- Use of frameworks to identify learner and candidate levels
6. Core Skill Demands in the Workplace
- Overview of workplace core skill expectations
- Core skills relevant to job performance and safety
- Linking workplace requirements to training outcomes
7. Core Skills in Nationally Recognised Training Products
- Interpreting training products for core skill requirements
- Identifying core skill elements in performance criteria
- Analysing unit content for underpinning foundation skills
8. Benefits of Integrated Core Skill Development
- Advantages for learners and candidates
- Benefits for trainers and assessors
- Benefits for employers and industry
9. Strategies for Identifying Core Skill Demands
- Analysing nationally recognised training products
- Reviewing workplace tasks and texts
- Reviewing learning and assessment tasks
- Determining core skill requirements across contexts
10. Identifying Core Skills Required in Training and Assessment Contexts
- What learners need to read, write and interpret
- What learners need to listen to and say
- Numeracy requirements for workplace and learning activities
- Digital and technological tools learners must use
- Readiness for learning in VET contexts
11. Accessing and Interpreting Core Skill Assessment Results
- Procedures for accessing learner and candidate core skill data
- Using assessment results to identify skill gaps
- Applying results within scope of own role
12. Identifying and Referring Core Skill Gaps
- Comparing identified skill levels with training demands
- Recognising skill gaps beyond role scope
- Referring learners and candidates according to organisational procedures
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements during referral
13. Integrating Core Skill Support in Training Facilitation
- Selecting training strategies to support core skill development
- Customising learning resources to address core skill gaps
- Integrating vocational and core skill development in sessions
- Monitoring participation and progress
- Adjusting facilitation to meet learner needs
14. Integrating Core Skill Support in Assessment
- Designing assessments that address core skill requirements
- Selecting suitable assessment strategies for candidate cohorts
- Ensuring alignment between core skill demands and assessment outcomes
- Implementing adjustments for equity and inclusivity
15. Trainer and Assessor Roles, Responsibilities and Limitations
- Understanding own job role in providing core skill support
- Recognising limits of scope and when to refer
- Maintaining compliance with professional and organisational standards
- Supporting a safe and inclusive learning environment
16. Digital Literacy in Core Skill Integration
- Using digital tools for accessing and exchanging information
- Supporting learners in developing digital literacy
- Managing electronic applications in training contexts
17. Communication Skills for Core Skill Support
- Using clear, audience-appropriate language
- Providing structured instructions for learners
- Building rapport and engagement through oral communication
- Encouraging participation and self-confidence
18. Reviewing and Improving Core Skill Integration Practices
- Seeking learner feedback during training
- Seeking candidate feedback during assessment
- Analysing own facilitation and assessment practices
- Identifying improvements to training delivery and support mechanisms
- Evaluating effectiveness of core skill integration strategies
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.