Trade Training Centres

Roles and responsibilities

The host school’s VET cluster must agree on the roles and responsibilities for Trade Training Centre (TTC) or Australian Technical College (ATC) management, operations and student enrolment. All members of the cluster must have a clear understanding of their obligations and how students access VET at the facility.

It is strongly recommended that roles and responsibilities:

• are documented in the VET cluster’s Memorandum of Understanding
• pay particular attention to the role of the host school
• vary from those of other TTCs and ATCs to account for local circumstances and requirements
• are updated regularly to reflect learnings and changes to circumstances and requirements.

For more detail on the roles and responsibilities of cluster members, refer to the Vocational Education and Training Clusters policy.

Host schools

The host school holds decision-making authority over the facility but is encouraged to consult with the Cluster Governance Group on key decisions, such as an expansion of facilities or upgrade of equipment.

The host school is responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance and upkeep, utilities, purchasing and contracting VET, and operational compliance and risk management of the facility including compliance with the Child Safe Standards.

The host school may delegate these responsibilities, for example by employing a centre manager (DOCX) to oversee operations. The principal or delegate of the host school is responsible for reporting to the Cluster Governance Group.

Host schools are encouraged to document all staff responsibilities. This is crucial if the TTC or ATC does not have a centre manager. For example, there may be responsibilities assigned to the campus principal, assistant principal, business manager and VET coordinator.

Cluster coordinator

Each VET cluster has a cluster coordinator, who is employed by a Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) or a school, to build relationships and work with member schools to share delivery of VET.

The cluster coordinator works closely with the host school delegate to:

• facilitate shared provision of VET between member schools including through shared use of the TTC or ATC
• source VET trainers and providers for the TTC or ATC
• coordinate VET programs, availability and timetabling
• promote VET to students, parents and guardians
• manage a fair enrolment process, for example through a priority placement policy or negotiation process
• collect data and address barriers to support schools to access VET.

TTCs and ATCs in Cluster Governance Groups

Each VET cluster has a Cluster Governance Group that consists of the cluster coordinator, the cluster lead school principal and principals or delegates from other member schools. It may also include TTC or ATC centre managers or LLEN executive officers.

This group is responsible for strategic planning of VET delivery, and this should include considerations and planning for the use of TTCs and ATCs. The group monitors and responds to student demand, local industry needs and opportunities to increase VET options, places and student access.

This group may also assist the TTC or ATC in negotiating with VET providers (for example, TAFEs, RTOs).

The Cluster Governance Group can’t make decisions on behalf of the host school about the operations, maintenance, upkeep or expansion of facilities, the upgrade of equipment, or purchasing and contracting of VET. However, the host school is encouraged to consult with the group on key decisions.

For more information about VET cluster governance and operating model, refer to Vocational and Education Training Clusters policy.