Smart and Skilled

What is Smart and Skilled?

SBTA is an approved training provider under Smart and Skilled to deliver government-subsided courses.  You may be eligible to access training under the Smart and Skilled program.

The Smart and Skilled is a NSW reform of the NSW vocational education and training system. It helps people gain the required skills and knowledge they need to get a job and advance their careers.

Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with:

  • an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III
  • government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.

You can go to the Smart and Skilled website for up-to-date information where you can use the Course Finder to check your eligibility, find the right Smart and Skilled course and approved training provider, and estimate their student fee. The website has information for you on:

  • Smart and Skilled fee arrangements
  • how to enrol
  • support for disadvantaged students
  • apprenticeships and traineeships
  • consumer protection
  • recognising skills

Courses SBTA can offer under Smart and Skilled

SBTA has been approved to offer the following qualifications under the Smart and Skilled Targeted Priority program. These qualifications are available for delivery in the Sydney region:

  • FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting
  • BSB40215 Certificate IV in Business
  • BSB42015 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
  • FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting
  • SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • BSB51915 Diploma of Leadership and Management
  • SIT50116 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
  • FNS60215 Advanced Diploma of Accounting
  • SIT60316 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • BSB61015 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
  • BSB61315 Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication
  • SIT60116 Advanced Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management

SBTA has been approved to offer the following qualifications as Traineeships under the Smart and Skilled program. These qualifications are available for delivery across NSW:

  • BSB20115 Certificate II in Business
  • BSB40215 Certificate IV in Business
  • BSB51915 Diploma of Leadership and Management

Am I eligible for this program?

  • To be eligible to be subsidised to undertake a Smart and Skilled program, an individual must meet the relevant eligibility criteria for Smart and Skilled programs. To be eligible to enrol in an:

    • Entitlement Full Qualification
    • Targeting priorities Full Qualification
    • Entitlement Foundation Skills Qualification
    • Targeted Priorities prevocational or part qualification
     

    A student must meet the citizen requirements, be 15 years or over live or work in NSW and no longer be at school or its equivalent.
    To access subsidised training under Smart and Skilled a student must meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria are available here: https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/are-you-eligible

Enrolment in a Smart and Skilled Course

All students enrolling in a Smart and Skilled course must complete an enrolment form which can be obtained by contacting us on (02) 9048 6900 or email to marketing@sbta.com.au. The enrolment form will be emailed to you.

In addition to the enrolment form those students that are studying a Targeted Priority course are required to complete the following as part of a Notification of Enrolment process:

  • A student’s consent. SBTA is required to obtain either verbally or in writing consent from a student to use and disclose a student’s personal information to the Department of Education and Communities and other government Agencies.
  • A student declaration that the student has provided accurate and complete information, is aware of any subcontracting arrangements (if applicable) and has been provided with the Fee information relevant to their enrolment and all appropriate student information

Unique Student Identifier

All students enrolling in Smart and Skilled course will be required to supply a Unique Student Identifier and will be requested to do so on their enrolment form. Please visit the website https://www.usi.gov.au/students to obtain their USI.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)

Where an eligible student is granted RPL for one or more units of competency, the qualification price will be adjusted and a new student fee determined.  The qualification price is based on both fixed and variable costs.  The fixed cost of the qualification is reduced by 50 per cent of the proportion of units of competency granted RPL.  The variable cost will be reduced by 50 per cent of the total cost of the units of competency granted RPL.

Once the adjusted qualification price is calculated the new student fee will be determined at the same percentage of the price as the original student fee for that course (i.e. Adjusted Price x fee percentage).

Where RPL for a unit (or units) of competency is assessed and only partially granted and some training delivery is still required, there is no reduction in the student fee.

CT (Credit Transfer)

Where an eligible student is granted a CT for one or more units of competency, the qualification price will be adjusted and a new student fee determined.  The fixed cost will be reduced by the proportion of units of competency given credit transfer.  The variable cost will be reduced by the total cost of each unit of competency granted credit transfer. Once the adjusted qualification price is calculated the new student fee will be determined at the same percentage of the price as the original student fee for that course (i.e. Adjusted Price x fee percentage).

CALCULATING ADJUSTING FEES OR RPL AND CT

Where RPL and/or CT are granted at enrolment, SBTA will need to use the Smart and Skilled Provider Calculator to determine the applicable student fee.

Where RPL and/or CT is granted after enrolment, or after a student commences a qualification, SBTA will report the outcome for the relevant unit(s) of competency in their next Smart and Skilled training activity data file submitted to the Department.  The Department will make adjustments to the subsidy payment and advise the Provider of the new student fee.  The Provider must take all necessary steps to advise affected students of adjusted fee and to adjust the fee levied, including adjustments to subsequent fee payment schedules.

SBTA will sight appropriate evidence, such as a testamur or a Unique Student Identifier (USI) transcript to grant CT.

 

FEES AND CHARGES

There are six (6) categories of student fees, based on the qualification and the characteristics of the student.  The schedule of fees for each qualification on the NSW Skills List can be accessed at:

https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/smartandskilled/prices_fees.html

SBTA will charge the student the relevant fee set by the NSW Government.  The relevant fee is determined when SBTA enters the student data into the Smart and Skilled Provider Calculator.

FEE CATEGORIES

There are six (6) student fee categories listed below:

  1. Standard student – first qualification
  2. Standard student – subsequent qualification
  3. Apprenticeship (for qualifications offered as part of an apprenticeship pathway)
  4. Traineeship (for qualifications offered as part of a traineeship pathway)
  5. Concession
  6. Exemption

Proof of eligibility for fee status

An individual may be required to provide evidence to support their eligibility for Smart and Skilled fee and must declare that information provided with regard to eligibility is true, accurate, complete and not misleading.  All evidence will be sighted, signed and kept on file as evidence.

Proof of eligibility for first or subsequent qualification fee

A student is required to declare any post-school qualifications to assess eligibility for a first or subsequent qualification standard student fee.

Smart and Skilled data and data from the Unique Student Identifier may also be used as evidence of a student’s previous post-school qualifications to assess the appropriate Standard Student fee.

Proof of eligibility for a concession fee

A recipient of a specified Commonwealth Government welfare benefit or allowances must provide the following proof of eligibility for a concession:

  • A letter from the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) confirming receipt of the benefit. The letter should clearly sow the Centrelink Reference Number (CRN and the benefit or allowance category; or
  • A current concession card that shows the CRN and clearly shows the benefit or allowance category; or
  • A current Centrelink income statement that clearly shows the CRN and the benefit or allowance category; or
  • Any other evidence that clearly shows the CRN and the benefit or allowance category; or
  • Documentary evidence from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs stating their pension/benefits status; or
  • For people applying for Austudy or Youth Allowance, an approval letter from Centrelink that shows CRN and indicates that commencement date of their benefit is within two weeks of their enrolment for two weeks within the date of the first class attendance or participation in training.

An individual who is seeking a concession as a dependent child, spouse or partner of someone who is receiving a specified Commonwealth Government welfare benefit or allowance must provide documentary evidence that Centrelink recognises the individuals as the dependant.  The evidence should clearly show the CRN of the benefit or Commonwealth Government welfare recipient.

PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY FOR A FEE EXEMPTION

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students prove their status and eligibility for a fee exemption through descent, self-identification and community identification.  Students will need to declare their status and be able to provide documentary evidence of community identification, if required.

Students with a disability

A student who seeks a fee exemption on the basis of disability will need to provide:

  • A letter from Centrelink confirming receipt of the Disability Support Pension. The letter should clearly show the Centrelink CRN; or
  • A current Disability Pensioner Concession Card that shows the CRN; or
  • A current Centerlink income statement for the Disability Support Pension, which clearly shows that income is for the disability pension and also shows the CRN; or
  • Any other evidence that clearly shows the CRN and confirms receipt of the Disability Support Pension; OR
  • Documentary evidence of support demonstrating a clear additional need as a result of the student’s disability. This evidence must be a letter or statement from:
  • A medical practitioner; or
  • An appropriate government agency such as Veteran’s Affairs or a TAFE NSW teacher consultant (for students with a disability), a school counsellor or special education coordinator, Centrelink, a Disability Service Provider, or a Job Capacity Assessor; or
  • A specialist allied health professional (including a rehabilitation counsellor, a psychologist, speech pathologist, or occupational therapist).

An individual who is seeking an exemption as a dependent child, spouse or partner of someone who is receive a Commonwealth Government Disability pension must provide documentary evidence that Centrelink recognises the individual as a dependant. The evidence should clearly show the CNR of the Disability Pension Recipient.

Refuges and asylum seekers

A student who seeks a fee exemption on the basis of their visa status will need to provide visa documentation, or documentation such as ImmiCard where appropriate.

Smart and Skilled Fee-Free Scholarships

Smart and Skilled Fee-Free Scholarships re a category of “Fee Exemption”, meaning that Fee-Free Scholarship recipients are exempt from paying student fees.  Refer to https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/109179/fee-administration-policy-2017.pdf for more information.

Validation of student eligibility and fee

SBTA will use the calculator to confirm an individual’s Smart and Skilled eligibility for a qualification.  SBTA will charge the relevant fee set by the NSW Government which is validated by the Provider Calculator.  SBTA will not charge students a fee other than what is calculated by the NSW Government through the Provider Calculator. This means the SBTA will not discount the fee, charge a higher fee or exempt students from paying the fee determined by the Provider Calculator.

There may be circumstances where the fee might be adjusted due to recognition of prior learning or credit transfer.  Refer to https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/109179/fee-administration-policy-2017.pdf for more information on recognition of prior learning and credit transfer information.

 

INCIDENTAL COSTS

Apart from the fees set by the Australian Government, there may be incidental costs which may occur such as:

  • Essential equipment and other items that the student might wish to purchase from SBTA
  • Field trips and excursion
  • Additional textbooks

Any additional costs will be published on our website.

Charges for issuing embedded qualifications

Embedded qualification is if a student has paid for a higher level qualification such as Advanced Diploma of Hospitality and wishes to get the lower level qualifications embedded within this qualification such as Certificate III and Diploma qualifications. In this case there may be additional charge of a $100 per qualification for issuing lower level qualifications.

STUDENT FEES

All student fees must be paid upfront prior to the student commencing their course.  The student can however choose a payment plan prior to commencing their studies.  All fees must however be paid by the time the student complete their subsidised training. SBTA will not pay the student fee on behalf of the student unless the Provider is also:

  • The student’s employer; or
  • Is a provider of government-funded employment services (Job active) and the student is a client.

SBTA will retain student fees that it collects or evidence either of the two conditions above were met.  Some Modern Awards include provisions that require employer to pay fee on behalf of the apprentice or trainee in which case the employer will pay the student fee.

DISCONTINUING STUDENTS

SBTA will advise the student prior to any fees being paid of the “withdrawal with no penalty” cut-off date, i.e. the date by which the student can withdraw and be refunded any fees paid at enrolment.  For all SBTA students these are as follows:

Withdrawal without penalty

  • Students will receive 100 per cent refund of all fees if SBTA cancels your course.
  • Students can withdraw from a course with no penalty ten working days (10) days prior to course commencement which is the “cut-off” date. Students must advise SBTA in writing of their intention to withdraw.

Withdrawal after cut-off date

  • If a student withdraws within the “cut-off” date prior to the scheduled commencement date of the training program, SBTA will retain 50% of the administration fees paid by the student. The amount retained is required to cover the costs of staff and resources which is committed based on the student’s initial intention to undertake the training.
  • When The Academy receives written notification of cancellation after course commencement date, the student will be entitled to no refund.

Withdrawal on or After Your Scheduled Course or Package Commencement Date after the Cut-off date with Penalty

  • No refund of tuition fees will be made after your scheduled course or package commencement date.
  • In case of withdrawal from a commenced course or package, you must give The Academy four weeks’ written notice prior to your next instalment due date or pay four weeks in lieu of notice. The total number of academic weeks delivered to you will form part of the withdrawal fee calculation.
  • Any amounts that fall due prior to your withdrawal being submitted must be paid in full at the time your withdrawal is processed. For example, if a tuition payment or late fee is due this must be paid in full at the time you submit your withdrawal.

FEES FOR STUDENT REPEAT ATTEMPTS TO COMPLETE UNITS OF COMPETENCY

SBTA will not be paid additional subsidy for repeat attempts by a student to complete a unit of competency.  The student will be given two additional attempts to repeat units of competency without paying an additional charge.

RECOVERY OF OUTSTANDING STUDENT FEES

Students must pay all fees prior to the commencement of the course unless otherwise negotiated with SBTA as per their study plan.  If fees remain unpaid after 2 weeks of fees due, the student will incur a 100 late fee.  If the fees remain unpaid 28 days after due date, the student will be referred to the debt collector and the student will not be able to continue their studies.

TRANSFERRING STUDENTS

Students can choose to withdraw from a Smart and Skilled course and transfer to another provider to complete their course because:

  • They chose to of their own accord
  • Their initial Provider closes
  • Their initial Provider’s Smart and Skilled Contract has been terminated.

FEE PROTECTION

SBTA is a member of the Tuition Protection Services to protect prepaid fees by the students.  The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an initiative of the Australian Government to assist international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study. The TPS ensures that international students are able to either:

  • complete their studies in another course or with another education provider or
  • receive a refund of their unspent tuition fees.

In the unlikely event that SBTA is unable to deliver a course you have paid for and does not meet their obligations to either offer you an alternative course that you accept or pay you a refund of your unspent prepaid tuition fees (this is called a provider’s ‘default obligations’), the TPS will assist you in finding an alternative course or to get a refund if a suitable alternative is not found.

CONSUMER PROTECTION INFORMATION:

Your feedback is important to us. To protect your rights as a student please refer to the following link for information on Smart and Skilled consumer protection strategy:

http://workskills.sgscc.edu.au/sites/workskills.sgscc.edu.au/files/Consumer_Protection_Strategy.pdf

Alternatively, you may wish to contact the NSW Smart and Skilled Customer Support Centre direct at 1300 772 104 or visit www.smartandandskilled.nsw.gov.au

REFERENCES

Find out if you are eligible by following the link below:

Before you Apply
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