Bodgy international education agents aren’t the only problem in student recruitment

Voced insiders warn that agents are selling the idea of quick qualifications in the local market (“qualify in a month”), based on very liberal ideas of what counts as recognised prior learning.

Agents says proof of skill can be photos and videos of aspiring tradespeople doing tasks (CMM May 17).

The sell from “education support service providers” is certificates and diplomas without classroom study via RPL, in traditional trades, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, cookery. Presumably going where the money is, one offers “NDIS Individual care”.

“Through our partner providers, you can get certified and the sky is the limit!,” one “provider” states.

Curiously, the names and details of the registered training organisations doing the certifying aren’t included.

This matters more than gullible people doing their dough for qualifications that aren’t – a supposed electrician who isn’t could get people killed (CMM May 17)

And it clips the credibility coin of the RTO system as a whole.

Over to ASQA.