04-02-2019, 06:05 PM
Back in June 2018, I sent my individual submission (re New Approaches To Amateur Radio Qualifications) to the ACMA about the possible changes in assessment methodology and my concerns about costs to obtain the AOCP qualifications if the "system changed".
Well now it has changed and there are more questions than answers about processes, costs, timing etc. I am sure time will reveal most, if not all details, but it is the black-hole syndrome until then.
Assessors have been asked to return unused assessment packs (which is all of them !) to the WIA as "These need to be accounted for as part of the transition out plan with ACMA." Apart from the advice that the Trainsafe/Silvertrain assessor information system is going ( has gone ?) offline, there has not been any direct communications from the WIA about what to expect. They need to resolve that situation immediately - and publicly - for their members - and all Australian amateurs' benefit - with what they know.
The AMC has yet to announce anything (as far as I am aware) so if you become aware of releases / information, either paste a copy here against this thread or at least put up a web link to their release.
My submission to the ACMA on 29 June 2018 on the "New Approaches To Amateur Radio Qualifications" follows :
"
The amateur radio environment in Australia is in a state of flux. A high percentage of licensed operators are in the old(er) age bracket and, despite the incentives through STEAM/STEM, there do not seem to be enough younger persons entering the hobby to counterbalance those at older ages lost through death.
The count of new persons seen taking assessments seems low despite the rapidly growing Australian population numbers, and the availability of easy communications via internet facilities rather than radio, means that some form of encouragement is needed to prevent the hobby from being destroyed.
From personal observation, a number of young adults to middle aged, often mixed with the encumbrances of raising a family, do not have a lot of available money to undertake amateur radio qualification assessments. Their money is destined for matters of higher importance like housing, food and clothing.
The review of the qualification arrangements must include a microscopic view of the ongoing-over-time costs to be borne by prospective candidates, particularly where RTOs specify that candidates must complete one of their training modules prior to being allowed to contest assessment. Historically, candidates have undertaken self-study to prepare and have done so at minimal cost and at learning rates as suited to their personal circumstances. Using solely for-profit RTOs is likely to take away that flexibility and freedom, particularly if the selected RTO makes participation in one of their training courses mandatory.
The current assessment process through the WIA provides a small measure of relief by reducing fees for those candidates under the age of 18 years. It has no mandatory pre-assessment training criteria in place although it does encourage interested persons to undertake training through a local amateur radio club. In many cases, that training is beneficial for the procedural side of communications – an area that a person who has never used a radio transceiver often needs guidance in – as to what to say and how to say it.
The current assessment process through the WIA and its affiliate RTO, Silvertrain, works fairly smoothly through its group of volunteer assessors spread throughout Australia. The cost to the candidate is probably lower than would be expected from a for-profit RTO for the same processes given that they would undoubtedly have to pay their assessment team an hourly rate plus they would be in it to make a profit for their organisation. The WIA recently reported (2018 AGM) that the fees charged for assessments do not cover the actual processing costs so how would a for-profit RTO able to provide the functionality at the same or similar rates ?
The move to on-line assessment for the multiple choice theory and regulations components testing is only a matter of time regardless of whether it is implemented by the WIA or another RTO. However it is unlikely that an RTO is going to have a team of assessors qualified to undertake the aspect of practical testing spread throughout Australia, as has been in place through the WIA over the last 10+ years. With approaches Two and Three, that may mean that the practical test may have to be abandoned despite it ensuring that persons have at least a minimum knowledge of how to connect, fault find and use a radio installation correctly plus the aspects of procedures and safety.
The other outcome of this consultation should be the recognition that a Certificate Of Proficiency is desirable, rather than a Statement of Attainment issued solely by a RTO. Most people who have a Certificate of Proficiency will proudly display it on a wall while a Statement of Attainment is more likely to end up in a folder in a drawer. The Certificate seems to be a greater accomplishment and these should be seen as milestones in a social environment where visible milestones are hard to detail. This may seem to be miniscule in importance but it is still a benefit to contemplate.
I have been a WIA Assessor for over 10 years and have conducted a number of assessments in that period. I have met candidates who were knowledgeable and some who struggled. One factor I have noted through these assessment contacts is that the person’s socio-economic status has an effect on how well educated they are, how well prepared they are, and their affordability of assessments. One possible adult candidate recently withdrew because he could not afford the $70 fee for the Foundation assessment. Had he wanted to undertake multiple sections (eg Standard or Advanced Theory, Regulations and Practical), the overall fees might have nearly tripled. I am truly concerned about future costs should an RTO become the only option for persons wishing to enter the hobby.
.................. Text removed - no longer relevant ............
The world is a different place today but encouraging our youth to enter the radiocommunications arena is important - to themselves, and to Australia - and if amateur radio provides a pathway to that access, the easier and less cost-inhibitive it is, there is a major benefit in place. The older population need encouragement too, a worthwhile hobby to be interested in and a means to extend their knowledge. In my mind, increasing costs will deter new licensees.
I have read and re-read the detail in the ACMA’s Consultation document and tried to be bias-free whilst doing so. I cannot see benefits to the amateur radio service with the last two options, only to organisations who either are, or would be, RTOs who want to try to make a profit.
"
Well now it has changed and there are more questions than answers about processes, costs, timing etc. I am sure time will reveal most, if not all details, but it is the black-hole syndrome until then.
Assessors have been asked to return unused assessment packs (which is all of them !) to the WIA as "These need to be accounted for as part of the transition out plan with ACMA." Apart from the advice that the Trainsafe/Silvertrain assessor information system is going ( has gone ?) offline, there has not been any direct communications from the WIA about what to expect. They need to resolve that situation immediately - and publicly - for their members - and all Australian amateurs' benefit - with what they know.
The AMC has yet to announce anything (as far as I am aware) so if you become aware of releases / information, either paste a copy here against this thread or at least put up a web link to their release.
My submission to the ACMA on 29 June 2018 on the "New Approaches To Amateur Radio Qualifications" follows :
"
The amateur radio environment in Australia is in a state of flux. A high percentage of licensed operators are in the old(er) age bracket and, despite the incentives through STEAM/STEM, there do not seem to be enough younger persons entering the hobby to counterbalance those at older ages lost through death.
The count of new persons seen taking assessments seems low despite the rapidly growing Australian population numbers, and the availability of easy communications via internet facilities rather than radio, means that some form of encouragement is needed to prevent the hobby from being destroyed.
From personal observation, a number of young adults to middle aged, often mixed with the encumbrances of raising a family, do not have a lot of available money to undertake amateur radio qualification assessments. Their money is destined for matters of higher importance like housing, food and clothing.
The review of the qualification arrangements must include a microscopic view of the ongoing-over-time costs to be borne by prospective candidates, particularly where RTOs specify that candidates must complete one of their training modules prior to being allowed to contest assessment. Historically, candidates have undertaken self-study to prepare and have done so at minimal cost and at learning rates as suited to their personal circumstances. Using solely for-profit RTOs is likely to take away that flexibility and freedom, particularly if the selected RTO makes participation in one of their training courses mandatory.
The current assessment process through the WIA provides a small measure of relief by reducing fees for those candidates under the age of 18 years. It has no mandatory pre-assessment training criteria in place although it does encourage interested persons to undertake training through a local amateur radio club. In many cases, that training is beneficial for the procedural side of communications – an area that a person who has never used a radio transceiver often needs guidance in – as to what to say and how to say it.
The current assessment process through the WIA and its affiliate RTO, Silvertrain, works fairly smoothly through its group of volunteer assessors spread throughout Australia. The cost to the candidate is probably lower than would be expected from a for-profit RTO for the same processes given that they would undoubtedly have to pay their assessment team an hourly rate plus they would be in it to make a profit for their organisation. The WIA recently reported (2018 AGM) that the fees charged for assessments do not cover the actual processing costs so how would a for-profit RTO able to provide the functionality at the same or similar rates ?
The move to on-line assessment for the multiple choice theory and regulations components testing is only a matter of time regardless of whether it is implemented by the WIA or another RTO. However it is unlikely that an RTO is going to have a team of assessors qualified to undertake the aspect of practical testing spread throughout Australia, as has been in place through the WIA over the last 10+ years. With approaches Two and Three, that may mean that the practical test may have to be abandoned despite it ensuring that persons have at least a minimum knowledge of how to connect, fault find and use a radio installation correctly plus the aspects of procedures and safety.
The other outcome of this consultation should be the recognition that a Certificate Of Proficiency is desirable, rather than a Statement of Attainment issued solely by a RTO. Most people who have a Certificate of Proficiency will proudly display it on a wall while a Statement of Attainment is more likely to end up in a folder in a drawer. The Certificate seems to be a greater accomplishment and these should be seen as milestones in a social environment where visible milestones are hard to detail. This may seem to be miniscule in importance but it is still a benefit to contemplate.
I have been a WIA Assessor for over 10 years and have conducted a number of assessments in that period. I have met candidates who were knowledgeable and some who struggled. One factor I have noted through these assessment contacts is that the person’s socio-economic status has an effect on how well educated they are, how well prepared they are, and their affordability of assessments. One possible adult candidate recently withdrew because he could not afford the $70 fee for the Foundation assessment. Had he wanted to undertake multiple sections (eg Standard or Advanced Theory, Regulations and Practical), the overall fees might have nearly tripled. I am truly concerned about future costs should an RTO become the only option for persons wishing to enter the hobby.
.................. Text removed - no longer relevant ............
The world is a different place today but encouraging our youth to enter the radiocommunications arena is important - to themselves, and to Australia - and if amateur radio provides a pathway to that access, the easier and less cost-inhibitive it is, there is a major benefit in place. The older population need encouragement too, a worthwhile hobby to be interested in and a means to extend their knowledge. In my mind, increasing costs will deter new licensees.
I have read and re-read the detail in the ACMA’s Consultation document and tried to be bias-free whilst doing so. I cannot see benefits to the amateur radio service with the last two options, only to organisations who either are, or would be, RTOs who want to try to make a profit.
"
Doug VK4ADC @ QG62LG51
http://www.vk4adc.com
This Forum is only going to be as interesting as the posts it contains.
If you have a comment or question, post it as it may trigger or answer the query in someone else's mind.
http://www.vk4adc.com
This Forum is only going to be as interesting as the posts it contains.
If you have a comment or question, post it as it may trigger or answer the query in someone else's mind.