The Metal and Engineering Curriculum Framework is based on the national Metal and Engineering Training Package (MEM05). Training Packages are subject to continuous improvement and Training Package version changes are occurring more frequently. The impact of these changes on Framework HSC courses can vary from significant to none.

Version 9.1 of the MEM05 Training Package was released in March 2013. This Industry Skills Council (ISC) upgrade included advice that limits access of the MEM20105 Certificate II in Engineering and MEM20205 Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology qualification pathways to those employed in the industry and to school students engaged in a school-based traineeship.

The ISC, Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA), is currently developing a new Certificate II to cover engineering pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment programs and plan to have an endorsed qualification available during the last quarter of 2013. Details of this project are available on the MSA website under Training Package development projects.

A Metal and Engineering Industry Advisory Group (IAG) has been established by the Board to consider the implications of the Training Package upgrade on the delivery of HSC courses from the Framework and the new Certificate II qualification. The IAG includes stakeholder representatives from industry, school systems, registered training organisations (RTOs) and employers, as well as practising teachers. The IAG will meet when a draft of the new qualification is available.

The Board will provide updates via the Board Bulletin as further information becomes available.

School systems and/or RTOs will continue to provide advice to their schools and colleges regarding delivery of HSC courses from the Metal and Engineering Curriculum Framework for the cohort commencing in 2014 based on the current Framework on the Board's website.

For more information, contact:
VET team
(02) 9367 8310
vet@bos.nsw.edu.au