The trainers and staff of Specialised Training Services strive to provide you with the opportunity to study, learn and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment.

When you enrol you agree to adhere to the policies and procedures of STS.  You also agree to behave in a appropriate and acceptable manner. 

All students and trainers have rights and responsibilities. 

These rights and responsibilities cover a range of areas so you are encouraged to read them carefully. Some are described in more detail below.

Vocational Education Training and Employment Act (2000)

The VETE Act 2000 was introduced by the Queensland Government to provide a legislative foundation for flexible, high-quality training to support

Queensland's workforce, now and into the future. The legislation regulates the apprenticeship and traineeship system and provides a structure for providing advice on vocational education, training and employment matters to the Government. For further information on the impact of this legislation and to view updates to the act, visit the DET website.

Your privacy and personal information is protected by legislation

When you enrol with STS  the collection, storage, use and disclosure of the personal information you provide is protected under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act, 1998. Any health information provided is protected under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act, 2002.

Any information we ask you to provide will only be that which is necessary for the purposes of your course enrolment, learning and study records. We are obliged to tell you the purpose of collecting personal information, who receives this information and where it is held. We protect your personal and private information and will not disclose it without your approval. We also allow you to access your information and make corrections if necessary. For all State and Commonwealth funded courses - we share your information with the relevant government department - this is called AVETMISS data.  Ask your trainer if you would like more information about this.

Freedom of information (FOI) – your right to access documentation

The Freedom of Information Act 1992 Qld (the FOI Act) gives you the right to access many documents held by most government agencies. Under the Act you are also able to ensure that records held concerning your personal affairs are not incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.

For more information, http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/dept/foi.htm

Protection of children and young people

In line with QLD Government legislation, STS is committed to promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people (defined legally as people under 18 years of age) whether they are students, apprentices or trainees in schools and workplaces. STS team members are required, by law and/or by departmental policy, to report children and young people suspected to be at risk of harm to the QLD Department of Communities.

For more information, refer to the STS Policy POL.11 - Student Protection Policy or visit the web site:

www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au

Occupational health and safety

We all have a duty to act in a safe and healthy manner within the workplace and also in the training environment.

To help us provide a safe environment for all staff and students, occupational health and safety legislation also reinforces your duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others. You must not interfere with or misuse anything provided for you in the interest of health and safety. You should report any safety issues or concerns to your trainer as soon as possible.

For further information about occupational health and safety visit the site:

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaA95.pdf

Copyright Act 1968

The Copyright Act 1968 is an Act relating to copyright and the protection of certain performances, and for other purposes.  As a student, you must be very aware of copyright legislation, your work needs to be your own.  You must only copy materials when you have appropriate permission.  If in doubt, please talk to your trainer.

 

Industrial Relations Act 1999 

Industrial relations issues are far to complex for your trainer to solve.  If you think you have an I.R. issue, you need to talk with the Department of Industrial Relations. The principal objective of the Industrial Relations Act 1999 is to provide a framework for industrial relations that supports economic prosperity and social justice.

You can visit the D.I.R. web site for further information http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/

Vocational Placement Standards

Some students will need to complete a vocational placement as part of this course, this is a structured and documented industry placement.  You need to discuss this with your trainer.

Visit the D.E.T.A. web site - factsheets for more information.

 

Anti-discrimination

Discrimination means treating someone less favourably because they happen to belong to a particular group of people. Many types of discrimination are against the law. It is unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of:

  • age (including compulsory retirement)
  • carers' responsibilities (caring for or supporting a child or other immediate family member)
  • disability (including infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS)
  • homosexuality (gay or lesbian or someone thinks you are gay or lesbian)
  • marital status
  • race (including colour, ethnic or ethno-religious background, descent or nationality)
  • sex (including sexual harassment or pregnancy)
  • transgender (transsexual) status
  • who you are related to or who you associate with.

Vilification

It is unlawful for a person to do anything publicly that could encourage or stir up hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule against you or others on the grounds of race, nationality, descent, ethnic or ethno-religious background, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS or transgender status.

If you feel you have been discriminated against you should talk to your supervisor or your trainer, additional help can be found at the following web site:

http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/education/justice/adcq.htm