Individuals

Student Information

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Our Student Handbook is your go-to guide for understanding your rights, responsibilities and the resources available to you throughout your studies. It outlines our policies, procedures and expectations, as well as practical information to help you navigate your training experience with confidence.

By familiarising yourself with the handbook, you’ll be better equipped to make the most of your learning journey and know where to turn for support when you need it.

From time to time the handbook is updated as systems, processes or policies change. The most up-to-date version will always be available via the link below, so we encourage you to refer back to it whenever needed.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Student Code of Conduct outlines the expectations, rights and responsibilities of you as a student, helping everyone enjoy their time with us and get the most out of their training.

It’s also about respect, safety and doing the right thing by each other. By understanding and following these expectations, you help create a positive learning environment where every student feels valued, included, and able to succeed.

Respect for Others

We’re all here to learn, grow and support one another so it’s important that everyone treats each other with kindness and respect. This means being considerate towards fellow students, trainers, assessors, staff and employers, and appreciating the diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that every person brings.

We value inclusivity, so keeping an open mind is a big part of creating a welcoming learning environment.

Any behaviour that intimidates, threatens, harasses, compromises the safety of others, discriminates against, vilifies, or involves conversion practices towards another student or team member, whether in person or online, will not be tolerated under any circumstances and may result in immediate withdrawal from the course.

Health, Safety and Dress Code

When it comes to health and safety, we all have a shared responsibility. We are committed to providing a space that’s free from unnecessary risks and supports everyone’s wellbeing.

You’re also expected to protect your own health and safety and to make choices that don’t put others at risk. This means not interfering with or misusing any equipment or resources that are there to keep everyone safe, and never attending training, workshops or placements under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If this happens, you’ll be asked to leave immediately, and repeated incidents may lead to withdrawal from your course.

When it comes to dress and personal hygiene, please wear clean, comfortable clothing that’s suitable for training and safe for the activities you’ll be taking part in. Closed-in shoes are essential for your safety, as open footwear can increase the risk of slips, injuries or accidents. Items such as thongs, crocs, slippers, ugg boots, slippers, high heels, oodies, short skirts or clothing with offensive language, images or symbols are not allowed. Anything that doesn’t meet safety or workplace standards is not acceptable.

Behaviour in the Learning Environment

In our learning environment we want everyone to feel supported, safe and able to do their best. Your Trainer or Assessor is there to guide you, so please follow their instructions and take part in activities in a way that helps the class run smoothly for everyone.

Please use polite, respectful language when communicating with ESTR staff and your fellow students, and show respect by listening to others, allowing people to speak without interruption and valuing different perspectives.

Your mobile phone should be on silent and out of sight during class, unless it is being used for learning activities approved by your Trainer or Assessor. Texting, scrolling, playing games or using social media during class is distracting and can be disrespectful to others. If you need to make or take a call, please excuse yourself quietly and step outside so the session isn’t disrupted.

Behaviour that disrupts others, threatens safety or involves abusive or violent conduct is not acceptable and may result in immediate withdrawal from the course.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance and participation are a big part of your success in training. We understand that life can be busy, but please make every effort to attend all scheduled workshops.

Return from breaks on time and stay for the full session unless you’ve discussed alternative arrangements with your Trainer.

Make sure you bring any learning materials you need so you can fully take part in the day’s activities.

If you’re joining an online class, your camera must remain on, and you’re expected to participate just as you would in person. If we can’t see you, you may be marked absent, as full engagement is an important part of your learning and attendance requirements. Please also keep your microphone muted when you’re not speaking to help reduce background noise and keep the session running smoothly.

If you’re unable to attend a workshop, please let us know as early as possible so we can support you with catch-up options or suitable alternatives.

Ongoing absences or failing to complete required tasks may lead to a temporary suspension or withdrawal from your course. Before this happens your Trainer will work with you to develop an action plan to help you get back on track. However, if your progress remains unsatisfactory, you don’t regularly submit assessments as agreed in your action plan or you don’t keep in touch with your Trainer, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Academic Integrity

Please submit your assessments on time or let us know early if you need more time so we can support you.

Follow any instructions about formatting, file names or how your work should be submitted. Make sure you keep a copy of everything you hand in, just in case it’s needed later. And if you’re finding something difficult or you’re not sure how to approach a task, reach out. We’re here to help you succeed.

We want you to feel confident and proud of the work you submit, so always make sure your assessments are completed by you. Avoid any form of plagiarism, collusion, cheating or contract cheating.

You can use Generative AI tools to help support your learning, but they should never be used to complete your assessment tasks for you.

Plagiarism, cheating and collusion will not be tolerated. If academic misconduct is identified, you may be required to redo the assessment, provide additional evidence of your skills, or complete alternative tasks. Repeated misconduct or serious breaches may result in suspension or withdrawal from your course

Wellbeing and Support

Your wellbeing matters to us, and we want you to feel supported throughout your training. If something is affecting your learning or making it hard to keep up, please talk to us, we’re here to help.

Our support services are available whenever you need guidance, reassurance or a bit of extra assistance. We also encourage you to look after your own safety and wellbeing, both on campus and online. If something doesn’t feel right or you need support, let us know early so we can work together to keep you safe and supported.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct

If this Code isn’t followed, we’ll respond in line with our relevant policies.

For serious or repeated breaches, your enrolment may be suspended or cancelled. Our goal is always to resolve issues fairly, respectfully and with your learning in mind

UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI)

What is a USI?

If you’re studying any nationally recognised accredited training, you’ll need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

A USI is a government-issued reference number that stores all your nationally recognised training results in one secure place. From 1 January 2015 onwards, every unit and qualification you complete will be recorded in your USI account, ready for you to view anytime.

Please note; We cannot issue your certificate or Statement of Attainment without a valid USI.

How to Apply

Applying for a USI is quick, free, and can be done online at www.usi.gov.au by following the prompts.

What You'll Need to Apply

A valid form of identification (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, or Medicare card)
Your personal contact details
A few minutes to complete the application.

Keeping Your USI Records Up to Date.

It’s important to keep your personal info, like your name, email, phone number, and postal address current in your USI account so your records stay accurate and accessible.

If you’re updating things like your name, you’ll need a form of verifiable ID (such as your licence or passport) and can make the change easily through the USI Student Portal. If you’re only updating your preferred name, gender, or contact info, that’s even easier—no ID required! Once you make changes, you’ll get a notification confirming it’s been updated.

Your USI must match the legal name you use when enrolling with ESTR. If you change your name (e.g. through marriage or divorce) and want your qualification issued in your new name, you’ll need to update your USI account first so the records match. Then you’ll also need to provide us with official change-of-name evidence and updated identification so we can change your records on our end as well.

Granting ESTR Permission to View Your USI Transcript

You can give ESTR access to your previous nationally recognised training records (from 2015 onwards) by granting permission in your USI portal. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended if you’re applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Transfer (CT), or need to show pre-requisite units for further study.

To give us permission:

Log in to your USI portal – www.usi.gov.au
Click on ‘Provide your USI’
Search for ‘Essential Skills Training and Recruitment (RTO ID: 91729)’
Next to our Organisation Name, Click Add
Tick the boxes to allow us to ‘view your transcript‘ and ‘view your details’
Set the ‘expiry date’ for how long you’d like to give access, then click ‘Save’

USI Frequently Asked Questions

Can you create a USI for me?
Yes, with your permission. If you prefer, we can assist in creating your USI or retrieving an existing one. We just need you to complete a consent form and a copy of your valid ID to get started.

I’ve forgotten my USI. How do I find it?
You can retrieve your USI through the USI website using the “Find Your USI” option.

Why can’t I see my latest results on my USI Transcript?
This is usually because your results haven’t yet been submitted by the training provider, the USI system is still processing the data or the training relates to non-accredited or non-nationally recognised learning (which won’t appear on your transcript).
If it relates to training completed with us and it’s been a while, just contact us and we’ll look into it.

How often is my USI Transcript updated?
Your USI Transcript won’t update instantly. Training providers across Australia report results to the USI system on their own schedules, so recent units or completed qualifications may take time to appear.
We report your results to the USI system on a quarterly basis. After we submit your results, it usually takes a couple of weeks for the USI system to process and update your transcript.
If you believe something is incorrect or missing from the training you completed with us, please get in touch and we’ll happily check the reporting status for you.

Does my USI expire?
No, your USI is yours for life. You’ll use the same number every time you study with any nationally recognised training organisation.

Is my USI information private?
Yes. Only you can access your full transcript unless you give permission for a training provider or organisation to view it. Your information is stored securely within the national USI system.

What happens if my name changes—do I need to update my USI?
Yes. Your USI must always match the legal name you use when enrolling with ESTR. Your qualification will be issued in the exact name recorded on your USI, so it’s important that your details are correct.
If your name changes (for example, due to marriage, divorce or any other legal change) and you want your qualification issued in your new name, you’ll need to:

  1. Update your name in your USI account first so your national training records reflect your new legal name.
  2. Provide ESTR with official change-of-name evidence (such as a marriage certificate, Change of Name Certificate, or updated ID).
  3. Send us your updated identification so we can update your enrolment and student records and re-verify your USI.

Keeping your USI and enrolment details aligned ensures your qualification is issued correctly and without delays.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

ATSI-LGBTQIA-Flags

We provide equitable access to our services for everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or socio-economic status.

We do not tolerate vilification of any person or group on any of these grounds. Vilification includes behaviour, whether in person or online, that encourages hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule because of who a person is.

We also do not tolerate conversion practices. Conversion practices are any actions that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices are prohibited in our learning environment and may be unlawful under Australian law.

 

ON CAMPUS FACILITIES

If you’re joining us at our Warabrook campus (near Newcastle NSW), you’ll have access to a range of facilities designed to make your learning experience easier and more accessible, so you can stay focused and succeed in your training.

Our on campus facilities include:

• Free Wi-Fi and Laptop Access
• Printing and Photocopying
• Free on site and street parking
• Accessible facilities and access ramp
• Wide doorways and corridors
• Air-conditioned classrooms
• Study spaces
• Practical Simulation Room
• Student kitchen with free tea and coffee making facilities, fridge and microwave

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Our goal is to ensure that every student is fully supported not only in achieving their educational goals but also in maintaining well-being throughout their studies. This guide outlines both the services provided directly by our us and those available through national networks and local organisations.

By familiarising yourself with these services, you can take full advantage of the support on offer to navigate your educational pathway effectively.

LANGUAGE, LITERACY & NUMERACY

To get the most out of your training, it’s important to have the right language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills for your chosen qualification.

The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) outlines five key skills needed to succeed in both study and the workplace:

Learning
Reading
Writing
Oral communication
Numeracy

Every qualification has its own LLN requirements. As part of our enrolment process, we’ll check your current LLN skills against the benchmarks for your course. You’ll be given a link to complete an online LLN assessment during the pre-training review.

If we find any gaps between your current skills and what’s required, we’ll talk with you about the support we can offer to help you build those skills; or, if needed, recommend a course that’s a better fit right now. We’ll also take into account any previous study you’ve completed when assessing your LLN level.

DIGITAL CAPABILITY

We know that everyone learns differently, so we offer flexible options to suit your style and needs. You can study face-to-face, online via distance, or through a blended approach that combines traditional classroom with virtual classroom sessions.

No matter how you choose to study, you’ll need some basic digital skills and access to the right technology to get the most out of your course. All your learning and assessment materials are available online through your Student Portal, and you’ll also use the portal to complete and submit your assessments.

As part of the pre-training review during your enrolment application, we’ll ask a few quick questions to check your level of digital capability and make sure you have access to the technology you’ll need.

PLEASE NOTE: Your camera and microphone must be turned on at all times during virtual classroom workshops.

MINIMUM Technology Access Requirements

  • A desktop computer, laptop, or tablet capable of running modern applications and accessing the internet.
  • Reliable internet connection so you can access your learning resources, submit assessments and access results online, and study without interruptions. Note: Please be wary of your data usage within your limits.
  • An email account to receive course communications.
  • A webcam and microphone to participate in the virtual classroom (if applicable to your course delivery mode)
  • Microsoft Teams to participate in the virtual classroom (if applicable). Free download here from or to a mobile device/iPad from the App Store or Google Play.
  • A mobile device or camera with video recording capability in case you are required to submit video evidence as part of your assessments (Applicable for Online – Distance delivery)
  • It is recommended that you have the latest version of Google Chrome and Adobe PDF Reader for optimum compatibility with accessing course materials and assessments.

MINIMUM Digital Capability Skills Required

  • Internet Skills; such as navigating websites and using search engines (e.g. Google) to find reliable information, logging in to and using online web-based systems, and completing digital forms.
  • Computer Skills; such as using a webcam and microphone, creating, saving, uploading and downloading documents.
  • Email Skills; such as accessing and reading emails, sending and replying to emails, attaching files to emails, and downloading or opening email attachments

STUDENT PORTAL

On enrolment, you will receive an invitation to create an aXcelerate account. This will give you access to your Student Learning Portal.

 This is where you will access all of your course information, learning and assessment materials, links to your online virtual classroom workshops (if applicable) and submit your assessments.

You can access the student portal via the link provided to you on enrolment. It is also accessible via the homepage of our website, or if you are using a mobile device or tablet, you can down the aXcelerate app from the Apple App or Google Play Stores.

COURSE FEE & REFUND POLICY

Course Fees

Your course fees will vary depending on whether you’re enrolling in a subsidised course or paying Fee-for-Service (non-subsidised training). Full fee details are available in the course brochure or on each individual course page on our website.

As part of the enrolment application process, we’ll give you a quote for your total course fees. Unless you arrange a payment plan with us, your fees will be invoiced according to our standard payment schedule below.

Fee Type When Payable Amount
Enrolment Fee Payable on enrolment $200 or $50 (concession)
Administration Fee Payable on commencement of training $300 or $50 (concession)
Commencement Fee Payable 3 months after enrolment 50% of remaining course fee
Final Fee Payable 6 months after enrolment Final 50% of remaining course fee

 

Your fees are always protected, and we have safeguards in place to keep your payments secure. All transactions are processed in Australian Dollars (AUD) through trusted gateways like eWAY and Stripe, with your card details encrypted and never stored by us.

For extra convenience, you can also pay quickly and securely using Link, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Please note, we can’t accept more than $1,500 in pre-paid fees from any individual student before training begins.

Refund Policy

We know that plans can change! That’s why we’ve outlined our cancellation and refund policy to make things clear and easy to understand. Please read it carefully to see if you’re eligible for a refund.

Course Type Notice Period Fees Payable & Refunds
Short Course
(Skill Set, Single Units, one-day courses, or non-accredited training)
(3) or more days before course commencement No charge.
ESTR will refund any fees paid in advance.
Less than (3) days before course commencement 20% of course fee is payable.
ESTR will refund any fees paid in advance, minus 20% of the course fee OR it can be held in credit for future programs (minus 20% of the course fee**).
After course commencement No refund applicable.
All fees invoiced after commencement are payable.
Full Qualification At least (3) or more days before course commencement No charge.
ESTR will refund any fees paid in advance.
Less than (3) days before OR within (3) days of course commencement Enrolment and Administration Fee of $500 is payable **.
ESTR will refund any fees paid in advance, minus the Enrolment & Administration fee OR it can be held in credit for future programs (minus the $500 Enrolment and Administration Fee**).
After course commencement No refund applicable.
All fees invoiced after commencement and up to the point of withdrawal are payable.

 

** The fee retained by Essential Skills Training and Recruitment is required to cover the cost of time and resources which will have already been committed based on your initial intention to undertake the training. As places in our courses are limited, your enrolment secures a spot that may not be able to be filled by another participant at short notice. We’re happy to consider special circumstances, such as medical or family emergencies, on a case-by-case basis.

PAYMENT PLANS

If our standard payment structure doesn’t suit your budget, we offer flexible payment plans to make your training more affordable.

If you’d prefer to pay your course fees in weekly or fortnightly instalments, we can arrange a payment plan through our trusted third-party provider, Xplor Debit Success Pty Ltd (ABN 32 095 551 581).

  • Payments are direct debited from your nominated bank account or debit/credit card.
  • Payments continue at the agreed frequency until your course fees are fully paid.
  • Xplor Debit Success charge a one-off administration fee, as well as a credit/debit card surcharge. This is in addition to your course fee. All costs are clearly outlined before you enter into the agreement.

This option allows you to spread the cost of your course into smaller, more manageable instalments, so you can focus on your training.

Please note fees are subject to change, as Xplor Debit Success is a third-party provider.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Most of your course costs are covered in your standard fees, but sometimes there may be a few extra expenses depending on your individual circumstances.

These may include:

  • Interpreter or support services: if you require external assistance such as translation or interpreting services, these costs are your responsibility (or your employer’s if arranged through them)
  • Certificate or Statements of Attainment reprint: We can provide a reprint of your certificate or statement of attainment if your original document has been lost or damaged. Reprint fees apply to cover administrative and production costs. From $55 – $120. See Completion and Certification or your Student Handbook for more information.
  • Printed learning and assessment materials: Some courses provide materials through the student portal. If you request printed copies, the following fees apply: $1 per assessment, $2 per learning resource, $5 postage and handling (if required) **
  • Direct debit administration or transaction fees: if you choose to pay your course fees through a payment plan with Xplor Debit Success, additional administration fees and small card surcharges apply. These charges are set and collected directly by the Xplor Debit Success and are separate from your course fees. All applicable costs will be clearly outlined before you enter into the agreement and may change, as Xplor Debit Success is a third-party provider.
  • Working with Children Check or NDIS Worker Screening Check: some courses or work placements require you to hold one or both of these checks. These costs are paid directly to the relevant screening authority.

**** No fee will be charged for printed materials where this is a documented support strategy for a student with disability. We are committed to ensuring students with disability can participate in training on the same basis as students without disability and will provide reasonable adjustments in line with our support policies.

NSW SMART AND SKILLED

You may be eligible to access government-funded training support to reduce the cost of your course. Funding availability is subject to eligibility criteria and government guidelines. We’ll assess your eligibility during the enrolment application process and provide you with a course fee quote based on your circumstances. Current opportunities available include:

NSW Smart and Skilled

We are an approved provider of the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, which helps NSW residents to access funding which may cover part or all of your course fees, depending on your eligibility.

Are you:

15 years old or over?
No longer at secondary school?
living or working in NSW?
an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen?
the holder of a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) or an applicant for one?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to all of the above questions, then you’re eligible to enrol in a NSW Smart and Skilled government-subsidised course with us, in any of our Smart and Skilled approved qualifications, subject to availability.

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

Government-subsidised places are limited and therefore are not guaranteed.

For more information please call our office or visit the Skills NSW website: www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au

NSW Traineeships

Traineeships combine formal study with on-the-job training, playing a vital role in developing local businesses and building the future workforce in NSW.

If you are employed and enrolled through a traineeship arrangement, your training may be fully subsidised under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program. In addition, the Australian Government provides financial incentives to eligible employers to help offset the costs of hiring and training trainees.

To be eligible for a Traineeship you must be;

an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or hold a relevant Visa
over 18 years old and no longer at secondary school
available for full-time or part-time work
not currently enrolled in another traineeship
have a drivers licence (preferred)

This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

For more information please call our office or visit the NSW Government website https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/apprentices-and-trainees

Impact of Accessing Government Subsidised Training

Please be aware that where you access Government subsidised training, it may have an impact on your entitlement or eligibility for any future program support. It may mean that you might no longer be eligible for another subsidised training place once you have completed the qualification, or you may pay a higher fee for any future courses.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Your rights as a student are protected under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). We’re committed to being open, fair and honest in everything we do, from how we advertise our courses to how we deliver your training.

We make sure that:

  • All information about our courses is clear, accurate and easy to understand
  • You have access to all the details you need before enrolling including entry requirements, fees, refund policies and student support options
  • Training and assessment is delivered to a high standard and with due care and skill
  • You’re informed as soon as possible about any changes to your course, services or our organisation
  • Complaints are handled fairly and used to improve our services.

If you ever have concerns about your training or believe your consumer rights have been affected, please contact our Consumer Protection Officer:

Leisa Harrison – CEO
📞 (02) 4961 0016
📧 [email protected]

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way to have your existing knowledge, skills, and experience, gained through work, study, or life, assessed against the requirements of a qualification or unit. If you meet the standard, you won’t need to repeat what you already know.

Who Can Apply

Anyone with skills, knowledge, or experience gained through work, study, or life that matches the requirements of their course units.

When to Apply

The best time to apply is at enrolment (we’ll ask you in your online enrolment application), however you can apply at any stage during your course.

What You'll Need

  • Portfolio of evidence mapped to each unit (we provide the tools).
    Examples:
    Direct evidence – workplace documents, reports, care plans, audits.
    Indirect evidence – resume, job descriptions, qualifications, training records.
    Supplementary evidence – conversations with your assessor, extra documentation.
  • Proof of name change if your documents are in a previous or different name.

How it Works

  • Complete an RPL Application (we will email you the application)
  • Submit your portfolio of evidence
  • Assessor reviews your evidence and may request more information, a competency conversation, or practical demonstrations
  • You’ll receive your outcome in writing. If granted, the RPL is added to your training plan. If not, we’ll explain why and let you know how to appeal if you disagree with the decision.

Tip: RPL can take a few months or more, depending on how quickly you gather your evidence.

What's Important to Know

  • Providing evidence for RPL doesn’t automatically mean it will be granted.
  • If we cannot authenticate your documentation, or it doesn’t sufficiently cover the unit of competency requirements, RPL cannot be granted.
  • If you’ve studied or worked under a previous name, you’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your name change. This could include a marriage certificate, deed poll registration, or other official documentation from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The documents must clearly show both your previous and current names. Without this evidence, the RPL process may be delayed, as we must verify that all documentation provided to us belongs to you.

CREDIT TRANSFER

Already completed some units? Credit Transfer (CT) recognises equivalent units you’ve already completed in other nationally recognised qualifications, so you don’t have to repeat them.

When to Apply

When you enrol online, you can let us know if you’d like to apply for Credit Transfer and upload copies of your previous qualifications. While it’s best to apply at enrolment, you can do this at any time during your course.

If you’ve previously studied with us, we’ll automatically apply any credit transfers.

What You'll Need

  • Official AQF documents (official transcripts or Statements of Attainment showing the unit(s) you completed).
  • Proof of name change if your documents are in a previous name.

How it Works

  • Provide your AQF documents
  • We review your evidence to confirm that your units match or are equivalent to the ones in your current course
  • We authenticate your AQF documentation, either with the issuing organisaton, or online via your USI Transcript. (You’ll need to give us permission in your USI account)
  • If granted, the CT is added to your training plan. If not, we’ll explain why and let you know how to appeal if you disagree with the decision.

TIP: Credit Transfer can only be granted for units with the same code and title, OR units with different codes/titles but listed as equivalent on training.gov.au.

What's Important to Know

  • Providing evidence for CT doesn’t automatically mean it will be granted.
  • If we cannot authenticate your qualification(s) with the training organisation who issued them, or via the USI Registry, CT cannot be granted.
  • If you’ve studied under a previous name, you’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your name change. This could include a marriage certificate, deed poll registration, or other official documentation from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The documents must clearly show both your previous and current names. Without this evidence, the CT process may be delayed, as we must verify that all documentation provided to us belongs to you.

MEDIA CONSENT AND USAGE

From time to time, we may take photos, videos or audio recordings during classes, workshops, events or training activities. These may be used for marketing, promotion, social media or our website.

When you enrol, you are asked to provide your media consent. This lets us know whether you are happy for us to use images or recordings that include you.

You are always in control of your consent.

If you change your mind at any time, simply let us know and we will update your preferences. There is no obligation to provide a reason, and your decision will be respected.

We will only use media in a respectful and appropriate way and will never use images or recordings in a way that is misleading, unsafe or inappropriate.

COMPLIANTS AND APPEALS

Compliants

If you’re unhappy about any part of your training or our service, we want to know so we can fix it and improve your experience.

Informal and minor concerns – let’s talk first!

If you have a concern or minor complaint, the quickest way to resolve it is to talk with your Trainer and Assessor or our Administration team (available during business hours).

Most issues can be sorted with a simple conversation. We’ll listen, work with you to understand what’s happening, and agree on a way forward.

Formal complaints and major concerns

If your concern isn’t resolved informally, or you would like to lodge a formal complaint, you can do so verbally or in writing by emailing [email protected]

All formal complaints are directed to our Strategic Partnerships Manager or CEO.

What happens next

  • Your complaint will be acknowledged in writing within (2) business days of receipt
  • We will contact you to discuss your complaint and possible resolutions
  • We will finalise your complaint as soon as practicable and within (30) calendar days, unless there is a significant reason it requires longer.
  • You will be notified of the outcome in writing.

If we believe more than (60) calendar days is required, we will let you know in writing, explain why, and provide regular updates until the matter is resolved.

Appeals

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, you can lodge an appeal by emailing [email protected] (or verbally if you prefer).

What happens next

  • Your appeal will be acknowledged in writing within (2) business days of receipt
  • We will finalise your appeal as soon as practicable and within (30) calendar days, unless there is a significant reason it requires longer.
  • You will be notified of the outcome in writing.

In some cases, a review by an independent third party may be required, at no or minimal cost to you. This ensures the process is fair, transparent and unbiased. We’ll let you know if this applies.

If you are still dissatisfied after the appeal, you can lodge a complaint with ASQA (the Australian Skills Quality Authority). ASQA uses the information you provide to inform its regulatory approach but does not act as a student advocate.

For more information on how ASQA handles student complaints, please visit https://www.asqa.gov.au/about-us/how-asqa-uses-feedback/concerns-about-training-providers

WORK PLACEMENT

Your course may include a mandatory work experience placement. To ensure a smooth and compliant placement process, please read and understand the following terms and conditions:

Placement Arrangements

  • We will arrange your unpaid work experience placement with an approved host organisation
  • You will be required to sign a Work Experience Agreement before placement begins. This outlines all responsibilities, expectations, and the conditions of your placement
  • A Student Logbook may be provided, which must be completed during placement. It will include workplace activities and observation tasks that must be signed off by a qualified supervisor, team leader, or one of our trainers and assessors.
  • Where possible, ESTR trainers will visit your placement site to conduct direct observations and provide support.

Placement Requirements

Before you commence placement, you must obtain all required checks and documentation, which may include:

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
NDIS Worker Screening Check.

We will advise you of the specific requirements based on your placement site.

Vaccination Requirements

While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a legal requirement for placement in aged care, disability, or home and community care, most host organisations have their own policies. Typically, organisations require:

A minimum of two (2) doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and
A current Influenza vaccine.

Please Note: You may be asked to provide proof of your vaccination status before being accepted by a host organisation. If you choose not to be vaccinated or are unable to provide evidence, this may prevent you from completing your placement. As placement is a core requirement of your qualification, this may result in inability to complete your course.

Conduct and Expectations

While on placement, you must:

  • Follow all infection control and safety measures, including wearing a mask, hand hygiene, and any additional requirements set by the host organisation
  • Attend all scheduled shifts and complete the required hours as outlined in your course
  • Be well-groomed and professionally presented, wearing: Full-length black pants, Black collared or polo shirt, Name badge, and Closed-in shoes with non-slip soles
  • If you are unable to attend a scheduled shift, you must notify both your host organisation and ESTR before the shift starts and make suitable arrangements to make up the missed hours.

Placement Conditions

  • The work experience placement is unpaid
  • Placements will not be scheduled on weekends, public holidays, or during night/sleepover shifts
  • ESTR does not guarantee employment following your placement
  • If any required check returns with disclosable outcomes, your enrolment will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You may be withdrawn from the course, and no refund will be provided.

Termination of Placement

A work experience placement may be terminated at any time by ESTR or the host organisation if:

  • There is any unreasonable risk or danger to any party
  • There is inappropriate conduct
  • The placement becomes untenable for any reason

CHILD SAFETY

Our Commitment to Child Safety

We are committed to ensuring all children and young people feel safe, valued, empowered, and protected. This includes championing and supporting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of children and young people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, or living with disability, ensuring they can participate equally and without discrimination.

As part of our commitment, we uphold the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and promote a child-safe culture at all levels of our organisation. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, or racism and take any concerns or allegations seriously. Our approach focuses on prevention, early identification of risks, and active risk management in line with relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, including child protection laws and Working with Children Check requirements.

CHANGES TO AGREED SERVICES

We reserve the right to make changes to courses, timetables, trainers or policies when necessary. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone a program if minimum enrolment numbers are not met.

If changes do occur, we’ll notify you in advance wherever possible, and will provide support to minimise any disruption.

COMPLETION & CERTIFICATION

You’ll receive your qualification or Statement of Attainment within (30) days of successfully completing all course requirements and finalised any outstanding fees.

Before completion, please ensure your contact details, especially your postal address, are up to date so your certificate reaches you without delay.

Our Certificate Reprint Policy
We can provide a reprint of your certificate or statement of attainment where the original has been lost, damaged or was not received.

If your original certificate does not arrive
When you complete your course, we will ask you to check that your postal address is current and will also notify you when your certificate has been sent. If you have not received your certificate within two (2) months of your course completion, please contact us. We will provide one replacement copy at no cost where you let us know within this timeframe.

Requests received more than two (2) months after course completion will be treated as a certificate reprint request and the standard reprint fee will apply.
This only applies where your original certificate was never received. Reprint fees apply if your certificate was received and has since been lost, misplaced or damaged.

Certificate reprint fees
The following fees apply per certificate reprint:

  • Certificates originally issued prior to 2015 (before USI records): $110.00 (GST inclusive)
  • Certificates originally issued from 2015 onwards (USI records): $55.00 (GST inclusive)
Payment must be received in full and your identity verified before the certificate is reprinted and issued.
Once everything is received, please allow up to two (2) weeks for your reprint to be prepared and issued. Your certificate will then be posted to you, or you are welcome to arrange collection from our office.

Certified copies
If you don’t require a full reprint, you can request a certified copy of your original qualification instead. This can be emailed to you as a PDF or posted to you free of charge. Please allow up to two (2) weeks for your request to be processed.

LEAVING THE COURSE

We understand that sometimes circumstances change, and you may need to withdraw from your course.

Before you withdraw, we encourage you to speak with our team. There may be support options available to help you continue your studies.

If you decide to withdraw, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.

Depending on when you withdraw, fees and refunds will be managed in line with our Course Fee and Refund Policy.

If you’re studying under a government-funded program (such as Smart & Skilled), additional conditions may apply under that funding contract.

If you do withdraw, you’ll be issued with a Statement of Attainment for any units of competency you have successfully completed.