Student Handbook

Welcome to Pluto Training

Thank you for choosing Pluto Training. Enrolling in nationally recognised training is a real step forward, and we want to make sure you get everything out of it that you came for.

This handbook explains how we work: what you can expect from us, what we need from you, how assessment works, what things cost, and what to do if something goes wrong. Please read it before your course starts and keep it somewhere you can find it.

Our approach is simple. We believe you learn to operate by operating, so we build our training around time on the machine under realistic conditions. We assess you on whether you can do the work safely and correctly, not on how well you fill in a form. And if something is getting in the way of your training, we would much rather you told us early than struggled quietly.

If anything here is unclear, call us on (02) 9138 3500. We would rather answer a question now than have you find out later.

Dianne Hill
Chief Executive Officer, Pluto Training Pty Ltd

Registered Training Organisation details

Legal name	Pluto Training Pty Ltd
RTO code	46209
ABN	88 659 653 291
Regulator	Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Phone	(02) 9138 3500
Email	info@plutotraining.edu.au
Business hours	Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Service area	Sydney and New South Wales
National register	training.gov.au

You can verify our registration, scope and status at any time on the national register. We encourage you to do so.

About Pluto Training

Pluto Training Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation delivering nationally recognised training and assessment for the civil and building construction industries across New South Wales.

As an RTO we are responsible for the quality of the training and assessment you receive, and for issuing your AQF certification documentation. We are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority under the VET Quality Framework, and we comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2025.

What we commit to

• Practical, industry-relevant training built around real plant and real site conditions.
• Assessment that is fair, flexible, valid and reliable.
• Accurate and complete information before you enrol, so you can make an informed decision.
• A safe, respectful and supportive learning environment.
• Trainers and assessors who hold the vocational competence for what they deliver and maintain current industry skills.
• Continuous improvement driven by student and industry feedback.

What we do not promise

We cannot guarantee that you will complete a training product, or that you will obtain a particular job or employment outcome. Those things depend on you and on factors outside our control. What we guarantee is that we will deliver the training and assessment you have paid for, and support you properly while you do it.

Before you enrol

Before you enrol we will give you the following information, so you can decide whether the course is right for you:

• The code, title and currency of the training product, as published on the national register.
• Entry requirements and any prerequisites.
• Course duration, delivery mode and location.
• Training and assessment requirements, including assessment methods.
• All fees and charges, payment terms and our refund arrangements.
• What you need to provide, and what we provide.
• Support services, facilities and resources available to you.
• Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer options.
• Your rights and obligations, including our complaints and appeals process.
• The pre-training review process.

If the training you want is not within our scope of registration, we will tell you and refer you to training.gov.au to find a provider who delivers it. We will not enrol you in something that is not right for you.

Pre-training review and LLND assessment

Every student completes a pre-training review before enrolment is confirmed. It is free, and it is not something you can fail.

The review helps us confirm three things:

1. That the course suits your experience, your current competencies and what you are trying to achieve.
2. Whether your existing skills or qualifications earn you credit through RPL or Credit Transfer.
3. Whether you need additional support to complete the course successfully.

Language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills

As part of the review you will complete an assessment of your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills. There is no charge for this at any stage.

The assessment identifies whether you have the foundation skills to participate successfully in your chosen course, picks up support needs before training starts rather than after you have struggled, and assesses digital skills where training or assessment involves computers or online resources.

Your results are confidential. They are only discussed with you where additional support may help.

Support we can put in place

• Additional trainer or assessor support.
• Modified or additional learning resources.
• Extra practice activities.
• Extended assessment timeframes where appropriate.
• Reasonable adjustment to assessment methods.
• An individual learning plan, monitored by the Student Support Officer.
• Referral to external specialist support services.

Reasonable adjustment

A reasonable adjustment is a change to how you are trained or assessed that removes a barrier without lowering the standard you have to meet. Being able to operate a machine and being able to fill in a form are two different skills. If reading, writing or maths is a barrier for you, tell us and we will adjust how we assess you.

Adjustments are made provided the integrity of the training product, the assessment requirements, the workplace outcome and any licensing requirements are maintained.

Getting started

Once your enrolment is processed you will receive a study plan setting out:

• The units of competency you will complete.
• The timeframe for completing them.
• The training to be undertaken and the delivery modes used.
• Your trainer and assessor details.
• Assessment details and arrangements.
• Any RPL or Credit Transfer granted before you commence.
• The qualification or Statement of Attainment to be issued.

Dates can change over time. Your trainer will keep you and your training plan updated.

Your trainers and assessors

All Pluto trainers and assessors hold the required training and assessment competencies, hold vocational competence at least to the level being delivered or assessed, can demonstrate current industry skills directly relevant to what they are delivering, and continue to develop their VET knowledge and industry currency.

Your trainer and assessor can help you with any aspect of course content, resources or assessment activities.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Everyone undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia must have a Unique Student Identifier. It links all your nationally recognised training to one secure online record, no matter which provider you train with.

You can create a USI free of charge at usi.gov.au, or tick the box on your enrolment form and we will create one on your behalf.

We cannot legally issue you a qualification or Statement of Attainment without a valid USI. Your USI will not appear on your certification documentation.

Fees and charges

All course fees are published on our website and confirmed to you in writing before you enrol. There are no hidden charges.

What we tell you before you enrol

• The total amount payable, including tuition, administration and any materials fees.
• Payment terms, including timing and any non-refundable deposit or administration fee.
• What happens if you are assessed as not yet competent.
• Charges for additional services, such as replacement certification.
• Our refund policy.

Additional charges

Charge	Amount
Reassessment beyond the attempts included in your course fee	$150 per unit
Recognition of Prior Learning	From $150 per unit
Replacement certificate or Statement of Attainment	$50

RPL is charged from a minimum of $150 per unit. Where validating your prior learning requires significant additional work, any further charge will be agreed with you in writing before it is incurred.

The replacement certification fee may be waived at the discretion of the CEO.

How to pay

Payment can be made by EFT, credit card, cheque or cash. Employers can be invoiced directly.

Enrolments are not processed until fees are paid, or a payment plan has been agreed in writing, or you have written confirmation that you are exempt from payment.

Payment plans

Payment plans are available. Complete the payment plan form and submit it to our Student Support Officer. The CEO makes the final decision and you will be notified of the outcome.

We will never require more than $1,500 from you before your course starts. At no point during your training will you have paid more than $1,500 for training you have not yet received.

Payment plans must be arranged within two weeks of being notified of acceptance into your course. The amount and frequency of payments will reflect the value of training delivered in each period.

Financial hardship

If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us to discuss your options. We will make every effort to propose a payment plan that reflects your circumstances. These discussions remain confidential.

Refunds and cooling off

Cooling off period

Under Australian Consumer Law you have five business days from the date of enrolment to withdraw. If you withdraw during this period you must return all Pluto learning and assessment materials to us. Enrolment and administration fees are not refundable.

Refund entitlements

Situation	Refund
We do not deliver the course you have paid for; the course does not start on the agreed commencement date; or the course ceases to be provided before it is completed	Full refund
You withdraw more than five weeks before the course commences	Full refund
You withdraw within five days of the course commencing	Refund less the administration fee
You withdraw more than five days after the course has commenced	No refund

Notes

• The refunds above apply to tuition fees.
• For materials fees, only the portion we have not already spent is refundable.
• Refunds in special circumstances, such as illness or family circumstances, may be agreed on an individual basis.
• All dates are calculated from the date we receive your form, not the date you completed it.

How to apply

Complete a refund application form, available from us on request, and submit it in writing. You will receive a written decision within 20 working days of us receiving your application. Refunds are paid directly to the student.

Our guarantee to you

We guarantee to deliver the training, assessment and support services for each course you are enrolled in and have paid for. If unforeseen circumstances prevent us from doing so, we will take all necessary steps to ensure your training is completed. If we cease delivery, you will receive a refund for the services not delivered, or we will arrange for you to transfer to another registered training organisation.

Training and assessment

Our training and assessment is delivered using adult learning principles and meets the requirements of the relevant training package.

Assessment methods

Methods vary by unit and may include:

• Practical demonstration and observation.
• Written or oral questioning.
• Workbooks and written tasks.
• Workplace assessment.
• Third-party reports and observations from a supervisor.
• Projects and case studies.

Assessment is competency-based. You are not marked against other students or given a percentage. You either demonstrate you can do the work safely and correctly, or you are given further support and another attempt.

Principles of assessment

• Fair — your individual needs are considered, reasonable adjustments are applied where needed, and you can challenge a result.
• Flexible — assessment reflects your needs and recognises competency however and wherever it was acquired.
• Valid — assessment covers the broad range of skills and knowledge essential to competent performance, integrated with practical application.
• Reliable — evidence is interpreted consistently and assessors share a common understanding of the requirements.

Rules of evidence

All evidence must be valid, sufficient, authentic and current.

Reassessment

If you are assessed as Not Yet Competent you will be given a further opportunity to demonstrate competency. Additional training may be required first.

You are entitled to two attempts at each unit as part of your course fee. If you are still not competent after two attempts, we will recommend that you repeat the unit. Further attempts are charged at $150 per unit.

Assessment submission

Your trainer will confirm a submission timeframe unless one is stated in your assessment tool. Complete all details on the assessment cover sheet, including your name, student ID, course code and title, and sign and date it. Always keep a copy of your completed assessments.

Assessment extensions

If you need more time, complete an Application for Assessment Extension form and submit it with supporting documentation at least 48 hours before the due date.

The following are not generally accepted as grounds for an extension: routine demands of employment or work travel, planned changes of address, recreational travel, or planned events such as a wedding. Sporting or cultural commitments are only considered where you are representing at state, national or international level.

If personal circumstances are affecting your ability to study, speak to your trainer or assessor.

Exit point

We deliver unit by unit, so you can exit at any point with full credit for every unit you have completed. You can request a Statement of Attainment for completed units at any time before you finish the full program.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

Every student is offered the opportunity to apply for RPL and Credit Transfer. Apply before your course commences so you do not sit through training you did not need.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you already have the skills but not the paperwork, RPL lets us assess what you can actually do rather than putting you through training you do not need. RPL can recognise competency gained through:

• Formal learning — structured training leading to an AQF qualification or Statement of Attainment.
• Non-formal learning — structured training that did not lead to AQF certification, such as in-house programs run by an employer.
• Informal learning — skills gained through work, life, hobby or volunteer experience.

We will explain what evidence is required and how it will be assessed. RPL fees are set out above.

Credit Transfer

We recognise AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation. Credit Transfer applications must be supported by certified copies of your certification documentation. There is no charge and no reassessment for Credit Transfer.

Your certification

If you complete all requirements of a qualification you will receive a nationally recognised certificate. If you complete one or more units but not the full qualification, you will receive a Statement of Attainment listing the units you have attained.

We issue all AQF certification within 30 calendar days of you being assessed as competent, provided you have supplied a valid USI and all agreed fees have been paid.

Record retention

Record	Retained for
Records of all certification issued	30 years
Your completed assessments	At least 2 years after you complete the training product
Other student, training and business records	At least 7 years

You can request a copy of your certification at any time, including after you have finished training with us. A replacement fee may apply.

If a training product changes

Training products are updated periodically. If a qualification or unit you are enrolled in is superseded, we will transfer you to the replacement product in a timely way and make sure you are not disadvantaged. We will explain what the change means for you.

Student support

Support is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. All queries are answered within 24 to 48 hours.

You can get help by talking to your trainer during or after your session, emailing your trainer or assessor directly, or contacting the office on (02) 9138 3500 or info@plutotraining.edu.au.

If something is getting in the way

If personal difficulties are affecting your training, speak to us. Support may include a deferment, help with a special consideration application, an adjusted plan, or referral to an external service.

If you have a disability, injury or medical condition, tell us at enrolment so we can arrange support and reasonable adjustments. This will not affect whether you are accepted.

Students at risk

If you are at risk of not completing within your expected timeframe, we identify this as early as possible and put an intervention strategy in place. Being identified as at risk is not a penalty. It means we step in with support.

Resources provided to you

• Student assessment pack.
• Learner handbook and unit activity materials.
• Presentation and self-study materials.
• Case studies based on real workplace scenarios.
• Templates and additional resources needed to complete assessment tasks.
• Administrative support as required.

External support services

These services may be able to help. Some may charge a fee.

Service	Contact
Reading and Writing Hotline	1300 655 506
Lifeline	13 11 14
Australian Human Rights Commission	humanrights.gov.au
Legal Aid NSW	legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Fair Work Ombudsman	fairwork.gov.au
Services Australia (Centrelink)	servicesaustralia.gov.au
ReachOut	reachout.com

Your rights and responsibilities

You have the right to

• Be treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
• Learn in a safe and supportive environment.
• Receive accurate and complete information before you enrol.
• Access support services and reasonable adjustments.
• Have your personal information protected.
• Make a complaint or appeal a decision without fear of disadvantage.
• Receive fair assessment and have an assessment decision reviewed.
• Access your training records.
• Be accompanied by a support person at any meeting.
• Receive your certification once you have met all requirements.

You are responsible for

• Providing accurate and complete enrolment information.
• Treating staff and other students respectfully.
• Following all work health and safety requirements and instructions.
• Completing assessments honestly and submitting your own work.
• Attending scheduled training sessions.
• Meeting agreed submission deadlines.
• Telling us promptly if problems arise or if you need support.
• Respecting our plant, equipment, resources and facilities.
• Keeping your contact details up to date.
• Paying fees according to the arrangement you have agreed with us.
• Cooperating with reasonable requests for further evidence or confirmation of authenticity.

Student code of conduct

The code of conduct exists so that everyone can train in an atmosphere of respect and professionalism. Pluto celebrates diversity and promotes a supportive adult learning environment.

Unacceptable behaviour

• Bullying, harassment or sexual harassment.
• Discrimination on any ground.
• Threatening, intimidating or violent behaviour.
• Theft or damage to property.
• Attending training under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Possession of weapons.
• Deliberate isolation of others, or abuse through electronic means.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in suspension or cancellation of your enrolment. This is rare and is never the first step.

Academic integrity

All work you submit must be your own. Academic misconduct includes plagiarism, collusion, having someone else complete your work, falsifying evidence and assessment fraud.

Where the authenticity of submitted evidence is in question, we may investigate further, including by interview. Breaches may result in reassessment requirements, a formal warning, or withdrawal from the course.

Use of artificial intelligence

You may only use AI tools where your trainer or the assessment instructions authorise it. You remain responsible for ensuring everything you submit is your own work, is accurate, and meets the assessment requirements. Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI may be treated as academic misconduct.

Work health and safety

You are working with heavy plant and equipment. Safety is not negotiable.

We comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), and we ensure training premises and equipment are appropriate, safe and maintained in good order.

You must

• Follow all safety instructions given by your trainer or assessor.
• Wear the personal protective equipment required for the activity.
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses immediately.
• Participate safely in all practical activities.
• Not operate plant while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Anyone who presents a safety risk to themselves or others may be excluded from training activities.

Access, equity and anti-discrimination

Pluto is committed to a fair and equitable learning and working environment. We promote fair and equal access for all learners regardless of gender, sexuality, race, nationality, ethnic background, age, marital status, religion, pregnancy, political conviction, disability or impairment.

We seek to provide a training environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unlawful and will not be tolerated.

Racism denies a person’s fundamental right to respect and reduces their opportunity to access education and employment. Pluto rejects racist behaviour unconditionally and is committed to delivering training that is equitable, accessible and culturally inclusive.

Privacy and your information

We collect personal information to enrol you, deliver and assess your training, meet our reporting obligations and issue your certification.

We handle your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles, the Student Identifiers Act 2014 and the National VET Data Policy.

Who we may share it with

Your information may be disclosed where required to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), ASQA, the Student Identifiers Registrar, state training authorities and relevant government departments.

We do not sell your information or provide it to third parties for marketing purposes.

Storage and security

Hard copy records are kept under lock. Electronic records are password protected where practical. Records no longer required are disposed of securely, unless they must be retained for accountability, liability or other legal reasons.

Accessing your information

You can request access to the personal information we hold about you by writing to info@plutotraining.edu.au. Access is generally granted within 30 days of receiving your written request. You can update your information at any time by contacting us.

Complaints and appeals

We would rather hear about a problem than not. Making a complaint or lodging an appeal costs you nothing and will not be held against you.

Our principles

• The process is available at no cost to you, unless a matter is referred to a third party.
• It follows the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.
• All parties have the opportunity to present their case and have it properly considered.
• You may be accompanied by a support person at any meeting.
• Matters are handled confidentially, and by someone who is not the subject of the complaint.
• There is no victimisation of anyone who makes a complaint or appeal.
• Every complaint and appeal is recorded and used to improve how we operate.

You remain enrolled and continue your training and assessment while a complaint or appeal is being resolved.

What you can complain about

• The quality of training or assessment.
• Trainers, assessors or other staff.
• The conduct of another student.
• The application or enrolment process.
• Marketing or information provided to you.
• Fees, refunds or administration.
• Issue of results or certification.
• Learning resources, facilities or equipment.
• Personal safety, discrimination or harassment.

What you can appeal

• Assessment decisions.
• RPL or Credit Transfer outcomes.
• Course admission decisions.
• Refund decisions.
• The outcome of a complaint.
• Suspension or cancellation decisions.

Informal resolution

Most issues are resolved with a conversation. Raise it with your trainer or call the office. If you are uncomfortable doing that, or it does not resolve the matter, use the formal process below.

Formal process

1. Complete the Complaints and Appeals Form and submit it in writing, setting out your case with as much detail as possible.
2. We acknowledge your complaint in writing and record it in our Complaints and Appeals Register.
3. The matter is referred to an appropriate staff member and a decision is made within 10 working days wherever possible.
4. If more than 60 calendar days are required, we will write to you explaining why and provide weekly written updates.
5. You are notified of the outcome in writing, with reasons.
6. If the outcome is not in your favour, you are advised of your right to appeal.

Appealing a decision

To appeal, notify us in writing within 10 days of the date of the decision notice, setting out the grounds of your appeal. The appeals process begins within 10 working days of your appeal being lodged.

Appeals are considered by our Complaints and Appeals Committee, made up of three people appointed by the CEO who were not involved in the original decision.

For an assessment appeal, speak to your trainer first. They may decide to reassess you and will document the reasons. If you are still not satisfied, lodge a formal appeal. The matter may be reassessed by a different assessor.

Where a decision is made in your favour, we implement it immediately and advise you of the outcome and the actions taken.

External review

If you are not satisfied after our internal process, you can request an independent external review through the Resolution Institute. The cost of mediation, including the mediator’s fee and any room hire, is shared equally between us and you. We implement any recommendation arising from an external review within 10 working days of receiving it.

You can also contact:

Body	Contact
National Training Complaints Hotline	13 38 73 — dewr.gov.au/national-training-complaints-hotline
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)	Level 10, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney — asqa.gov.au/complaints
Legal Aid NSW	1300 888 529

ASQA cannot act as your advocate, but lodging a complaint informs their risk assessment of our organisation and may result in a complaint audit.

Legislative and regulatory requirements

Pluto complies with all Commonwealth and New South Wales legislation relevant to its operations and scope of registration. Key legislation includes:

Commonwealth

• National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011
• Student Identifiers Act 2014
• Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles
• Competition and Consumer Act 2010, including the Australian Consumer Law
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• Age Discrimination Act 2004
• Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
• Fair Work Act 2009
• Copyright Act 1968

New South Wales

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)
• Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)
• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW)
• State Records Act 1998 (NSW)

Regulatory framework

• Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) — our registering body and the national VET regulator
• VET Quality Framework
• Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2025
• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

If we cease operating

If Pluto is unable to continue operating, the CEO will advise ASQA and provide advice on the impact for enrolled students. Notification is made within 90 calendar days of the change occurring.

We would transfer your enrolment to another RTO with the least possible disruption, issue you with an appropriate refund for services not provided, and issue certification for units you have already completed. Records of certification issued would be transferred to ASQA in the required format.

Feedback and continuous improvement

Your feedback shapes how we train. Tell us what worked and what did not.

You can provide feedback through course surveys and evaluations, an informal conversation with your trainer, or by emailing info@plutotraining.edu.au.

All feedback, including complaints and appeals, is reviewed at management meetings as part of our continuous improvement process. We look for repeat issues, common themes and any adverse trend that needs correcting.

This handbook is reviewed annually. Current version: V2.0 — July 2026. Next review: July 2027. The current version is always available on our website.

Approved by: Chief Executive Officer, Pluto Training Pty Ltd