Polytechnic West (Australian Centre for Work Safety) > Courses


All study at the ACWS is based on adult learning principles and participants are assisted to gain as full an education in occupational safety and health as possible. Participants can match a method of study to suit their needs. Things to consider are: 1. The level of qualification required for the position you are seeking; 2. Amount of time you have available; 3. How quickly you wish to gain the qualification; 4. Your current qualifications and experience; 5. Are you suited to a particular type of study eg internal or external. Full-Time Suited to school leavers or people seeking a change in their work direction. Provided as part of the government VET system and runs at Balga and Carlisle Campuses. Part-Time Suited to workers who can attend week nights for up to twenty weeks. Provided as part of the government VET system and runs at Balga and Carlisle Campuses. Distant Education Suited to workers in remote locations or those unable to attend evening classes. Is provided as part of the government VET system and is coordinated through the Carlisle Campus. This course is available through the fee for service program to anyone outside Western Australia.

All study at the ACWS is based on adult learning principles and participants are assisted to gain as full an education in occupational safety and health as possible. Participants can match a method of study to suit their needs.

Things to consider are:

1. The level of qualification required for the position you are seeking;
2. Amount of time you have available;
3. How quickly you wish to gain the qualification;
4. Your current qualifications and experience;
5. Are you suited to a particular type of study eg internal or external.

Full-Time

Suited to school leavers or people seeking a change in their work direction.
Provided as part of the government VET system and runs at Balga and Carlisle Campuses.

Part-Time

Suited to workers who can attend week nights for up to twenty weeks.
Provided as part of the government VET system and runs at Balga and Carlisle Campuses.

Distant Education

Suited to workers in remote locations or those unable to attend evening classes.
Is provided as part of the government VET system and is coordinated through the Carlisle Campus.
This course is available through the fee for service program to anyone outside Western Australia.


Full time courses at Swan TAFE are run through the Technology Centre and operate at both Balga and Carlisle campus. Our facilities are available to all students 5 days a week for most of the year. Generally the College is open from 0800 Monday to Friday at Carlisle and Balga. Facilities include modern air-conditioned classrooms and training rooms, a resource centre with dedicated library staff, Internet availability, office support and a communication centre for our distant learning students. About Your Course All students are provided with course materials and textbooks to support the education process. These materials along with the Centre's Educational Program have been recognized internationally for their relevance to contemporary safety education. Students commencing at the Centre for the first time enter a Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the Certificate level IV, students are able to undertake the Diploma. On completion of the Diploma students are able to undertake an Advanced Diploma. This requires a further 6 months of full time study. Successful completion of the program will gain you credits in some University Courses. Your lecturers will be able to advise you on the possible articulation available. Delivery Style The program delivered through the ACWS is competency based. Put simply, the course is aimed at providing workplace skills focused on the prevention of work caused injury. The learning process encourages self-direction and self-discovery by participants. Course delivery is through lecture sessions, workshops, fieldwork and tutor support. Student supervision is provided at key learning points and all people attending or working at the Swan TAFE are subject to a General Code of Conduct. Key competencies sort by employers in the safety field in addition to technical and communication skills include maturity and leadership. The program delivery style promotes these competencies and as a consequence some students have found the added requirements of self-discipline difficult to cope with. Unfortunately, not everyone seeking to study in this field will find this vocation suitable to their needs, however, while the staff afford all students every opportunity to succeed they are available to assist students in areas where doubts or difficulties emerge in regard to career choice. Students entering directly from school or students returning after a significant absence from formal study are provided with additional support, however, it is the responsibility of each individual to request assistance. COURSE STRUCTURE FULL-TIME The year is divided into ten study blocks consisting of lectures, preparation time and assessments. Two subjects are covered in each block. Time is given for the student to develop and apply the essential research and presentation skills required in OH&S. Off campus activities may also take place during these study blocks. Commitment to the course is essential and attendance at all scheduled activities vital if students are to succeed in meeting the full competencies of the OH&S program. ASSESSMENTS An important part of the competency teaching method involves assessments. Assessments can take many forms including, assignments, presentations, work experience, tests and examinations. Assessments set by staff are always designed to allow the student optimum opportunity to demonstrate their competency. While the ultimate test of competency can only be demonstrated in the workplace and under real conditions staff will provide students with as much practical knowledge as possible in the college environment. Students are required to submit their assessment work within a time period set by their module coordinator. Students who do not submit assessments on time will be given a HOLD mark. In order for the student to gain a pass they will be required to complete any outstanding work by the date set. Should they fail to do this they will receive an 'R' grade and need to re-enroll in the subject in order to complete the course and pay associated fees.

Full time courses at Swan TAFE are run through the Technology Centre and operate at both Balga and Carlisle campus.
Our facilities are available to all students 5 days a week for most of the year. Generally the College is open from 0800 Monday to Friday at Carlisle and Balga.
Facilities include modern air-conditioned classrooms and training rooms, a resource centre with dedicated library staff, Internet availability, office support and a communication centre for our distant learning students.

About Your Course

All students are provided with course materials and textbooks to support the education process. These materials along with the Centre's Educational Program have been recognized internationally for their relevance to contemporary safety education.

Students commencing at the Centre for the first time enter a Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the Certificate level IV, students are able to undertake the Diploma.
On completion of the Diploma students are able to undertake an Advanced Diploma. This requires a further 6 months of full time study.

Successful completion of the program will gain you credits in some University Courses. Your lecturers will be able to advise you on the possible articulation available.

Delivery Style

The program delivered through the ACWS is competency based. Put simply, the course is aimed at providing workplace skills focused on the prevention of work caused injury.

The learning process encourages self-direction and self-discovery by participants. Course delivery is through lecture sessions, workshops, fieldwork and tutor support. Student supervision is provided at key learning points and all people attending or working at the Swan TAFE are subject to a General Code of Conduct.

Key competencies sort by employers in the safety field in addition to technical and communication skills include maturity and leadership. The program delivery style promotes these competencies and as a consequence some students have found the added requirements of self-discipline difficult to cope with.

Unfortunately, not everyone seeking to study in this field will find this vocation suitable to their needs, however, while the staff afford all students every opportunity to succeed they are available to assist students in areas where doubts or difficulties emerge in regard to career choice. Students entering directly from school or students returning after a significant absence from formal study are provided with additional support, however, it is the responsibility of each individual to request assistance.

COURSE STRUCTURE FULL-TIME

The year is divided into ten study blocks consisting of lectures, preparation time and assessments. Two subjects are covered in each block. Time is given for the student to develop and apply the essential research and presentation skills required in OH&S. Off campus activities may also take place during these study blocks.

Commitment to the course is essential and attendance at all scheduled activities vital if students are to succeed in meeting the full competencies of the OH&S program.

ASSESSMENTS

An important part of the competency teaching method involves assessments. Assessments can take many forms including, assignments, presentations, work experience, tests and examinations.

Assessments set by staff are always designed to allow the student optimum opportunity to demonstrate their competency. While the ultimate test of competency can only be demonstrated in the workplace and under real conditions staff will provide students with as much practical knowledge as possible in the college environment.

Students are required to submit their assessment work within a time period set by their module coordinator. Students who do not submit assessments on time will be given a HOLD mark. In order for the student to gain a pass they will be required to complete any outstanding work by the date set. Should they fail to do this they will receive an 'R' grade and need to re-enroll in the subject in order to complete the course and pay associated fees.


Part time courses at Swan TAFE are run through the Technology Centre and operate at both Balga and Carlisle campus. Resource facilities are available to all students six days a week for most of the year. Generally the learning recourse centre is open Monday to Friday and every second Saturday. Facilities include modern air-conditioned classrooms and training rooms, a resource centre with dedicated library staff, Internet availability, office support and a communication centre for our distance learning students. ABOUT YOUR COURSE All students are provided with course materials to support the education process. These materials along with the Centre's Educational Program have been recognized internationally for their relevance to contemporary safety education. Students commencing at the Centre for the first time enter a Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the certificate IV, students are able to undertake the Diploma followed by an Advanced Diploma. Successful completion of the program will gain you credits in some University Courses. Your lecturers will be able to advise you on the possible articulation available. DELIVERY STYLE The Program delivered through the ACWS is competency based. Put simply, the course is aimed at providing workplace skills focused on the prevention of work caused injury. The learning process encourages self-direction and self-discovery by participants. Course delivery is through lecture sessions, workshops, fieldwork and tutor support. Student supervision is provided at key learning points. Key competencies sort by employers in the safety field in addition to technical and communication skills include maturity and leadership. The Program delivery style promotes these competencies and as a consequence some students have found the added requirements of self-discipline difficult to cope with. COURSE STRUCTURE PART-TIME The year is divided into two semesters. It is recommended that students study two subjects per semester. Traditional lectures are presented in some starting subjects. All subjects are also offered as a self directed tutorial program. Enrollment for the full program is available in January and June each year. ASSESSMENTS An important part of the competency teaching method involves assessments. Assessments can take many forms including, assignments, presentations, work experience, tests, and examinations. Assessments set by staff are always designed to allow the student optimum opportunity to demonstrate their competency. While the ultimate test of competency can only be demonstrated in the workplace and under real conditions staff will provide students with as much practical knowledge as possible in the College environment. Students are required to submit a minimum of two forms of assessment. All assessment work must be submitted within a time period set by their module coordinator. Students who do not submit assessments on time will be given a HOLD mark. In order for the student to gain a pass they will be required to complete any outstanding work by the date set by the coordinator. Should they fail to do this they will receive an 'R' grade and need to re-enroll in the subject in order to complete the course.

Part time courses at Swan TAFE are run through the Technology Centre and operate at both Balga and Carlisle campus.
Resource facilities are available to all students six days a week for most of the year. Generally the learning recourse centre is open Monday to Friday and every second Saturday. Facilities include modern air-conditioned classrooms and training rooms, a resource centre with dedicated library staff, Internet availability, office support and a communication centre for our distance learning students.

ABOUT YOUR COURSE

All students are provided with course materials to support the education process. These materials along with the Centre's Educational Program have been recognized internationally for their relevance to contemporary safety education.
Students commencing at the Centre for the first time enter a Certificate Program. Upon successful completion of the certificate IV, students are able to undertake the Diploma followed by an Advanced Diploma.

Successful completion of the program will gain you credits in some University Courses. Your lecturers will be able to advise you on the possible articulation available.

DELIVERY STYLE

The Program delivered through the ACWS is competency based. Put simply, the course is aimed at providing workplace skills focused on the prevention of work caused injury.
The learning process encourages self-direction and self-discovery by participants. Course delivery is through lecture sessions, workshops, fieldwork and tutor support. Student supervision is provided at key learning points. Key competencies sort by employers in the safety field in addition to technical and communication skills include maturity and leadership. The Program delivery style promotes these competencies and as a consequence some students have found the added requirements of self-discipline difficult to cope with.

COURSE STRUCTURE PART-TIME

The year is divided into two semesters. It is recommended that students study two subjects per semester.

Traditional lectures are presented in some starting subjects. All subjects are also offered as a self directed tutorial program.

Enrollment for the full program is available in January and June each year.

ASSESSMENTS

An important part of the competency teaching method involves assessments. Assessments can take many forms including, assignments, presentations, work experience, tests, and examinations.
Assessments set by staff are always designed to allow the student optimum opportunity to demonstrate their competency. While the ultimate test of competency can only be demonstrated in the workplace and under real conditions staff will provide students with as much practical knowledge as possible in the College environment.
Students are required to submit a minimum of two forms of assessment. All assessment work must be submitted within a time period set by their module coordinator. Students who do not submit assessments on time will be given a HOLD mark. In order for the student to gain a pass they will be required to complete any outstanding work by the date set by the coordinator. Should they fail to do this they will receive an 'R' grade and need to re-enroll in the subject in order to complete the course.


A traditional Electronic Learning System (ELS) distant education study program is available for the Certificate IV and Diploma delivered through ACWS. ACWS provides the participants with texts, workbooks and tutor assistance. Assessment is by completing 2 forms of assessment which may include but not limited to; workbook, assignment, activities, exam or presentation. Length of course Self paced learning delivery. Participants are required to complete enrolled units within 6 months of the date of enrollment. Start Times Continuous enrollment in certificate, diploma and advanced diploma. Skills Recognition These courses are competency based and therefore it is possible to have your current skills and knowledge assessed. See RPL for details

A traditional Electronic Learning System (ELS) distant education study program is available for the Certificate IV and Diploma delivered through ACWS.
ACWS provides the participants with texts, workbooks and tutor assistance. Assessment is by completing 2 forms of assessment which may include but not limited to; workbook, assignment, activities, exam or presentation.

Length of course

Self paced learning delivery.
Participants are required to complete enrolled units within 6 months of the date of enrollment.

Start Times

Continuous enrollment in certificate, diploma and advanced diploma.

Skills Recognition

These courses are competency based and therefore it is possible to have your current skills and knowledge assessed. See RPL for details

A traditional Paper Based (PBM) distant education study program is available for all qualifications delivered through ACWS. ACWS provides the participants with texts, workbooks and tutor assistance. Assessment is by completing 2 forms of assessment which may include but not limited to; workbook, assignment, activities, exam or presentation. Length of course Self paced learning delivery. Participants are required to complete enrolled units within 6 months of the date of enrollment. Start Times Continuous enrollment in certificate, diploma and advanced diploma. Skills Recognition These courses are competency based and therefore it is possible to have your current skills and knowledge assessed. See RPL for details

A traditional Paper Based (PBM) distant education study program is available for all qualifications delivered through ACWS.
ACWS provides the participants with texts, workbooks and tutor assistance. Assessment is by completing 2 forms of assessment which may include but not limited to; workbook, assignment, activities, exam or presentation.