Who is TURSA?

TURSA is a non-profit, independent, regional organisation that delivers a number of employment and training programmes and services for State and Commonwealth Governments across the region.  Those services include Job Placement, Staff Recruitment, Job Search Training, Intensive Support, Traineeship Training and Commercial Training.

Where is TURSA?

TURSA operates from nineteen shop-front offices in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Woolgoolga, Grafton, Maclean, Yamba, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Kingscliff, Tweed Heads, Southport, Nerang, Brunswick Heads and Coolangatta. Our central training locations are Tweed Heads, Lismore, Grafton and Coffs Harbour.

What Kind of Training Does TURSA offer?

TURSA is a NSW VETAB Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers accredited courses and units within the Australian Qualifications Framework. Successful completion of accredited courses entitles a trainee to a Statement of Attainment or Certificate of Achievement that can potentially be counted towards future study in the same field. TURSA also offers non-accredited training. Participants who successfully complete non-accredited training are usually entitled to a TURSA Statement of Participation.

TURSA offers a variety of courses across a broad range of industry and vocational areas, most of which are detailed further in this information guide. If you are in need of training courses other than those listed, please do not hesitate to contact our Manager - Training Operations on FREECALL 1800 266 425.

Attendance

Participants are expected to attend all training courses in which they are enrolled and to arrive at courses on time.  Please phone (numbers are on the back of this information guide) and advise us before a course starts if you are unable to attend any session. If you have a medical condition, please secure a medical certificate from your doctor (this will help you if seeking a refund). If you are attending a job interview we may confirm with the employer to ensure you are complying with your Centrelink obligations (if applicable).

Training Hours & Breaks

Training days and durations will vary depending on your chosen course. Detailed information can be found under specific course headings in this guide. Generally, courses are held between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday. You will be clearly advised at the time of enrolment of the course duration, as well as start and finish times. Breaks will vary depending on your chosen course. Generally, there will be short morning and afternoon tea breaks - with tea and coffee provided - as well as a longer break for lunch. Course participants have access to a refrigerator and microwave oven at lunch times.

Expected Standards of Dress and Behaviour

In order to provide a safe and comfortable training environment for all participants certain standards of behaviour and dress apply. They include wearing neat casual dress, covered footwear and following safety instructions at all times. If your trainer believes that you are not complying with the established rules or are disturbing other members of the group, they will first discuss this with you. If the behaviour continues, you may be asked to sign a disciplinary contract and/or be asked to leave. 

Equity and Disability/Special Needs

TURSA is committed to the principles of access and equity in the provision of our training services. We encourage people of all backgrounds to enrol in our training courses. TURSA has wheelchair access to all training rooms and amenities. When special needs are identified in consultation with a potential trainee, every effort will be made to meet these needs in a responsive and appropriate manner. Please feel free to discuss your needs upon enrolment and with your trainer.

Assessment Methods & Appeals

Assessment is an essential part of accredited training that allows the trainee to gain national recognition of their skills and abilities. Assessments can take place throughout the training and may include practical demonstrations of the skills acquired, small written tasks, questioning, role-plays or other flexible learning contracts negotiated with your trainer. You will be advised of the type of assessment tasks at the commencement of each unit. If you have any concerns about the type of assessment, please raise them with your trainer. If you are unhappy with the outcome of any assessment or the way the assessment was completed, you can appeal the assessment result or ask us to review our assessment practices. If you feel uncomfortable with the assessor and you can request another assessor be used. To discuss any concerns contact the Manager - Training Operations on 1800 266 425.

Accredited Training

The Nationally Recognised Training logo beside a course or unit indicates that it is accredited and leads to a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment.

Previous Experience and/or Training

TURSA can conduct Recognition of Prior Learning (Recognition of Prior Learning) or Credit Transfer (CT) if you have previous experience or training that you wish to have taken into account for parts of accredited units in which you are enrolled. This should be discussed with the trainer or Manager - Training Operations on 1800 266 425 prior to starting the course.

Privacy Policy

TURSA is bound by a strict Privacy Policy that states that personal information collected will not be used for any purposes other than those stated. The full policy is available upon request or by contacting our Privacy Officer on FREECALL 1800 266 425.

Additional Support Resources

TURSA has an extensive library of training support materials including videos, resource manuals, computers, research magazines and publications that may support your training. You may request specific training resources, which, if deemed appropriate, will be purchased by TURSA’s Training Unit. If you would like to access any of these resources please ask your trainer.

If you require any specialist counselling or referral to other community support agencies, TURSA staff will be happy to provide any required information. You may be having difficulties with substance abuse, family violence, relationship or financial problems and accommodation or legal issues. Please discuss any of these circumstances in private with your trainer. These services are provided free of charge and will remain confidential.

Occupational Health & Safety

It is important for all trainees to have access to a safe training environment and be aware of their role in taking personal responsibility for their day-to-day actions in the training environment. Specific OH&S information (like fire escapes) will be given at the beginning of all training sessions.

Feedback & Complaints

TURSA regularly reviews its training services and seeks feedback via evaluation surveys at the end of training courses.  The data and comments collected from you will be treated in the strictest confidence.  At any time we welcome your comments on any aspect of the training services provided by this organisation.  Please contact the Manager - Training Operations direct on 1800 266 425.

Payment and Refunds

Payment for all courses must be received at least 5 working days in advance. Payment can be made via cheque, money order or Credit Card (VISA or Master Card). All cheques and money orders must be made out to Tursa Employment and Training and sent to:

Tursa Employment & Training

Accounts Department

PO Box 70

LISMORE  NSW  2480

Refunds will be given upon request for any course in which notification is given in writing at least 5 working days before the training commencement date. A 20% administration charge will be deducted from the requested refund (trainees will be encouraged to rebook or reschedule in other TURSA training first, if trainees rebook or reschedule there will be no 20% administration charge). No refunds will be given to trainees who do not notify of non-attendance, or who notify after the course has commenced. (Please note that in special hardship circumstances, refunds may be made at the discretion of the Manager - Training Operations.)