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AHC51222

Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation

Community Coordination and Facilitation Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation

Course Details

The community group coordination and facilitation sector is about fostering, promoting and supporting community development, particularly in rural communities that are engaged in natural resource management activities. While there are no specific prerequisites, certain entry requirements must be met, as outlined below.

  • Course Information
    • Our courses are self-paced and online, allowing you the flexibility to choose when you complete your study and at what pace you move through your units.
    • You will need to base your course work on the community group or Landcare group you are actively engaged in. Tasks will vary but may include activities such as coordinating the development of regional plans, reporting on a project, developing community networks, and more.
    • The standard duration of each unit is 8 weeks, however extensions of up to an additional 8 weeks per unit are available to help accommodate peak cycles in your role and your busy schedule.
    • We will help customise your training plan so your qualification is appropriate to your enterprise, experience and learning goals.
    • For each unit you enrol in, you will also participate in an online discussion group known as an AgForum. These are a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from other students across Australia.
    • We recommend you allow up to 20 hours per week for your studies. However this estimate may vary depending on your existing skills and knowledge, the pace at which you process information and the specific requirements of each unit.

    Download our Student Handbook for more detail on the course structure.

    Student Handbook

    COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

    Community or Landcare groups

    This course requires you to be actively engaged in a community group or Landcare group on which you can base your assessment tasks and demonstrate your understanding of unit content by applying it specifically to your group. Please be aware that the units of study have a focus on rural and agricultural communities and use farming contexts. If you are working with urban community or land management groups our course may not be suitable for you. 

    Prior Education and Literacy Requirements

    The Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation is suitable for applicants who are existing workers or volunteers in a community group and have existing knowledge and skills in agriculture and can meet a number of other requirements as listed below.

    • Completion of Year 12 or equivalent with agricultural experience gained from studies, work, or engagement with a family farm, OR
    • Have at least three (3) years of community group coordination experience and be aged 18 years of age or over.
    • Completion of a language, literacy and numeracy assessment during the enrolment process to demonstrate sufficient capacity to undertake the course.
    • Completion of a pre-enrolment review to assess suitability for the course.

    Please note: Applicants under 18 years of age will require parental consent to undertake this qualification.

    IT Requirements

    You will need to have access to a computer with at least Windows 10, Word, Excel, Adobe Reader and satellite broadband internet connection or similar. If you have a Mac computer, you will be asked to use MS Office for Mac, or to export documents to a MS Office compatible file.

    Basic computer skills such as the use of internet, email, and basic word processing skills are required.

    TRAINERS AND ASSESSORS

    Our trainers and assessors are highly qualified, experienced industry professionals, and experts in their field. Many of them manage their own farm businesses or offer various agricultural services to farmers as well as participate in community groups and in regular professional development. They are committed to best practice and helping you to maximise your learning experience.

    Click here for more about the RuralBiz Training trainers.

    RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) AND CREDIT TRANFER

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a process that acknowledges the experience and skills you have gained through previous work or study. This means you may receive recognition without needing additional training.

    If you have completed accredited training in the past, you might be eligible for direct credit transfer (CT). Contact us if you believe this applies to you.

  • Units

    The Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation requires the completion of 10 units of competency made up of:

    • Four (4) core units;
    • Six (6) elective units.

    Elective Units must be chosen as follows:

    • Two (2) units must be from Elective Group A
    • Two (2) units not already selected must be from groups A or B
    • The remaining two (2) units must be selected from the electives listed in Groups A or B, or any currently endorsed Training Package or Accredited Course.
      • Units available by training are listed below. Availability of particular units will depend on the timing of your enrolment and progression through the course. Students may choose any combination of units which meet their needs and conform to qualification packaging rules.

    All units in the Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation listed on training.gov.au are available by RPL.

    Core Units
    AHCBUS518Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports
    AHCCCF507Facilitate the development of group goals and projects
    AHCCCF509Support group and community change management processes
    AHCWHS503Manage workplace health and safety processes
    Group A Elective Units
    AHCCCF508Promote group formation and development
    AHCCCF602Coordinate the development of regional plans
    AHCWRK506Collect and manage data
    AHCWRK513Write and present reports
    Group B Elective Units
    AHCBUS511Manage enterprise staff requirements
    AHCBUS513Market products and services
    AHCBUS516Develop and review a business plan
    AHCBUS517Monitor and review business performance
    AHCCCF417Obtain and manage sponsorship
    AHCWRK520Develop workplace policy and procedures for environment and sustainability


  • Cost
    COURSE FEES & SUBSIDIES

    The cost of this course will vary based on the availability of state subsidies and your eligibility.
    For a summary of our current course fees and available subsidies, please CLICK HERE or contact our office for more details.

    PAYMENT OPTIONS

    Payment plan

    Want to make smaller, regular payments throughout your course?

    The payment plan option consists of establishing a direct debit for payments deducted weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly from your nominated bank account or credit card, across the duration of your enrolment. There is a $13.64 establishment fee and an administration charge (Amex, Debt Collection: 5.5% or Direct Debit: 4.5%) on all payment plans. The establishment fee is paid in your first instalment and the administration fee becomes part of your scheduled deduction. Payment plans are administered by DebitSuccess – www.debitsuccess.com.au

    Up front payment

    Individual students can pay up to $1,500 of their course fee up-front. An employer or organisation  can pay up to 100% of a student's course fee up-front if they are an employee or member of the organisation.

  • Delivery

    FLEXIBLE ONLINE LEARNING

    You will use our online learning platform, RuralBiz Online, to study at your own pace and at times that suit you. The platform offers a variety of resources, including interactive content, videos, quizzes, forums, and links to additional useful websites.

    • Any required textbooks will be mailed to you at the begining of each unit.
    • If your unit requires specific software, a license for this will be provided to you for the duration of that unit.
    • There are no exams or residence schools, instead you will upload your assessments and receive feedback directly from our expert trainers.
    ASSESSMENT

    Your assessment tasks are designed to help you apply your learning directly to your own farm and/or community group. Often, you will create valuable resources for ongoing use in your business, such as the development of a group project that can be easily updated.

    Past students have found that they continue to use and adapt these plans well after they have completed their qualification.

    You will also participate in an AgForum for each unit—an online discussion where you can engage with other students about current issues in agriculture. AgForums are a great opportunity to network with peers from across Australia and share information. They also serve as one of the ways we assess your speaking and listening skills.

    YOUR PROGRESS

    At enrolment, we work with you to design an individual training plan that meets your needs and adheres to the course requirements, allowing you to complete your course within the 2-year time frame, or sooner, if you want to progress more quickly.

    We understand that farmers have busy periods throughout the year depending on their location and type of farming. Additionally we recognise that personal issues may require some students to take breaks during their course. If you find that you are unable to keep to your training plan, you can discuss adjustments with your guardian angel and make any necessary changes.

    If you find you are unable to keep to your training plan, you can talk to your guardian angel and amend it as needed.

    Remember, we’re here to support you and make your study experience as manageable as possible!

  • Benefits
    • Flexible learning:  Self-paced online study that fits with your life and works around peak production times like harvest.
    • Equality: Everyone with an internet connection has equal access to training.
    • Training is delivered to you: Accessible wherever you have internet access.
    • Nationally recognised and accredited qualifications:  Credentials that are recognised across the country.
    • No travel time or travel costs: Save time and money with no need for travel.
    • Practical learning: Relevant to your farm enterprise.
    • Industry approved training: Training that meets industry standards and expectations.
    • Access to top trainers: Learn from trainers who are experienced farmers themselves.
    • Personal Guardian Angel: Dedicated support throughout your training.
    • Work as part of a group: ability to work in groups from a wide geographical area.
    • Continuity of training: Continue your studies even if you’re travelling, affected by floods or faced with any other unexpected circumstances.
    • Online assessments: Submit all assessments online.
  • Pathways
    FURTHER EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

    Upon completing this qualification, you may pursue additional training opportunities, including:

    • AHC60422 Advanced Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

    EMPLOYMENT:

    Employment pathways from this qualification include, but are not limited to:

    • Volunteer
    • Project manager
    • Community Group Leader
    • Group or project coordinator
    • Regional coordinator