My ds is thinking of going to Hillsong Leadership College after he finishes his Bachelors in Liberal Arts. He won't need a degree per se but wants to go there more for the practicum and getting leadership skills. According to their site accreditation is as follows: "The College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The Certificate IV in Ministry, Diploma of Ministry and Advanced Diploma of Ministry are recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and are accredited by the Australian Government through the NSW Vocational Education and Training and Accreditation Board (VETAB). HILC is a foundation member of Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA) and the Association of Pentecostal Charismatic Bible Colleges of Australasia (PCBC). It is also a recognised training centre with the Assemblies of God in Australia." I have no idea of how that compares to schools in the states. I would think since it's an AoG college/training center he would be able to work in an equivalent organization int he states. Like I said he's not looking for a degree but the experience. The min. age is 18. Because he has college experience the may waive it and let him attend at 17 1/2, but we wouldn't want him going before then and maybe not even then. Opinions anyone on the accreditation status?
What I can tell you is, if the information from the college's website in your comment is correct, then the college certainly meets particular standards in this country and is completely legimate. The best option for you would be to check with VETAB at http://www.vetab.nsw.gov.au/. That is a government organisation and you can be confident in any dealings you have with them.
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in the famework that the governmenthas designed for all educational qualifications in Australia. Registered Training Organiations (RTO) are organisations accredited by the government to deliver training and to award qualifications listed in the AQF. RTO's are audited by the government for performance. The qualifications that you have mentioned are competency based awards from the AQF. These awards are developed by the industry skills group (specific to the industry area) who have been appointed by the government to determine the skills and competencies necessary for an award in the AQF. Most of these awards can be also earned by recognized prior learning. If you are involved in church, for example, and can demonstrate that you have skills involved in a subject, you will be credited wth that subject. Some people get Diplomas that way. You might find these sites helpful: http://www.ntis.gov.au/Default.aspx?/rto/1340 http://www.aqf.edu.au/ Have a great Christmas period.
Thanks for the information and website links. I really appreciate it. I wish Australia was closer. It would be easier to let him go, assuming he still wants to go, when the time comes.
This is the dread of most parents. I would not worry too much. Young men tend to change their minds as frequently as the weather changes. It might simply be a far away adventure at the moment. The simple truth is that Australia is a developed country with all the modern conveniences, unless you live in the bush. He would be quite safe and would most likely have an enjoyable time. There seems to be an increasing number of US immigrants who have decided to make Australia home so he won't have to look far for his fellow country men and women. My son has been telling me that he is going to travel along the Silk Road in China, but so far he has not gone further than the Chinese restaurant down the road. I am sure my son will travel, but I am sure that he will be conservative. Perhaps your son will be the same.
