Frequently Asked Questions

We will work to make your experience at Vocational Training Institute positive. We understand the challenges international students face as you adjust to a new culture and environment, make new friends, and successfully complete your studies. Be assured you are not alone. We are here to help.

We offer you:

• Airport reception service on your arrival in Melbourne (this must be pre-booked).
• An Orientation program to assist with your transition to living in Melbourne and studying at Vocational Training Institute.
• Assistance and support on cultural issues, transition to life in Melbourne, study concerns and general questions.
• Support and encouragement.
• A range of social activities and programs.
• An after-hours contact number.

Vocational Training Institute provides a range of academic support programs to all students,

• Improving LLN Skills
• Report writing skills
• English Grammar
• Effective Note taking skills
• Reference Sources
• effective ways to study and manage your time.

If you are having a hard time financially we have professional staff who can provide you with financial advice and assistance with study and living costs.

• General budget help
• Accommodation & your finances
• Transport & parking costs
• Tax return advice

We also offer career and employment services for students.

We also regularly runs workshops on career development skills such as:

• Help search for part-time and casual jobs
• job applications
• interview skills
• planning co-curricular activities
• developing career resilience.

Support and resources available for students with a disability.

ACADEMIC AND IN-CLASS SUPPORT

Course adjustment

To make sure you are able to fulfil your course requirements, we can provide adjustments such as:

• inclusive teaching methods and practice
• provision of copies of overheads/notes
• allowing classes to be audio taped (where appropriate)
• negotiating alternative assessment arrangements

Alternative arrangements

We can arrange special or alternative support to enhance your learning or performance in your assessments through:

• special seating arrangements
• extra time for assessment tasks
• extensions for assignments
• adjusted or alternative assessments tasks where necessary

Find out how you can resolve your issue or make a complaint.

Vocational Training Institute has a Student Complaint Resolution Policy o guide you through the steps you can take to resolve problems. Our process encourages students to be independent and effective problem solvers.

BEFORE LODGING A COMPLAINT

You should try to resolve the problem yourself before lodging an official complaint. We have a three-step process to help you.

Step 1 – identify the problem and a solution

Clarify your problem and, if you can, think of some possible solutions. You can then approach the most appropriate staff to talk about your concerns.

WHO TO TALK TO:

• academic – if your problem is related to your, you can contact your course coordinator,
• non-academic – for problems not directly related to your study you can the student support service officers.

Step 2 – seek assistance

You have free and confidential access to our support services to assist you with your problem:

Step 3 – initiate action

Speak to the relevant staff member and try to work out reasonable and realistic solutions.

LODGING A COMPLAINT:

If you are unable to resolve your issue after using the three-step process you can:

• Lodge a written complaint.

APPEALS:

if you are dissatisfied with the decision about your complaint by a Vocational training Institute Officer, you may lodge an appeal by following the Student Appeals Procedure

EXTERNAL COMPLAINT OPTIONS:

The Victorian Ombudsman independently investigates complaints about RTO’s. They are impartial and do not act on behalf of students or RTO.

The Ombudsman will encourage you to use the internal complaint resolution procedures first.

Contact the Victorian Ombudsman

Phone: +61 3 9613 6222 or 1800 806 314

Fax: +61 3 9614 0246

Email: ombudvic@ombudsman.vic.gov.au

Address: Level 9, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.

• Is someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help?
• Is your life or property being threatened?
• Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?

If you answered YES, call Triple Zero (000). Calls to Triple Zero are free

Emergency services are provided to help all Australians, including international students. The staff who work for these services are highly approachable and helpful.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency you can call ‘000’ for:

• police
• fire
• ambulance

This is a free call and can be dialed from all mobile phones, even those without credit. If you place a call to any of these services, the telephone operator will provide assistance until help arrives.

To speak to someone in your own language ask the operator for a translator.