{"id":118939,"date":"2015-08-31T19:14:25","date_gmt":"2015-08-31T09:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=118939"},"modified":"2020-08-11T12:07:15","modified_gmt":"2020-08-11T02:07:15","slug":"beware-of-dodgy-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2015\/08\/31\/beware-of-dodgy-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Beware Of Dodgy Training"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Training and Skills Minister Yvette D\u2019Ath<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

August 31, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Queenslanders looking to improve their job prospects have been reminded by the State Government to shop around for the most suitable training course before signing up.<\/p>\n

Consumer watchdogs around Australia, including the Queensland Office of Fair Trading, are targeting unfair practices by training providers and marketers.<\/p>\n

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D\u2019Ath said training providers had been put on notice to be aware of their obligations under Australian Consumer Law when signing up students and delivering courses.<\/p>\n

\u201cOverall, Queensland has a high-quality vocational training sector,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, this is a multi-billion dollar industry that receives government subsidies, and unfortunately that makes it particularly attractive to shonks looking to make a quick buck.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe OFT has received disturbing reports of training providers targeting vulnerable consumers by offering free tablet computers in exchange for personal information, then using those details to sign the person up for a course and claim a government subsidy.<\/p>\n

\u201cReports also suggest marketers are approaching job-seekers outside Centrelink offices, attempting to sign them up for training courses they don\u2019t need, won\u2019t be able to complete or that won\u2019t enhance their prospects of finding work.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers need to take extra steps to protect themselves from unethical practices that could leave them with a substantial debt for a course they can\u2019t complete or that doesn\u2019t help them to get a job.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are looking to enrol in a training course, make sure it meets your needs and you understand all the costs involved before signing anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink about what opportunities the course will open up for you, how much time it will take to complete, and ask questions about what happens to your payment if you have a change in circumstances and can\u2019t complete the course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs D\u2019Ath said anyone looking to complete a training course should understand the fee they were paying and when it was due.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraining providers and marketers might try to make it seem like a course is free but usually you are simply deferring payment until a later date,\u201d she said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBe particularly wary of offers made door-to-door, over the phone or if you are approached in a shopping centre or on the street. Remember, you have extra protections when you buy this way, including a 10 business day cooling-off period.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before signing up, consumers should:<\/strong><\/p>\n