Frequently Asked Questions

Most students enrol online through our website. You'll select your course and preferred date, provide your contact details, supply or create a USI, and pay the course fee. Your enrolment is confirmed once payment is received, and you'll get a booking confirmation with everything you need for the day. If you'd prefer to enrol by phone or email, contact us directly.

At minimum, bring: Current photo ID; driver's licence or passport. No ID means no course. A second form of ID if you're completing a High Risk Work Licence course — Medicare card, bank card, or proof of age card. Your USI. Any pre-requisite cards or certificates required for the course. Appropriate PPE and clothing as listed on the course page; closed-toe boots, hi-vis where required, sun-safe clothing for outdoor training. A water bottle, pen, and notepad and some lunch. The full list for your specific course is on the course page and in your booking confirmation. If you're unsure, call us before the day.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. We use that time to check IDs, confirm USIs, and get everyone settled before training begins. If you're running late, call us before 7:30am so we know you're on your way. If you arrive after training has started without having contacted us, you may be refused entry and the full course fee will still apply.

A standard training day runs from approximately 7:30am to 4:00pm. You'll have breaks for morning tea and lunch. Our courses are structured to keep classroom time to a minimum. Theory is covered as efficiently as possible so the majority of your day is spent on practical, hands-on training with real equipment. That's where competency is built, and it's where we focus. Tea, coffee, and water are provided at our Bayswater facility. There's a kitchen area with a microwave, and your trainer will point out nearby food options if you want to grab lunch off-site. A vending machine is also available on site.

Being assessed as Not Yet Competent means you need more practice before you can demonstrate the skill to standard. It is not the end of the road. First re-assessment: at no additional cost. We'll book you into the next available session. Second re-assessment: charged at cost. Your trainer will advise the amount. After three Not Yet Competent results for the same unit, no further re-assessments are available. You would need to re-enrol from the beginning. If you believe your result was made in error, you have the right to appeal, please see our complaints and appeals policy.

You are not alone, and it is not a barrier to completing your training. Paratus Training works with a wide range of learners, including those with dyslexia, neurodiverse learners, people who left school early, those for whom English is a second language, and those who have never felt comfortable in a classroom or exam setting. Our trainers are experienced, patient, and adapt their approach to suit different learning styles. If you have a support need, we encourage you to let us know before your training begins. We can discuss reasonable adjustments and put the right support in place so you have a fair opportunity to participate and demonstrate your skills. What kind of support is available? Support varies depending on individual needs but may include additional time, or access to supplementary resources. Our team will work with you to find a practical solution. Important: If you're completing a High Risk Work Licence unit, WorkSafe WA requires the written knowledge assessment to be completed in English, without an interpreter, and without assistance. This is not something we can adjust. If your written English is not at that level, the HRWL pathway may not be appropriate for you at this time, please call us to discuss your options. Not sure if you need support, or just want some reassurance before you book? Get in touch with our team at admin@paratus.edu.au before your training. There are no silly questions, and a conversation costs nothing.

Once training has started, no refund is available. This applies regardless of the reason, including if you are assessed as Not Yet Competent. If Paratus cancels or reschedules a course, due to trainer availability, equipment, or any other reason, you will receive a full refund, or the option to transfer to another available date. We do not cover travel, accommodation, or lost wages in the event of a cancellation or reschedule. If something genuinely outside your control prevents you from attending, please contact us directly. Our CEO or Training Manager may apply discretion in extenuating circumstances.

A USI (Unique Student Identifier) is a reference number that creates a permanent online record of your nationally recognised training and qualifications. It is a federal government requirement, and anyone undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia must have a USI before a Statement of Attainment or qualification can be issued. Your USI stays with you for life, giving you access to your training records in one place regardless of where or when you completed your training. How do I get one? Creating a USI is free and takes only a few minutes. You will need a form of identity document to verify your details. You can create your USI directly through the official USI website: https://www.usi.gov.au/students/create-your-usi What do I need to do before my training? You must provide Paratus Training with your USI prior to completing your training. Without a valid USI, we are unable to issue your Statement of Attainment.

A VET (Vocational Education and Training) transcript is an official record of all nationally recognised training you have completed in Australia. It is linked to your USI and maintained by the Australian government. Some units of competency have prerequisite requirements, meaning you must hold a specific unit before you can enrol. Your VET transcript is the most reliable way to confirm and demonstrate that you hold the required prerequisites. How do I access my VET transcript? You can view and download your VET transcript for free through the USI website. You will need a USI to access it. Visit: https://www.usi.gov.au/usi-vet-transcripts/students-and-their-vet-transcripts What if a unit is missing from my transcript? If you believe you hold a prerequisite unit but it does not appear on your transcript, contact the training organisation that issued it. They may need to submit or correct your records with the relevant authority. Paratus Training cannot verify or accept prerequisites that are not evidenced by appropriate documentation.

A Statement of Attainment is the nationally recognised certificate issued when you successfully complete a unit of competency. It confirms you have been assessed as Competent against the national standard. We issue Statements of Attainment within 30 days of you meeting all course requirements, with fees paid in full and a verified USI on file. For most short courses, it arrives by email within a few days of your training date. Your Statement of Attainment is sent as a PDF to the email address you provided at enrolment. Each certificate carries a digital signature, a unique certificate number, and a QR code that employers can use to verify authenticity.

On the day of your assessment, your assessor will issue a Notice of Assessment (NoA) if you are found Competent. This document triggers your licence application with WorkSafe WA, but it has a 60-day validity window. If you don't lodge within 60 days, the NoA expires and you would need to complete the course again. You have two options for lodging: Lodge directly with WorkSafe WA No additional cost from us. To apply in person at a WorkSafe WA office, you'll need: Your Statement of Attainment Your white copy of the Notice of Assessment (dated within the last 60 days) Photo proof of identity A passport-quality photo Payment for the WorkSafe licence fee Full details and online application options are available at www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/high-risk-work-licensing/apply-new-high-risk-work-licence We lodge on your behalf For a flat fee of $120 (subject to change), which includes the WorkSafe licence fee itself, our team will manage the submission for you and ensure it's lodged on time. Speak to us at the time of your training to arrange this. Don't leave this sitting. Sixty days moves quickly, and the cost of missing the window is having to retrain from scratch.

Yes. Paratus complies with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. We are required by law to collect and report certain student information to government bodies including ASQA, NCVER, and the USI Registrar. This is a condition of delivering nationally recognised training and is not optional. Your data is not sold or shared with third parties for any other purpose. You can request access to your own records at any time — bring photo ID. For the full detail on how your information is handled, visit www.oaic.gov.au.

Complaints — you can raise a concern about anything affecting you as a student: course quality, staff conduct, fees, facilities, privacy, or discrimination. Raise it in person, by phone, or by email to admin@paratus.edu.au. Your enrolment continues throughout the process and you will not be disadvantaged for raising a concern. Most issues are resolved informally. If not, lodge a formal written complaint and we'll acknowledge it within 2 business days. An independent investigator will review the matter, both parties have the opportunity to present their position, and we aim to resolve within 20 working days. Appeals — if you disagree with a decision we've made — an assessment result, a credit transfer refusal, a disciplinary outcome — you can appeal. Grounds include procedural error, new evidence, incorrect application of policy, or bias. Lodge your appeal in writing to the CEO, stating the decision, your grounds, and your requested outcome. We acknowledge within 5 business days and aim to resolve within 20 working days. If you remain unsatisfied after our internal process, you can request an independent external review or escalate to the relevant regulator. For training quality matters, contact ASQA on 1300 701 801 or www.asqa.gov.au/complaints. For HRWL-related matters, contact WorkSafe WA on 1300 307 877.