Open Training and Education Network:
The Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) in Sydney is the specialist distance education and open learning institute of TAFE NSW, part of the NSW Department of Education and Training. As part of TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute, OTEN is the largest provider of distance education and flexibly-delivered programs in Australia. It offers world-class distance education services and products and enrols more than 37,000 students in over 250 TAFE NSW courses. Most courses give graduates nationally recognised qualifications through the AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework). Other specific-purpose courses are recognised by all of TAFE NSW.
Agriculture, Horticulture & the Environment; Building & Construction; Business & Office Skills; Communication; Community Services; Computing & Information Technology; Engineering; English Language; Management & Human Resources; Property, Real Estate & Valuation; Workplace Training & Assessing
OTEN delivers Nationally Recognised Training courses, identified by the symbol NRT. These may be:
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications
- Statements of Attainment or
- TAFE NSW accredited courses.
The Australian Qualifications Framework is a nationally agreed framework which identifies the qualifications delivered by the Australian education sectors. Because Australian qualifications are nationally recognised, they are portable. These qualifications and the units within the qualification which are delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are recognised and accepted by TAFE NSW and OTEN. The qualification is based on the level of outcome and not on the length of the course.
OTEN delivers the AQF qualifications Graduate Certificate, Advanced Diploma, Diploma and Certificate I through to Certificate IV. A Statement of Attainment is not a full AQF qualification but is made up of units from one of these qualifications. TAFE NSW accredited courses are also recognised throughout Australia. Other OTEN courses under the label TAFE PLUS Courses are developed to meet specific industry needs and are non-accredited.