This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to interact with people internally and externally through verbal, non-verbal and written communication and to follow verbal and written instructions in the workplace. It includes communicating verbally and non-verbally with clients, giving and receiving instructions, taking part in group discussions, participating in informal meetings and preparing to process routine correspondence and records.

The unit is applicable to all personnel but has a specific focus on the communication skills required by individuals at entry level in public safety organisations.

This unit may provide a pathway to higher education including a Cert II or III in Public safety (not offered by ACIMS) or as a stepping stone to other qualifications and skill sets.

Enrolment is open for 6 months. The time to complete the program will vary depending on the individual or group learning plan.

Individual students can complete this unit self-paced supported by online resources and a virtual 1-1 tutorial for each unit of study.

A group option for completion of this unit is also available to organisations. The unit can be run as a face-to-face or virtual workshop and will involve some self-paced study after the workshop. Excluding individual work time and any virtual introduction kick-off session, this usually means for both virtual and onsite courses:

• virtual – 2 virtual half day sessions or 1 full day session
• onsite – approx. 1 full day session

We combine a range of assessment methods including:

• Workplace based tasks
• Work products and projects
• Demonstrations through virtual/video or face to face role plays
• Completion of written questions and case studies

The types of questions and tasks will reflect the level of skills expected from AQF level 4 courses, meaning students will be expected to demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to communication in their workplace, and will show the ability to complete routine and non-routine activities, and share solutions to predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.

The time required to review training resources and complete assessment tasks will vary between individuals. As a guide for organisational groups:

Pre course – Estimated hours = 30 minutes

Completing enrolment and LLN check, sharing a summary of previous experience, accessing course portal.

During course – Estimated hours = 7 hours

Joining discussions and completing activities.

Post course – Estimated hours = 2 hours

Finalisation of workbook submission.

There are no required pre-requisites for this unit.

This skillset is introductory but assumes an awareness of the organisational setting, particularly processes around talking with clients and participating in discussions and meetings.

Current relevant role: ACIMS encourages students to share their background and current involvement in roles as relevant to this unit. While not essential for completion of this program, having access to a suitable organisation’s policies and procedures will assist students in completion of tasks and projects and contextualising their learning.

Core skills expected: It is expected students have a level of digital literacy to access information, communicate and complete training and assessment activities using a computer/tablet and our online learning platform.

Students will be required to complete some tasks independently, and to have the skills to manage their own time and study.

At the certificate IV level students are expected to be able to access and review information provided, and to apply knowledge to real world situations. Students will be required to independently read and understand a range of different documents including plans and policies. Students are required to complete routine written correspondence, notes and records.

A key skill for this program is the ability to effectively communicate with others in English.

All students are asked to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment as part of their enrolment process with ACIMS.

Technology requirements: Students will require access to a computer/tablet device with word processing software, internet browser and email account. An internet connection is also required. A webcam/microphone and speakers (or headset) will be needed for any virtual meetings. ACIM Solutions may be able to assist you with access to a computer device if you do not have options for meeting this requirement.

This is a stand-alone unit. Qualification requirements do not apply.

Recognition of prior learning is available for this unit. If you have employment experience in this area, you may apply for recognition or prior learning. The ACIM team will work with you to determine if this unit is suitable for RPL and provide you with an RPL assessment tool to summarise your available evidence. You will be required to provide supporting evidence for review by the assessor. The assessor can also ask for completion of third party reports, referee checks and to hold competency conversations with you via phone or videoconference.

Students who hold non-equivalent units to a current unit, such as from a preceding training package release, can apply for RPL of these units, with the requirement of any gaps in unit requirements and currency requirements being met.

Upon meeting all requirements for this qualification, you will be issued with a statement of attainment for PUACOM001 from ACIMS RTO #41002. The units will be added to your USI transcript. This is issued electronically, with a hard-copy available on request.

Costs will be finalised with individual students or organisations once the details of the training have been determined. A reduced price is provided for RPL.

As a guide, a self-paced individual student will need to pay $775 to complete this unit via training and assessment. To complete the unit via RPL will cost $665.

For individual students, payment is to be made by direct bank or credit card.  For organisations, purchase order and invoicing is available.

ACIMS does not offer fee assistance and is not currently a part of VET student loans or commonwealth supported VET courses.