About Stronger by Design and the Pre-Accredited Quality Framework Plus (PQF+)

Stronger by Design (SbD) is an ACFE Board initiative aimed at improving the quality and consistency of pre-accredited training.
It builds on the 2013 Pre-accredited Quality Framework and is intended to reflect the contemporary vocational education and training environment. Specifically, it creates a more robust and consistent model of pre-accredited training in order to improve teaching and learning supports for Victorian adults with low capability in the domains of language, literacy and numeracy as well as employability and/or digital skills (LLNED).
The SbD initiative builds on the recognised strengths of the 2013 PQF as a reflection of the ACFE Board’s commitment to continuous improvement of Victoria’s pre-accredited training system.
PQF+ pre-accredited programs more clearly demonstrate how a learners’ core skills needs are met and lead to pathways to further training or a job.
The quality principles outlined in the 2013 PQF remain a key feature of PQF+:
PQF+ emphasises:
- Adult learning principles
- Flexible and responsive teaching and learning practices to support local learners
- Pathways for educationally disadvantaged learners in a supportive learning environment.
Differences include:
- PQF+ tools are more focussed on learner achievement and pathways.
- It reaffirms language, literacy, numeracy, along with digital and employability skills contextualised to the interests of the learner as the core purpose of pre-accredited training.
- It makes explicit the process of identifying and building learners' LLNED skills.
- PQF+ modules are offered at one of 4 levels informed by the Australian Core Skills Framework/Australian Digital Literacy Skills Framework.
- Learners are placed in a pre-accredited program depending on their goals, interests and LLNED levels (determined by an initial interview and placement assessment).
- The focus is on learners, their learning needs, and documenting their journey to demonstrate learning gain, build confidence to move forward and pursue appropriate pathways.
- Learners are provided with a portfolio that tracks and records their core skills gains to support transitions to further study, vocational training or employment.
Yes, and that won't change.
The refreshed pre-accredited model simply encourages more tailored individual learner pathways explicitly focussed on developing core skills, and supports Learn Local providers to ensure all programs funded by the ACFE Board can demonstrate learner gain.
The SbD initiative continues to support and extend the strengths-based model of the 2013 PQF, with each funded program building learner confidence and core skills for study, work and life in a range of highly contextualised contexts.
The SbD initiative will give Learn Local providers:
- A contemporary Pre-Accredited Quality Framework (PQF+) to guide and sustain future delivery
- Curated tools, templates, step-by-step guides and strategies designed to support the diversity of the Learn Local sector.
- Access to new, subsidised professional development modules to build capability in areas such as identifying learner need, learner gains and documenting pathways.
- Access to an expanded range of quality assured curricula that target LLNED skills across levels.
- Session plans with activities that can be delivered ‘off the shelf’ or customised to local contexts and requirements.
- A better understanding of learners' core skills needs so educators can more easily adapt learning to individual needs and demonstrate how learners have benefited from undertaking a pre-accredited module.
The refreshed pre-accredited training model will not change what Learn Local providers already do in terms of building learner confidence and self-esteem or in contextualising and customising programs to make them relevant and engaging for learners, suit the needs of industry and local communities.
Building confidence is an important part of learning at any level but particularly for pre-accredited learners. The SbD initiative has developed engagement modules that focus on building leaner confidence to prepare them, with support, to engage in a pre-accredited course.
SbD professional development includes personalised support and guidance on how to apply new PQF+ tools and resources in the context of delivering the learner journey approach to pre-accredited training.
Learn Locals that have not yet undertaken SbD initiative professional development are encouraged to use the centrally-developed curricula that's already been mapped to PQF+ now available on the Learn Local Secure Portal (LLSP).
SbD initiative professional development for Learn Locals will commence during Q2 2024 and be available in different formats and accompanied by various supports, including:
- Face-to-face ‘SbD/PQF+ Roadshow’ events across the 8 ACFE regions
- Modularised, self-paced online learning available anytime via the LLSP.
- Online mentoring to support participants succeed in online professional learning.
SbD initiative Professional development is based on the key elements contained in PQF+ tools and resources, and the following five key practice areas identified in the Learn Local Professional Practice and Recognition Framework:
1. Engaging learners
2. Teaching LLNED skills
3. Determining learner gain
4. Collaborating and networking
5. Leading and managing
The Learn Local Professional Practice and Recognition Framework is available to download via the LLSP.
SbD initiative professional development focuses on skills Learn Local educators need to effectively identify learner's core skills needs, determine learner gain and develop learning programs that explicitly lead to the achievement of LLNED outcomes across PQF+ levels.
This site will be regularly refreshed with updated information. Please check back regularly for updates on the progress of the initiative as well as opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of pre-accredited training.
A 1-page introductory fact sheet has been developed to provide an overview of the initiative for Learn Local providers and interested stakeholders.
Please email the SbD team with any queries, or contact your local ACFE regional office for further advice.

Updated 14 March 2024