ACPET looks to correct misconceptions in media reports on the SAGE Institute of Fitness

The Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) is seeking to correct what it calls "misconceptions in the media" regarding the SAGE Institute of Fitness after recent reports that have cited quality concerns and claimed that the provider is at risk of losing its accreditation as an Registered Training Organisation (RTO).  

The industry body is concerned that reports the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has issued SAGE with a notice that infers the imminent closure of the private provider.

ACPET says this is not the case, with Chief Executive Rod Camm explaining “ASQA has advised SAGE that, unless SAGE provides evidence to the contrary, one of their nationally accredited programs is essentially superseded and the new Diploma of Fitness, now available in the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package replaces the need for the original accredited course.

“ASQA has not made any comment on the quality of its services or potential for the provider to cease operation. 

“To infer that the course no longer complies with the standards set by ASQA without explaining it is potentially a simple duplication is misleading.” 

The Diploma of Fitness Coaching (10067NAT) qualification offered by SAGE Institute of Fitness was accredited for a period of two years upon its introduction, as it was known that a Nationally Recognised Training package was under review that could supersede the need for the course. 

In the event that the SAGE program was replaced with the new Diploma of Fitness program, SAGE would be expected to still teach out existing students in accordance with the current regulatory framework.  

SAGE is working with ASQA and has indicated that in due course, they will provide further information that they believe will demonstrate that the Diploma of Fitness Coaching does not duplicate the new training package.

ACPET is a national industry association for independent providers of post-compulsory education and training, for Australian and international students.

For more information on ACPET go to www.acpet.edu.au

Image: SAGE Institute of Fitness/Facebook

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