RICK HEATON
Rick Heaton through Abacus Training and Owner Building Solutions has been a provider of quality vocational courses for in excess of 22 years.
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd is as a Registered Training Organisation.
The principals have been involved in training and courseware production for more than 60 years in total.
The Owner Builder Online Course Director, Rick Heaton, is a licensed builder, licensed plumber, and licensed drainer with many years experience in the building and construction industries.
He has experience in design and has developed several project management tools and safety systems, specifically for owner builders.
As a company, we continue to improve our products to best serve you the owner builder.
Our courses will help you to:
* Understand your responsibilities as an owner builder
* Provide you with the best opportunity to save thousand of dollars building or renovating your own home
* Access all the information you require during the construction of your home
* Use the tools we provide to keep your project on time and on budget
* Avoid the pitfalls that can be associated with building your own home
* Avoid or resolve conflicts that could arise during the building of you home
Following we outline our company policies and procedures, these have been put in place to ensure you, as our client are treated fairly and that you always have access to Abacus staff via email or phone to discuss your needs as an Abacus student.
We do not stop supporting you once you have completed your course either.
As an Abacus Training student, you become part of our owner builder community, we host regular webinars, blogs, discussion forums and produce newsletters to keep you up to date with the latest in owner builder activities.
We look forward to helping you throughout your journey as an owner builder building.
You really can build your own house.
Best Regards
Rick Heaton
Course Director -
Abacus Training
Australian Owner Builder Courses Online
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS OUR PRIVACY POLICY
PRIVACY POLICY
Privacy Policy for Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd
Effective Date: 30th September, 2024
Introduction
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and store your personal information in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1. Collection of Personal Information
We collect personal information to provide our services effectively, including enrolment in our training programs, communication, and reporting obligations. The types of personal information we may collect include:
Full name Date of birth Contact details (phone number, email, address) Employment and educational history Payment details Government-issued identifiers (such as Unique Student Identifier) Information related to access and equity (e.g., disability status) We only collect personal information by lawful and fair means and where reasonably necessary for our business functions and activities.
2. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
We will use or disclose personal information only for the primary purpose for which it was collected, or for other related purposes that the individual would reasonably expect. This includes:
Processing enrolments and course delivery Communicating with students about course progress Compliance with reporting requirements to government agencies, such as the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) Issuing certifications Payment processing Accessing student support services We will not share personal information with third parties unless required by law or with the individual’s consent. Examples of when disclosure might occur include:
To regulatory or government bodies as required by law To third-party service providers who assist in our operations (e.g., payment processors, IT services), under strict confidentiality agreements For auditing or quality assurance purposes.
3. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. We use secure servers, firewalls, encryption, and access control measures.
When personal information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to de-identify or securely destroy it.
4. Access and Correction
You have the right to access your personal information that we hold, subject to certain exceptions as provided by law. If you believe that your personal information is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, you may request correction.
To request access or correction, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Overseas Disclosure
We do not generally disclose personal information to overseas recipients. If we are required to disclose your information to recipients located outside of Australia, we will ensure that these recipients comply with Australian privacy laws or have privacy protections equivalent to those provided under the Privacy Act.
6. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. These technologies allow us to collect information about how you use our website and improve the content and functionality we offer.
You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect the functionality of our website.
7. Direct Marketing
We may use your personal information to send you marketing materials related to our services. You can opt out of receiving such communications at any time by contacting us or using the opt-out feature included in our marketing emails.
8. Complaints
If you have a complaint about how we have handled your personal information, please contact us in writing at [email protected] We take all complaints seriously and will respond within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be effective upon posting the revised policy on our website. We encourage you to check our website periodically for updates.
10. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd
57 Pascoe Road Ormeau, Queensland
+61 418455788
[email protected]
This Privacy Policy complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles and reflects best practices for protecting personal information in an educational context.
QUALITY
Abacus Training has been established to provide quality support and training to persons undertaking courses offered under its scope of registration.
The provision of quality training and support is the mainstay of our business and client satisfaction is paramount.
Abacus Training remains aware of its responsibilities to its clients, directors, staff, stakeholders and all interested parties and will continually strive to improve its performance and profile within the training sector and the community at large.
Training is to be delivered in a cost effective manner, and improvements to our management and training delivery will be achieved through controlled and scientific programs and open consultation and collaboration with our clients, staff and stakeholders.
Access and Equity Policy
Effective Date: 30th September
Policy Owner: Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd
1. Purpose
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd is committed to providing equitable access to education and training for all learners. We believe in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every individual, regardless of background or personal circumstances, has the opportunity to achieve their learning goals.
This Access and Equity Policy ensures that we operate in accordance with the principles of fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity, in compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and relevant Australian legislation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all prospective and current learners, staff, contractors, and stakeholders involved with Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd It encompasses all aspects of our operations, including enrolment, training delivery, assessment, and support services.
3. Principles
We are guided by the following key principles in our commitment to access and equity:
Inclusivity: We encourage the participation of learners from diverse backgrounds, including those from disadvantaged groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and individuals facing financial hardship.
Non-discrimination: We ensure that no learner or staff member is discriminated against on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic protected under Australian law. Fairness: All policies and practices related to admission, training, assessment, and learner support are fair, transparent, and free from bias.
Reasonable Adjustments: We make reasonable adjustments to ensure learners with disabilities or learning difficulties can fully participate in our training and assessment activities without compromising the integrity of the qualification.
4. Legislation
This policy aligns with relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, including but not limited to:
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth) Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) (or relevant state/territory legislation) Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015
5. Access and Equity in Practice
5.1 Enrolment and Admission
We ensure that information on courses, training pathways, and enrolment processes is clear, accessible, and available to all individuals. We will consider applications from all individuals who meet the entry requirements and will provide additional support as needed for those with special requirements.
5.2 Training Delivery and Assessment
Training and assessment strategies will be designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners. Reasonable adjustments will be made to training materials, delivery modes, and assessments for learners with special needs, ensuring they can demonstrate competency without any unfair advantage or disadvantage.
5.3 Learner Support Services
Learners will have access to appropriate support services, including learning and disability support, literacy and numeracy assistance, and financial counselling, to ensure successful completion of their studies. Staff will be trained to identify and address any barriers learners may face in accessing and completing their studies.
5.4 Flexible Learning
We will offer flexible learning options, where feasible, to accommodate learners’ individual circumstances, including work commitments, family responsibilities, and geographic location.
6. Complaints and Appeals
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd recognises that issues of access and equity may arise. Learners who believe they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against are encouraged to raise their concerns through our Complaints and Appeals Policy.
All complaints will be handled promptly, confidentially, and in accordance with our established procedures.
7. Responsibilities
RTO Management: Responsible for ensuring the development, implementation, and continuous review of the Access and Equity Policy. Trainers and Assessors: Responsible for delivering training and assessment in accordance with this policy and supporting learners with diverse needs.
Staff and Contractors: Expected to uphold access and equity principles in all their interactions with learners and colleagues.
8. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or as needed, to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant legislation and to address any emerging access and equity issues. Feedback from learners, staff, and stakeholders will be considered during the review process.
9. Contact Us
For any inquiries or concerns regarding access and equity, please contact:
Heaton Industrial Holdings Pty Ltd
57 Pascoe Road Ormeau, Queensland 4208
+61 418 455788
[email protected]
This policy affirms [email protected] commitment to ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to quality education and support, enabling them to successfully complete their chosen courses.
CODE of PRACTICE
Training delivery is the primary function of the RTO and the principles of adult learning are understood and a primary function of all relevant staff.
Whilst a Training Package or an accredited course will contain specific information on the required skills and competencies needed to satisfy the issuance of a qualification, they do not demonstrate how training is to be conducted.
The onus of providing appropriate training delivery remains the responsibility of the RTO through its facilitators.
Abacus recognises, students will each display their own unique learning style, and it is important that each facilitator recognises the student learning style and presents course material in an effective manner.
At all times the senior RTO staff are available to:
• assess specific student needs
• allocate or suggest of alternate resource material
• assisting in study methods
• or to discuss any other student concerns
The training delivery provided will be consistent with and ensure the appropriate skills and competencies are achieved and can be demonstrated for the purpose of assessment.
Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved.
The purpose of assessment is to confirm that an individual can perform to the standard expected in the workplace, as expressed in the relevant endorsed industry or enterprise competency standards.
Assessments may be carried out in the context of a New Apprenticeship, a VET in Schools program, a nationally accredited course, a self-directed learning program, institutional programs or a recognition process.
Competency based assessment should not be an isolated activity.
In most cases it forms part of a pathway to employment, to a structured learning program or to further training.
It is important that it happens within a context of work performance and learning and that skill gaps identified during the process are seen as opportunities for further development, not failure.
It is also important that evidence collecting is viewed as a process negotiated with the candidate, not a one-off test of knowledge that has been imposed on the candidate.
While there is no fixed approach to competency based assessment, quality assessment processes:
• provide pathways for the candidate
• actively involve the workplace in the assessment process
• make competency meaningful to participants by relating the units of competency to workplace activities, procedures and requirements
• involve the candidate, the assessor and the workplace
• clearly target the evidence that the candidate needs to present
• incorporate clear and efficient methods of evidence collection
• have clear procedures for making the assessment decision
A Training Package assessment system must:
• include efficient record keeping systems
• ensure that the candidate is given clear and constructive advice and feedback.
GRIEVANCE and APPEALS PROCEDURE
Any person with a grievance, or any person who is not satisfied their assessment was valid, reliable, flexible or fair is encouraged to lodge an appeal.
The appeal must be in writing and state the nature of the appeal, the date of the assessment and the assessors name.
The appeal process will in the initial stages be relatively informal and will consists of the appellant and the assessor, in most cases, the grievance should be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties within 10 working days of receipt of the written appeal.
Where satisfaction and or mutual agreement cannot be reached, the appellant has two options:
1. Continue the appeal with additional mediation provided by the Chief Executive Officer
2. Continue the appeal with additional mediation provided by an agreed independent third party who has demonstrated expertise in the appropriate area of assessment.
In both cases above, it will be he endeavour of Abacus Training to have the matter resolved within 30 days of commencement on the appeal process consistent with 1 or 2 above.
Abacus will provide the appellant written confirmation of the appeal decision and where a reassessment is required, the process will be advised.
PAYMENT and REFUND POLICY
All course fees are payable in advance.
All monies received are placed in a separate account and are not accessed until the course starts.
When courses are longer than three days, a proportion of fees paid for that course will remain in that account until the course is 50%completed *, to ensure pro-rata refunds for eligible applicants.
* (50% based on expected course duration)
Computer based courses are deemed to start on the day of payment.
CANCELED COURSES.
Should Abacus Training cancel any course, participants are entitled to a full refund or transfer of funds to a future course.
Medical or Personal Hardship
Applicants who are unable to complete a self-paced computer course and can provide a medical certificate or show extreme personal hardship may be granted a refund.
An applicant’s failure to ensure their computer meets the minimum specification is not grounds for a refund.
REFUND
Deposits will be refunded for training materials and resources that are returned with unopened CD cases.
Where materials have been accessed through an upload of Abacus Training materials, a minimum 50% of the course fee will be retained by Abacus Training.
The cost of packaging and handling will not be refunded.
In some cases a restocking fee of 15% may be applicable.
In all cases payment has been made by cheque, credit card, money order or EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transaction), a $57.00 admin fee will apply.