Projects
Here is an overview of some recent projects undertaken by Parachute:
Online Micro-badging Program
Parachute was engaged by one of Victoria’s major TAFEs to develop an online professional development program for its trainer and assessor workforce. This major project involved Parachute:
consulting with the TAFE’s staff and stakeholders to identify current capability gaps
designing an online delivery model enabling participants to be awarded a ‘micro-badge’ (an online credential) upon completion of each part of the program
developing curriculum for the professional development program and mapping this against both the TAFE’s capability framework and accredited training products
creating 16 online micro-badges tailored to the needs of the TAFE’s workforce. Each micro-badge focussed on a specific element of a vocational educator’s work and comprised a suite of engaging eLearning modules, videos featuring staff from across the TAFE, activities and an assessment task
developing a ‘badge picker’ tool, which enables trainers and assessors to self-assess their current capabilities and enrol themselves into appropriate badges.
Community Engagement and Mentoring Programs
Parachute worked with an inner suburban community learning centre to develop leadership and mentoring programs for women from culturally diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about work, education and engagement in their community.
This project involved Parachute:
working with learning centre language teachers and community workers to identify program participants’ needs
developing a ‘Next Steps’ curriculum and suite of learning resources suitable for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and literacy abilities
designing a mentor training program for those involved in supporting learners to complete the ‘Next steps’ program
consulting with local workplaces to identify potential mentors, job opportunities and guest speakers
developing a suite of resources including session plans, learner guides and a customised training program tailored to a diverse learner cohort.
Project Plan for Course Update and Implementation
Parachute was contracted by a major Victorian higher education provider to develop a detailed project plan for the creation and implementation of a major update to one of their most prestigious courses. The planned update would make significant changes to the structure and delivery model of the course – these changes would have far-reaching impacts on students and delivery staff.
In developing the project plan, Parachute:
identified the organisational structures and protocols with which the course update project would need to comply
identified and consulted with key stakeholders who would be affected by the project to facilitate buy-in from across (and outside) the organisation
developed a logical and achievable project plan reflecting best practices for curriculum and resource development
identified risks facing the project, as well as resources and budget required to ensure project success
communicated the project plan to key decision-makers in the organisation.
Vocational Training and Assessment Resource Development
Parachute is a preferred developer of training and assessment products for many of Victoria’s TAFEs and resource publishers. Parachute has developed compliant courseware at all vocational levels (from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma) across a wide range of industry areas including business, hospitality, engineering, community services, construction, agriculture, cybersecurity and many more.
Training providers and publishers trust Parachute due to our:
proven ability to develop compliant, audit-proof materials
many years’ experience in the VET sector and knowledge of best practices in VET
wide network of subject matter experts to ensure our materials reflect current workplace requirements across many industry areas
ability to develop print-based and online resources using our clients’ templates and systems (e.g. within learning management systems such as Moodle and Canvas)
agile approach to work which enables us to meet tight deadlines.
Quality Reviews and Audits
Parachute regularly provides quality review services to a range of clients including training providers and publishers of vocational training and assessment materials.
Parachute has significant experience and expertise in this area and our methodology includes:
developing quality review checklists to ensure a standard approach to the review process
reviewing print-based and online learning and assessment materials to ensure they reflect best practice and (in the case of assessments) meet the principles of assessment and rules of evidence
providing clear feedback to clients regarding the level and nature of change required
when required, rectifying resources to address any quality issues identified during the review.
