Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management
RTO: 3899 I Course Code 2025: 22626VIC
The Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management is a nationally accredited qualification which provides training in the skills and knowledge required to work in the cultural heritage industry. It also provides training to enable Registered Aboriginal Parties and other land managers to meet their cultural heritage management obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. La Trobe University, as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3899), delivers this course in partnership with First Peoples - State Relations (FPSR) formerly Aboriginal Victoria (AV).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
All offers and applications are provisional, and subject to a La Trobe University contract with the Victorian Government, First Peoples- State Relations, in 2025.
Delivery
Course Dates:
17 February - 12 December 2025
The course is delivered once per year with the Melbourne campus (Bundoora) as its base.
Study Mode:
Full-time equivalent. Delivered as face-to-face teaching. Not available online. Late entry (after Week 1) and mid-year entry are not available. The course takes 10 months to complete. It is delivered in nine intensive blocks of five days, usually residential, approximately one month apart, at locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria. If restrictions on face-to-face learning are reintroduced due to government health or travel advice, delivery will switch to online sessions.
Applications
In 2025, 14 places in this course will be substantially funded by the Victorian Government through First Peoples – State Relations. To be considered for a place applicants must meet First Peoples – State Relations criteria for funding eligibility. These are the criteria:
- Applicants must successfully complete the First Peoples – State Relations three-day Introductory Workshop to Cultural Heritage Management. If you have already completed this workshop in the past you are eligible to apply. There are usually two workshops conducted annually, from July to August. Contact christina.pavlides@dpc.vic.gov.au for further information.
- Applicants must be Victorian Aboriginal Traditional Owners or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders resident or working in Victoria.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to the commencement of the course.
- Applicants must also meet La Trobe University eligibility criteria which include the ability to read, write and speak English to a level which will ensure satisfactory participation in the course.
There are also a limited number of fee-paying positions open to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. Contact Tya Lovett on 0498 133 972 to discuss this option.
An Expression of Interest form is available for 2025 applications.
You must fill out the form to apply for the February 2025 intake.
Please fill out this form independently and return to l.hunt@latrobe.edu.au or t.lovett@latrobe.edu.au by closing date, Friday 6th September 2024.
Due to the high demand for a limited number of places, late applications might not be considered.
This training may be delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding from the Department of Education and Training. Eligible students will be enrolled under the Victorian Training Guarantee. This may impact your access to further government subsidised training at Certificate IV level. Your eligibility will be discussed with you at a pre-enrolment interview.
Handbooks
Please read the handbook for details of delivery dates, policies and procedures and units of competency.
- 2025 Handbook Information for Students 2025 [PDF 15.8MB]
- 2024 Handbook Information for Students 2024 [PDF 5MB]
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A Skills Recognition process is available to those students who are offered a place in the course. Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process for those who may be able to demonstrate some of the competencies of the course as a result of previous learning, work and life experiences, employment experience and/or previous non-accredited education and training. The process involves self-assessment using an RPL kit, an interview and practical assessment. Applying for RPL is free of charge.
Credit transfer is the process of receiving credit for accredited study previously completed through another Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Students need to provide an original or certified copy of the relevant Certificate and/or Statement of Attainment indicating a competent level of attainment.
Pathways and Employment
The Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management provides a pathway to both employment and further training and education. Opportunities for employment beyond the qualification include government agencies, Aboriginal organisations, cultural heritage industry, land management, tourism and museums.
Successful completion of this qualification provides a pathway to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, where students can select subjects in archaeology along with subjects chosen from a range of other study areas. The Diploma of Arts, offered at regional campuses, provides a one-year course for extended study in Arts and may lead to enrolment in a degree. The Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management can also build a study foundation in a range of courses within the vocational education sector.
Fees
Students who are offered a Victorian state government or La Trobe University funded place in this course do not pay fees. Students will be provided with meals, accommodation, and reimbursement for transport costs when required to be away from their usual home. All learning materials are provided. There will be no tuition, service or amenities fees payable.
Places offered on a full fee-paying basis will also cover the items listed above. Note that VET Fee-Help, HECS or other payment-deferral options are not available for this course.
Please see the Handbook Information for Students for information on fee-paying places.
Contact Tya Lovett on 0498 133 972 to discuss this option.
Units of Competency offered in 2025
(conditional upon receipt of State Government funding)
| HLTAID011 | Provide first aid |
|---|---|
| AHCWHS202 | Participate in workplace health and safety processes |
| AHCLPW409 | Inspect and monitor culturally significant places |
| BSBTWK503 | Manage meetings |
| NWPGEN023 | Use maps, plans, drawings and details |
| VU23421 | Work effectively in the Victorian cultural heritage industry |
| VU23422 | Investigate Victorian Aboriginal cultural heritage landscapes |
| VU23423 | Identify and describe tangible Aboriginal cultural heritage |
| VU23424 | Manage the discovery of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains |
| VU23425 | Contribute to the conservation of Aboriginal places |
| CUACNM311 | Move and store collection material |
|---|---|
| CUAPRE401 | Preventative conservation |
Further Information
La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC, 3086
Tya Lovett
La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC, 3086
La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC, 3086
Additional Resources
- VET Training Australia
- Australian Skills Quality Authority
- La Trobe University VET policies and procedures, including Complaints and Appeals.
- First Peoples - State Relations