Private vocational training provider admits consumer law contraventions

Careers Australia Group Limited has provided enforceable undertakings to the ACCC after admitting false or misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law.

The ACCC confirmed this week that Careers Australia will repay Commonwealth funds, cancel enrolments and invite students to have their VET FEE-HELP debts cancelled.

Careers Australia admitted to conduct including:

  • misrepresenting that courses were free;
  • misrepresenting that courses would increase students’ employment prospects; and
  • offering iPads and laptops with claims that they were free if the student signed up to the course.

This conduct included signing up 80 students from the same remote Indigenous community, who were offered inducements and not informed of the debts they would incur.

The admissions highlight troubling issues in the private vocational training sector, with the ACCC and other Commonwealth and State agencies reviewing the activities of several other providers.

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