Are you studying with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?

Registered Training Organisations (also known as RTOs) deliver vocational education and training (VET). Courses under VET are nationally recognised — meaning they are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) — and play a critical role in the development of the Australian workforce. In this article we’ll be looking at four key features of an RTO which bring immediate benefits to students.

1. Audited to strict quality controls by ASQA

Registered Training Organisations are regulated by a government organisation called the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and each RTO must undergo a rigorous assessment before their application to deliver VET courses is accepted. Once registered, the RTO must maintain a consistent high standard and undergo regular auditing to ensure they continue to meet the national quality standards.

• Accurately represent their services and the scope of training products they are authorised to deliver.
• Securely manage student records and financial data.
• Have a transparent student complaint and appeals process.
• Hold current public liability (and other) insurances.

2. Issue nationally recognised qualifications

Only a Registered Training Organisation can deliver nationally recognised training and issue AQF certifications. Nationally recognised courses are made up of:

Qualifications - E.g. TLI32416 Certificate III in Logistics is a qualification under the Transport and Logistics Training Package.
Units of competency - E.g. TLIF0001 Apply chain of responsibility legislation, regulations and workplace procedures is a core unit of competency when studying a Cert III in Logistics.
Accredited courses - developed and managed by independent organisations or individuals and are accredited by ASQA or other regulatory agencies.

All nationally recognised VET qualifications must be delivered within strict guidelines and kept up-to-date as the unit guides and qualification details are updated. You can be sure that whatever you are studying, a nationally recognised course will be delivering the latest information relevant to your chosen industry area.

3. Provide meaningful assessments and learning materials

When you study with a Registered Training Organisation you can expect that your course learning materials are of a high standard — well presented, up-to-date, and representative of an actual workplace.

An RTO must also provide their students with enough training and learning time to practise their new skills before being assessed. The assessments themselves must be fair and properly explained — with helpful feedback provided.

4. Employ skilled and qualified trainers

RTOs are expected to hire qualified trainers who have a working knowledge (and real-world experience) in the industry area they teach. For example, if you are studying a Certificate III in Hospitality you can expect that your trainer would have significant experience as an Australian hospitality worker; if you are studying an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality you can expect your trainer has a solid background as a hospitality venue manager.

Trainers and assessors must also hold proper qualifications and are expected to keep their industry skills and knowledge up-to-date. As a minimum a trainer working for an RTO must hold:

• VET qualifications to the level they are delivering. E.g. if you are studying a Certificate IV in Horticulture your trainer must also hold a Certificate IV (or higher level) qualification in horticulture.
• Current industry skills that are directly related to the training they are providing. E.g. a trainer delivering a Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety might also be working as a Safety Consultant and industry advisor in occupational safety.
• Qualifications, skills, and knowledge in vocational learning and training. E.g. as a minimum your trainer would hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116).