Setting up an RTO starts with planning
Market research should never be underestimated; especially when you setting up an RTO. As a new business owner who is looking for a successful new business, you need to conduct regular market research to understand your potential target market, identify any consumer problems and pinpoint your realistic competitors.
Market research has always been a part of the key fundamental of setting up and smoothly running a business. Apart from being the simplest way for entrepreneurs to keep up with market trends and maintain a competitive edge, it is mandated by compliance.
The RTO Standards require market research to be carried out at various stages of a business life cycle, from pre-launch of your RTO and continuing on beyond. This comes from good business sense. Having a greater understanding of your marketplace from the very start will enable you to create a sound business strategy to establish and grow your brand into one that’s better than the competition.
Researching your RTO and industries in need.
The foundation of a successful RTO business is really understanding the demographics of the people that you will serve. Who are the people you will attract into your RTO? Where do they live, who do they interact with; are they old, young, men, women; do they enjoy certain activities? Then you need to know what do they want from a training provider? When? Where? How? Who?
Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, there is never a period of time in your business life cycle in which your demographics are no longer important. Market research lets you answer the questions that you need to ask to ensure your product or service has a customer base.
Working out what's best for your RTO
When setting up an RTO and trying to decide what training is needed in your area, there are some valuable online resources in the following links:
Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia’s largest and fastest growing industry, employing over 1.5 million people. It covers health services like hospitals, GPs, dental and ambulance services, as well as services like child care and aged care. Many workers are female and part-time work is common. Education is important if you want to work in this industry. Jobs like nurses and doctors need a university degree, while child carers and aged care workers need VET qualifications.
In the news recently the Morrison Government tackled urgent workforce needs with a new, fast-tracked training qualifications for the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
The training reflects the need for Australians to learn the latest in digital technology and cyber security to meet current labour demands.
“The new training products will support the delivery of cyber security and digital skills needs training across multiple industries.” said The Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash.
There are many places to find out where the latest demands are. The following websites provide reports and information. I also recommend you contact your local CCI.
https://joboutlook.gov.au/future-outlook.aspx
https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics
https://www.ncver.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0041/3179885/Skills-for-a-global-future.pdf
https://www.aisc.net.au/sites/default/files/documents/Future%20Priority%20Skills%20Resource.pdf
https://www.myskills.gov.au/industries/business-education-training
Research your RTO business to be successful
Never has a business been able to succeed without conducting a thorough market research of their audience and the RTO services they intend to offer.
Carrying out market research when setting up your RTO business helps measure the risks involved with implementing various decision-based actions.
Your detailed research for your business idea will enable you know whether to act on those decisions or not. If your market research provides significant evidence of success, you must go for it. However, if your market research doesn’t provide enough data or confidence, you mustn’t take the risk.
As a recap, for registration of an RTO, if you intend to deliver training to students outside Victoria and Western Australia, or to international students, you will need to register with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
If you intend to deliver training only to domestic students in Victoria, or in Victoria and Western Australia, apply to register with VRQA. You can then transfer to ASQA at a later stage if that is something you wish to do.
Refer to this website for the process and any additional approvals for your scope you intend to have for your RTO.
https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/VET/Pages/registrationasatrainingorganisation.aspx
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See more RTO Mentor posts on setting up an RTO
RTO Setup – The Best Time to Plant a Tree is Now
The decision to set up and embark on the journey of setting up your RTO can be daunting. There are countless what-ifs, worries, and fears that can plague the mind of a prospective RTO owner. However, amidst these uncertainties, one thing remains certain: the best time to plant the seeds of your RTO venture is now. In my years of running my consultancy, I’ve had numerous conversations with individuals interested in developing their own RTO. Surprisingly, many of them choose to postpone their plans following our initial discussion. They adopt a “wait and see” approach, hoping for the perfect moment to take action. However, time passes, and after 2, 3, or even 5 years, some return, saying, “Remember me?” And indeed, I do. The reality is, while they were waiting, the landscape of RTO standards and regulations has evolved significantly. Their ideas, were once a feasible endeavour and the delay now presents new challenges and complexities. Compliance requirements have become more stringent, regulatory bodies have implemented changes, and the process of establishing an RTO has become more demanding. The window of opportunity they had envisioned may have closed, leaving them scrambling to catch up with the latest requirements and expectations. However, all hope is not lost. With the right guidance and determination, it’s still possible to navigate these challenges and realize their dream of owning and operating a successful RTO. You can’t alter the past; what’s done is done. Whether it’s been 20 years or 20 minutes since you first considered starting your own RTO, dwelling on missed opportunities or past hesitations serves no purpose other than to hinder progress. Regretting missed chances only serves to dampen your spirits and diminish the likelihood of taking action in the present moment. It’s natural for the brain to resist change. Just like the reluctance you might feel towards going for a run or hitting the gym, despite knowing the benefits it brings, your brain will conjure up all sorts of reasons why you shouldn’t embark on this new journey. It will present you with an array of fears, doubts, and uncertainties, all designed to keep you within your comfort zone. But here’s the truth: those fears are just illusions. Your brain is wired to seek comfort and avoid risk, even if change is ultimately the best thing for you. The time to challenge these fears and take action is now. The longer you wait, the more power you give to those doubts and the less likely you are to make a change. Setting up an RTO is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, but it’s also a rewarding one. It’s a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of learners, contribute to the development of skills and knowledge in your community, and create a business that aligns with your values and passions. The lesson here is clear: procrastination only leads to missed opportunities and increased difficulty down the road. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, it’s essential to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. By taking decisive action and seeking expert assistance early on, aspiring RTO owners can position themselves for success and avoid unnecessary setbacks caused by changes in regulations and standards. It’s never too late to start. So, seize the moment. Embrace the uncertainty and the fear, knowing that on the other side lies growth, fulfillment, and success. The time to plant the seeds of your RTO venture is now. Take that first step, and watch as your dreams begin to take root and flourish. The time to act is now. Remember, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.
Establishing an RTO to unlock opportunities
Education is the key to unlocking opportunities and breaking the chains of limitations that many in the community faced.
RTO Business Planning
For your RTO to succeed, it is important to fully understand what it takes to start, run and grow. Planning helps to establish how you will stand out from the crowd. This preparation is not only needed for your planning but also for your initial audit through a business plan complete with financial plans/projections.
Should I start an RTO business from scratch, or buy an existing one?
There are numerous factors to consider, so I’d like to offer a guide to help simplify your decision-making process. This article covers so many aspects. Starting at the approach of thoroughly evaluating all the potential advantages and disadvantages of buying an RTO before making your final decision. Have a look and see what not to miss
Are you considering setting up an RTO?
Setting up an RTO starts with planning. The foundation of a successful RTO service is really understanding the demographics that the service appeals to. Who are the people you will attract into your RTO? Where do they live, who do they interact with; are they old, young, men, women; do they enjoy certain activities?
How Setting up an RTO Is Like A Game Of Footy
To win the game, you need to analyse your opposition, know the rules of the game, and develop a strategy to win the contest. The same principles apply in setting up your RTO business.