Set up an RTO – magical explanations
When you intend to set up an RTO you are faced with many decisions. Often we find that these decisions require magical explainations.
Creating Success in RTO Management
I like to think of a successful RTO manager as being akin to an architect; developing the educational blueprint that shapes the learning experience. They must possess a keen eye for industry relevance, whilst staying attuned to the needs of students and industries. They need
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.
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.
Complaints are not the worst thing that can happen in your RTO.
RTO complaints in your RTO are not the worst thing that can happen. Sometimes you could consider them as negative and unwelcome, and they certainly can create stress a bad feeling. Consider you complaints as an opportunity to put things right and learn for the future too. It is the way you look at them that counts.
Creating Exceptional Student Experiences
The Key to RTO Success is providing an exceptional student experience. When students encounter excellence at an RTO, they naturally become ambassadors, sharing their positive experiences with others. Conversely, subpar experiences can lead to negative word-of-mouth, potentially damaging an RTO’s reputation. Sadly, humans have a tendency to remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones. This psychological phenomenon, known as negativity bias, suggests that negative RTO experiences might be more easily recalled and shared. Both positive and negative experiences are shared through word-of-mouth. The power of word-of-mouth marketing for RTOs relies on students remembering and communicating the quality of their experiences, not just the fact that they had an experience. These authentic endorsements carry significant weight in influencing potential students’ decisions. Positive experiences shared by peers are perceived as more trustworthy than traditional marketing materials, making them a powerful and cost-effective promotional tool. Positive testimonials amplify an RTO’s reputation, making it more attractive to potential students and employers. This can lead to increased enrolments and partnerships So how do we harness this power? Delivering Relevant and Aligned Content Create an experience that is worth talking about Encourage students to share their experiences on social media platforms. Regularly collect and act on student feedback to continuously improve your offerings. Delivering Relevant and Aligned Content A key aspect of creating an exceptional student experience is providing content that is directly applicable to learners’ needs and aligned with industry objectives. This ensures that students receive education and training that meet industry needs, making them more employable. I recall a leadership training session, where the facilitator, Sarah, began speaking, and I knew the course was going to be different. Her energy was infectious, and she immediately engaged us with a thought-provoking question about our biggest leadership challenges. The room lit up with everyone contributing. As I listened to my peers share their experiences, I realised I wasn’t alone in my struggles. As the course continued we didn’t just learn theories; we practiced them in real-time through role-playing exercises and case studies based on our actual work situations. Everyone loved it and there was always a high energy vibe in the room. What truly made this training valuable was the follow-up. We weren’t just sent back to our jobs with a binder full of notes. Instead, we were paired with accountability partners and had monthly check-ins with Sarah to discuss how we were implementing our new skills. Six months after the course, I noticed a significant improvement in my team’s performance and morale. I was communicating more effectively, delegating with confidence, and fostering a more collaborative environment. My supervisor noticed too, and I was given additional responsibilities as a result. I raved about this training session to anyone who would listen. I am sure I sent at least 50 students to them. This is what I am talking about, an experience that people rave about. To achieve this: Regularly update course materials to reflect the latest industry trends and technologies. Involve industry professionals in content development to ensure relevance. Clearly connect course content to learning objectives and real-world applications. Incorporating e-learning into your RTO’s offerings can significantly enhance the student experience. E-learning has been shown to increase student performance, with research indicating that students retain 25-60% more information through online learning compared to traditional classroom settings. Key benefits of e-learning include: Higher student engagement through multimedia materials. Flexibility for students to learn at their own pace. Better data and analytics tracking for continuous improvement. Creating Engaging Learning Environments To create an exceptional student experience, focus on : Providing personalised learning that caters to different learning styles. Provide opportunities for students to apply new skills in real-world scenarios. Incorporate teamwork and peer-to-peer learning. Include follow-up activities to support long-term retention. This approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, leading to better learning outcomes and improved performance in the workplace. From a faciliators perspective it is always wonderful to see those lightbulb moments as participants connected theory to practice. Watching people discover new techniques and immediately apply them in mock scenarios are often a highlight of the day. Gathering and Acting on Feedback Great training programs are regularly evaluated and updated based on feedback and changing needs. This can be done through: Surveys at different stages of the student journey. Focus groups to gain deeper insights. An open-door policy encouraging students to share their thoughts and concerns. All of these areas will assist you to get that valuable student feedback – the one where they market your RTO and it’s services to others. By focusing on creating exceptional student experiences, RTOs can build a strong reputation, increase enrolments, and create a community of satisfied learners who become brand ambassadors. Remember, the student experience is not just a nice-to-have – it is a critical factor in your RTO’s success.
Speaking for our sector
It is my belief that skills-based training should be given a higher funding priority, to turbocharge its development to catch up with the current needs of industry.
Re-Thinking your RTO Business
It’s Not Just Policy, It’s About People. Business has always been personal for me. I grew up witnessing the triumphs and tribulations of a family business, experiencing firsthand the rollercoaster of success and the gut-wrenching impact of unforeseen challenges. My parents would discuss business at the dinner table – strategies, the state of the market, customer service, the staff issues, risks, tough decisions. We all knew it, we felt it, we lived it. Those conversations shaped me. I learned that business isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people, leadership, and building that personal resilience. In my journey of leading teams, I’ve seen firsthand the frustration of having a disconnected, disengaged team – the long hours spent picking up the slack, the missed opportunities, and the weight of carrying it all alone. I understand the pressure of making tough decisions, the sleepless nights worrying about cash flow, and the constant push to keep things moving forward, even when it feels like you’re running on empty. So when I started my own business, I carried those lessons with me; the importance of adaptability, the weight of responsibility, and the reality that success isn’t just about working hard, but working smart. Frankly, that’s why I’m passionate about helping Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) understand and move with the complexities of legislation and compliance in a way that protects the business but actually enhances it. To share ideas with RTO Leaders so that they can turn regulatory requirements into opportunities for growth, efficiency, and meaningful impact. Because when the foundation is strong, the business can thrive. An RTO is more than just a compliance checklist and a series of training courses; it’s about building connection with learners, creating meaningful collaboration amongst staff, and deeply understanding what drives your people – both trainers and learners alike – to achieve exceptional outcomes. In my business, I wear many hats, allowing me to see the RTO industry from multiple perspectives. As a business coach, I work with RTO owners who often feel overwhelmed by the regulatory environment – an environment that seems to constantly shift – but who are, at their core, driven by a passion for providing quality education and empowering others to achieve their full potential. They’re not just struggling with the sheer volume of compliance requirements; they’re deeply concerned about the impact that these requirements have on their people – the stress on trainers, the administrative burden, and the student experience. For years, I’ve worked in training, marketing and operations, but what truly captivates me is the human element within business. Understanding how people learn, what motivates trainers to deliver exceptional instruction, and how staff connect to create a supportive learning environment are the keys to genuine success in vocational education. That’s why I focus on understanding the decision-making processes of both learners and RTO staff, and how an RTO can be structured and managed in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and ultimately beneficial, rather than forced and draining. Running an RTO isn’t simply about ticking compliance boxes and churning out qualifications. It’s about creating a strong sense of purpose, and knowing your and your team’s strengths and needs. It’s about operating in a way that aligns with your core values while still encouraging continuous improvement. Let’s be honest, many compliance-driven approaches feel like a blunt instrument, designed to meet regulatory requirements without truly understanding the underlying challenges and opportunities. But what if you could build an RTO that: Significantly improved learner engagement and completion rates? Developed a team culture that inspired and boosted staff morale? Strengthened your reputation within the industry and community? That’s where a thoughtful, people-centric approach comes in. And it doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple, clear, and built to last – that’s what truly effective person centred RTO strategies are made of. Here is a way to approach leading an RTO in a way that works: Understand Your Workforce: Take the time to truly understand your employees’ needs, concerns, and preferences. What are their challenges? How are the trainers ensuring that they have a positive impact on the learner? are they inclusive, or demonstrating bias in their work? Surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations can provide invaluable insights. Self-Awareness and Awareness of Impact: This is key for effective leadership and team dynamics. How do you show up as a leader? What impact does your communication style have on your team and learners? Are you creating a culture of trust and open communication? Self-reflection, 360-degree feedback, and leadership training can help you become more aware of your strengths and areas for improvement. Develop a Compelling “Why” – Beyond Compliance: Don’t just tell people what to do; explain why it matters. Why is quality training important for the industry you serve? How does achieving a qualification impact learners’ lives and career prospects? How does a commitment to excellence benefit the entire RTO community? Clearly articulate the RTO’s mission, vision, and values, and demonstrate how every action aligns with these principles. Meet Them Where They Are – Support Well-being and Professional Growth: Acknowledge the challenges and pressures faced by RTO staff, particularly trainers and assessors. Provide flexible work arrangements where possible to support work-life balance and well-being. Offer professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Create a supportive and collaborative work environment where staff feel valued and respected. Ensure they have the resources and tools they need to effectively perform their roles. Communicate, communicate, communicate – Clearly, Consistently, and Ethically. Open and honest communication is vital. Keep staff and learners informed about changes in policies, procedures, and industry standards. Provide regular updates on RTO performance and progress toward strategic goals. Establish clear channels for feedback and address concerns promptly and fairly. Actively solicit input from both staff and learners to improve the RTO’s operations. In addition, make sure you are actively demonstrating ethical and honest communications, to build confidence across your operations. There’s a natural flow to things when you stop forcing square pegs into round holes – when
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.
3 tips to help you increase your RTO
Your RTO Success depends on you constantly looking at your business. Working on your business, managing the numbers and reviewing the metrics. Your RTO Success relies on you looking at the following: Maintain your Focus for the Long Term.
RTO Coach (and mentor)
Running an RTO often feels like you’re steering a busy harbour: constant movement, shifting conditions, and a stream of decisions only you can make. Most leaders won’t admit it, but the real strain isn’t the paperwork — it’s the weight of being the one everyone relies on. It’s the weight of holding the whole business together. The people, the policies, the students, the physical space…I could go on. One misstep and everything could topple. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting. My role is to help them step back, see the pattern, and put out the fires before they spread. When women come to me, they’re usually carrying a blend of confidence and exhaustion. They know their training. They know the standards. But beneath that capability sits fatigue, decision overload, a team needing direction, and the quiet sense that the RTO is starting to direct them. Sometimes I see it as a heavy curtain drawn between the RTO owner and the clarity they need to make confident decisions. Behind that curtain, they’re juggling staffing issues, compliance updates, running courses and growth strategies, and they can’t always see the path forward. Working together, we gently pull the curtain aside. And along the journey the chaos becomes manageable. The path becomes visible, and the next steps are clear. This is where RTO coaching becomes more than strategy – it becomes realignment. This is the heart of coaching Where clarity that cuts through noise, strategy that feels aligned, and leadership that finally breathes again. Because your RTO is more than a business. It’s a legacy. It shapes futures, opens doors, and lifts people into new possibilities. But it can only rise sustainably when its leader is centred, supported, and clear. Through a combination of strategic planning, leadership development, and holistic coaching, I help RTO leaders move from operational overwhelm to strategic freedom. We design growth plans, implement new strategies, and build leadership capacity so they can step out of day-to-day firefighting. The results are not just operational; they’re personal, and sustainable. Owners start earning more, working fewer hours, and rediscovering the joy and purpose that led them to start their RTO in the first place. It’s deeply rewarding to watch leaders transform, not just in how they run their business, but in how they show up for themselves and their teams. If you’ve ever felt like the ocean is beginning to boil up into a storm – or that curtain is too heavy to lift anymore – you don’t have to navigate it alone. My FREE online Discovery call can help you step back, see the bigger picture, and create the space to grow both personally and professionally. RTO coaching isn’t about adding more to your workload — it’s about giving you the space to lead at the level you’re truly capable of. Book a call today
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