Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) play a vital role in delivering vocational education and training (VET) to individuals and organizations across Australia. Trends and Innovations are an area to watch in RTO training. As technology and the needs of the workforce evolve, so too does the landscape of RTO training.
Back in 2018 there was a conference I attended that focused on the future of VET and the disruption era we live in. if only they knew at that point how things would look only 4 years on!
We know that each year brings change, especially in the VET sector. Training is still needed, and even more so now that we are working with COVID19 fall out.
Change has always been here, yet the pandemic brought with it many changes that happened extremely fast. Take online training for instance. We got better Student management Systems, we had regulators change their mind about the fact that online is actually a great way to train (when done well) and we got to have less travel.
We live in change, yet there always seems to be amazing students who are doing some fantastic things in their communities. I am excited to be part of the VET sector, even after many years of change.
- Growth areas include:
- IT especially cyber security
- Community services
- International students are coming back
- Upskilling – micro courses to meet the need of change
- Hospitality – in fact there is a need right now for quality trained staff in this sector.
- Training still needs to be affordable for all
- The RTO sector needs to be flexible and nimble enough to keep up with the rapid change happening in our sector
So all of this got me thinking about how you can be supported to move forward with a successful RTO. Here are my ideas to help you.
- Consider what you have on scope
We are constantly being told to undertake industry engagement, well I am saying it again. Ask your students and clients and listen to what they want. It might not be a full blown Diploma or Certificate IV qualification. It might be a small course they are seeking. Maybe something with only 3 units of competence in it.
Gathering this information will provide you with a short term strategy and enable you to plan a long term strategy – what courses they want, how they want them, and when. This is an opportunity to sharpen the focus of your RTOs vision and long-term goals. You might be pleasantly surprised what the students and clients have to say.
- Maintaining Your Focus on Service Quality.
Regardless if you have gone online, we still need to establish systems that provide a quality service to ensure you provide what the client wants. Personalised learning is another trend that is likely to become more prevalent in the future.
When was the last time you checked those training and assessment strategies and internal processes to deliver the greatest value to your customers and clients? My best advice is to listen to your clients and they will tell you how you can improve.
Students no longer want to be sat in a classroom where they are talked at for hours on end – so consider ways to support them and their learning. With personalised learning, learners have the ability to tailor their learning experience to their own needs and preferences. This can be achieved through the use of technology, such as adaptive learning software or personalized learning plans. BOOK AN AUDIT
- Keeping up with Innovation.
Online learning means we can create a different learning practice which can lead a better student experience. There are so many options such as create and share lessons online, or in a blended environment, flipping classrooms, creating your own animated videos or allowing students to imagine, write, illustrate and share their own stories.
Many of the Student management systems offer ways to connect with your cohort, and include them in the lessons. Then of course there are the many social media platforms where students/ trainers can bring together content and share in various ways.
Consider the future of RTO compliance and ways to include employers in your digital information and collection.
RTOs need to harness the power of digital data, and keep compliance, so make sure you have a record of all the contact with students. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes (remember your continuous improvement). Be bold, think big and learn along the way.
Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s likely to continue to grow in the future. RTOs are increasingly using online learning platforms to deliver training, which allows for more flexibility and accessibility for learners. Online learning can also help RTOs to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
4. Keeping Technologies Mobile
The world is awash with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other realities where technologies that are already making a big impact on education. There is much excitement allowing realistic immersive learning environments come to life. Adding to this SMS and learning management systems are becoming compatible with this technology, allowing for compliance and a great experience.
IPads and mobiles are used for everything now a days. If your students are head down looking at them, then use them to your advantage. Write them into the training & better still incorporate them into your assessments solutions. Having the capacity to keep digital images for evidence means you are one step ahead of compliance and validation.
5. Skills-Based Training
As the needs of the workforce continue to evolve, RTOs may shift their focus towards skills-based training. This type of training focuses on developing specific skills that are in demand by employers, rather than providing a broad education. Skills-based training can help learners to quickly acquire the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field.
RTOs must adapt to these changes in order to remain relevant and meet the needs of learners and employers. By embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to training, RTOs can continue to deliver high-quality education and training to individuals and organizations across Australia.
Did you know?
RTO Mentor is Australia’s business coach for RTO’s and helping you with RTO compliance.
From starting out as an RTO, to helping you and the future of your RTO business thrive, RTO Mentor is a solution for you.
Learn how we can help your training organisation here, or chat with us to see how we can work with you to reach your training management goals here.
