Helping RTOs build confident, compliant trainers-one milestone at a time.
Do you remember your first day as a trainer? That strange mix of excitement and panic – “I’ve got the qualification… now what?” For most new graduates of the TAE40122, the transition into their first real training role is a rollercoaster. They’re often bright-eyed and motivated, but also overwhelmed by systems, expectations, and the sheer responsibility of shaping adult learners.
As a lecturer for the TAE40122, I witness every emotion under the sun: excitement, frustration, imposter syndrome, passion, nerves. And for many, it’s not the training part that’s hardest; it’s learning how to operate inside an RTO, meet compliance demands, and apply their new knowledge confidently.
This is where the role of a mentor is invaluable. Mentors don’t just support-they stabilise, model, and accelerate growth. For RTOs that invest in structured mentoring for new trainers, the return is measurable: improved confidence, better quality outcomes, and stronger compliance from the get-go.
In this post we’ll walk through a structured 90-day mentoring framework. This roadmap will help you guide them from “just qualified” to “fully contributing” with clarity, care, and compliance.
Month 1 – Foundations & Immersion
The early days are about making your new trainer feel safe, supported, and steadily introduced to your RTO’s unique ecosystem.
Mentor’s Focus
- Warm Welcome & Onboarding:
A good start matters. Introduce them to the team and familiarise them with your systems: LMS, student management, file storage. Walk them through key policies – especially WHS, Code of Conduct, complaints/appeals. Help them feel seen, not just slotted in. - Provide information that can be taken in chunks
- It is important you don’t overwhelm them at this point, because nothing will sink in.
- Have them SET goals that are clear and confidence-focused. For example: “By the end of Month 1, I can find my course resources and explain how our assessment process works.”
- Demystifying the VET Sector:
Ground their freshly learned TAE40122 theory in real practice. Show how your Training Packages, TAS documents, and assessment tools actually function in your RTO. - Observation & Shadowing:
Organise observations of quality training delivery and assessment. Invite them to co-facilitate a session or lead a low-stakes activity. Debrief generously. - Establishing the Mentoring Rhythm:
Quick daily chats and weekly deeper check-ins can make all the difference. Keep your tone approachable – questions should always be welcome.
Sometimes it’s about sharing ideas, and letting them they don’t have to know everything- they just need to hold the space well.
Milestones by Day 30
- Feels included and welcomed
- Navigates RTO systems with growing confidence
- Observed quality delivery/assessment
- Understands where to find key documents and support
Month 2 – Building Skills & Confidence
Month 2 is all about supported action. This is where the mentor becomes a mirror, sounding board, and cheerleader.
Mentor’s Focus
- Guided Practice in Delivery & Assessment
- Encourage the new trainer to step into segments of delivery – openings, group work, demonstrations. Offer targeted, immediate feedback. Focus on clarity, engagement, and classroom presence.
- Explain how to interpret marking guides, conduct pre-assessment checks, and apply the principles of assessment in context. Supervise live assessments and debrief openly.
- Compliance Integration:
Help them link daily tasks to ASQA standards-particularly those around learner support, record-keeping, and assessment practices. Start weaving in version control and validation principles. - Learner Engagement & Management:
Support them to build strategies for inclusive, respectful, and responsive training. Introduce them to the RTO’s support services and behaviour management plans. - Encourage Reflective Practice:
“Tell me what worked. What would you try differently?” Simple, consistent reflection builds real-world self-assessment habits.
Milestones by Day 60
- Delivering training with partial independence
- Conducting assessments with oversight
- Comfortable engaging learners and handling basic challenges
- Able to discuss compliance requirements in practical terms
Month 3 – Refining & Towards Independence
This is the final transition-from guided practice to professional autonomy.
- Increasing Independence:
Let them lead. Step back while they run full sessions. Observe lightly. Stay available, but trust their development. - Developing Problem-Solving Skills:
Don’t give them all the answers – guide them to find solutions. “What does the TAS say?” “How could you adapt that activity for a different cohort?” - Contribution to Quality & Compliance:
Invite them into moderation, validation, or resource development. Ask for their feedback-what’s working? What’s not? - Continuous Improvement Mindset:
Talk about PD goals. Suggest joining a webinar, shadowing another trainer, or staying engaged with industry currency. Nurture their growth beyond the 90 days. - Formal Review & Celebration:
Meet to reflect and plan forward. Review strengths, areas for continued growth, and what support might look like from here. Most importantly-celebrate how far they’ve come!
Milestones by Day 90
- Delivering and assessing with minimal support
- Demonstrates compliance awareness and application
- Engages proactively in team and quality processes
- Confidently identifies next steps in their own growth
Key Takeaways for Mentors & RTOs
- Be Patient & Empathetic: Many new trainers feel lost before they feel confident.
- Tailor Your Support: Some need hands-on practice. Others need validation.
- Balance Challenge with Care: Nurture growth through structured, stretch-based learning.
- Feedback Builds Confidence: Make it timely, honest, and encouraging.
- Link Back to TAE40122: Bring theory to life through your processes.
- Keep Notes: Mentoring logs support both trainer development and RTO compliance.
- Celebrate Progress: Milestones deserve acknowledgement-no matter how small.
A structured, supported first 90 days can make or break a new trainer’s confidence and contribution. When RTOs take mentoring seriously, they don’t just support the trainer-they lift the entire learning experience for students.
If your RTO employs new TAE40122 graduates, now’s the time to strengthen your mentoring approach. Whether you use this roadmap directly or adapt it to your setting, you’ll see the difference in trainer capability, learner outcomes, and compliance ease.
Blog by Merinda Smith – RTO Mentor, TAE Lecturer, Leadership Coach
🎧 Listen to my podcast: The Reins of Leadership
💬 Connect on LinkedIn | 📩 Contact me for mentoring & compliance support
