As you know, ASQA has added the trainer and assessor vocation competency and currency in the spotlight to make sure RTO’s hire and maintain quality trainers and assessors.
Based on our team experience and questions from the industry, we have identified that many RTOs need guidance on trainer currency.
What are Current Industry Skills?
Current industry skills mean that students can be trained and equipped with skills that reflect the current workplace or industry requirements and allow them to progress into the workplace.
Why Maintain Vocational Currency?
Trainers and assessors with current industry skills are essential for:
- Aligning training and assessment with the latest industry standards and practices.
- Complying with the Standards for RTOs (SRTOs) 2015, specifically clause 1.13.
The following are the four simple ways to maintain current industry skills:
- Part-time or Casual Employment in the Industry: This is the easiest way to demonstrate the current industry skills. The trainer needs to work in the relevant industry in a part-time or casual capacity. The trainer needs to submit evidence of working in the industry to meet the requirements.
- Volunteer Work in the Industry: This is also easy if the relevant industry allows volunteer work, and trainers need to submit evidence to meet the requirements.
- Industry Visit: A highly effective method for trainers and assessors not actively employed in the industry. The trainer needs to visit relevant workplaces 3-4 times in a year or more as required and collect the information of new changes, including technology changes and other changes. Click here to access an industry visit form. You can modify the form as required according to your RTO requirements and process.
- Professional Development Activities: The trainer needs to attain professional development activities including but not limited to a webinar, networking events, industry projects and reading blogs and magazines. Crucially, maintain records that clearly demonstrate the connection between these PD activities and the units of competency you deliver as a VET trainer and assessor.
Note: you need to make sure all the evidence must be aligned with the units of competency that you are delivering. All the PD activities should be mapped with each unit that you are delivering.
Suggested Read: ASQA Annual Declaration on Compliance
Disclaimer:
The information presented on the VET Resources blog is for general guidance only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information. VET Resources is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Always consult a professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
