Why RTOs must comply with ASQA marketing guidelines for advertising Leave a comment

Introduction

Are you aware of the ASQA marketing guidelines for advertising and how they impact your RTO’s ability to attract and retain students? Do you worry about the potential consequences of non-compliance with ASQA marketing guidelines?

You play a major role in a learner’s career growth while providing a career opportunity to the staff you employ. To stay profitable you, need to follow certain steps like developing compliant training resources, validating assessment tools, recognising prior learning and marketing or advertising about your services.

The blog, “Why RTOs must comply with ASQA marketing guidelines for advertising” will discuss

• ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs
• What Channels to use for RTO marketing
• Consequence of non compliance with ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs
• Expert Tips to follow ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs

Since the ASQA guidelines can be difficult to understand, this blog will act as your guide to follow the guidelines. Let’s begin.

ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs

You must align the marketing and advertising campaigns with the ASQA standards for RTO 2015. Clause 4.1 mandates RTOs to follow these guidelines.

According to ASQA, you must provide information regarding all the training programs to potential and enrolled students. This information should not be fabricated in any manner or difficult to access. Such a declaration will help learners to decide if they are willing to go ahead with the admission or the program.

You will be preparing marketing materials to advertise their training programs; these materials should consider the following :

• The marketing materials should only bear the RTO’s working business name.
• The RTO’s registration code must be mentioned in all the materials.
• The name of the qualification, unit code, and title of each training program should be mentioned in the marketing materials. This information is available on the TGA website (gov.au)
• If financial aid or scholarships are available, the RTO must disclose this information. Learners must also have a clear understanding of how to repay any loans if they are provided.
• The RTO must also disclose any additional fees or costs that they charge.
• The RTO must not provide qualifications to learners if the training package is not compliant with the ASQA standards for RTOs 2015.
• If the RTO is using the names of other persons or organisations in their marketing materials, they must obtain consent from those persons or organisations.
• The RTO must only use the Nationally Recognised Training (NRT) logo as mandated by ASQA’s conditions of use.
• The RTO must disclose the type of programs they offer. They should also inform learners about the nationally certified programs and non-certified programs on their scope of registration.
• Marketing materials should not include information on training packages that are not on the RTO’s scope of registration.
• The RTO can only advertise a course as a licensed course qualification once they have confirmation from the relevant industry.

For more information regarding ASQA guidelines click here.

What Channels to use for RTO marketing

RTOs can use several channels while complying with the marketing standards and providing true and accurate information. Some of the channels are as follows:

• Online advertisement- this includes Google AdWords
• Social Media- Using popular platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
• Websites- These include RTO’s own website and others where the materials are referred to or promoted.
• Online Directories- Commonly used ones include Yellow Pages and .
• Broadcasting channels like Television and Radio.
• Hard copy publications, brochures and Newspaper
• Third party which abides by standard laws and regulations of the region and relates to the RTO and training and assessment that you provide.

Consequence of non-compliance with ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs

RTOs may be issued notice for non-compliance and can get their registration cancelled. A non-compliance notice is given when an RTO fails to follow the VET standards and violates the VET quality framework. Ensure your marketing campaigns are both compelling and compliant with these tips. Attract potential students, accurately represent your training programs, and uphold the integrity of VET in Australia.

While following the ASQA standards, the RTO must also abide by other laws and regulations regarding advertisement and marketing like Spam law and Australian Consumer and Law (ACL). The Australian Consumer and Law (ACL) does not allow false or misleading representations and Deceptive conduct. TO control unsolicited commercial electronic messages, the Spam Act is in place which RTOs must comply with.

Expert Tips to follow ASQA Marketing guidelines for RTOs

The following tips will be very helpful in developing RTO’s marketing plans. These plans will also help them to stay compliant with .

• Keep your training packages current by updating them when new updates are released. This is important because RTOs are not allowed to advertise about any other units of competency, skill sets, and qualifications other than the ones on their scope of registration.
• Subscribe to newsletters from gov.au and ASQA to stay updated on the latest changes to the RTO standards.
• Appoint a marketing team to regularly check and update marketing materials. This team should also be responsible for ensuring that all marketing materials are compliant with ASQA.
• Be transparent with learners about all fees and costs associated with the training program. This includes admission fees, additional fees, and training resources.
• Consult with marketing experts or lawyers before launching any marketing campaigns. This will help you to make informed decisions and avoid any legal issues.
• Obtain consent from any persons or organisations whose names or images are used in marketing materials.
• Maintain a detailed record of all marketing campaigns, including drafts and changes. This will help you to track your progress and make improvements in the future.
• Check the certification of your qualifications before providing any information to learners. This will help you to avoid publishing inaccurate information.
• Make sure that all training resources and learning resources are in line with the marketing materials. This will help to boost the confidence of learners in your training package.
• Be fair and transparent during ASQA audits and other types of inspections. This will show your commitment to compliance and boost your reputation.
• If you use a third-party marketing firm, make sure that they are providing accurate information. The RTO is ultimately responsible for compliance with the RTO standards 2015.

Conclusion

As an RTO, adhering to the ASQA marketing guidelines for advertising is not just a legal obligation; it’s an investment in your organisation’s reputation and long-term success. By following these guidelines, you can protect your RTO from potential legal and financial repercussions, while simultaneously building trust with prospective learners and establishing yourself as a responsible and ethical provider of vocational education and training (VET) services.

In today’s competitive VET landscape, maintaining a positive reputation and attracting a steady stream of enrollments is crucial for survival. By complying with the ASQA marketing guidelines for RTOs, you can safeguard your organisation’s image, boost admissions, and cultivate a thriving learning environment for your students. Remember, compliance is not just a matter of avoiding penalties; it’s about demonstrating your commitment to ethical practices and ensuring that your RTO operates with the highest standards of integrity.

Where can I find the best training resources for my RTO?

If you are an RTO looking to purchase ASQA compliant training resources, learner resources or training packages then VET Resources is your partner. We also offer consultation in all matters related to RTO. For more information contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.1. Where RTO’s can reach ASQA?

A.1. RTOs can contact ASQA on the info line number- 1300 701 801 between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm AEST from Monday to Friday or by emailing enquiries@asqa.gov.au

Q.2. What is a course code of qualification?

A.2. Course code is generally in the form of (Course code) (Course name) and contains Roman numerals (if required). Example- CUADIG511, HLTAHA003

Q.3. How can RTOs advertise using printed materials like newspapers or brochures?

A.3. While advertising through printed media, emphasis should be on the RTO code being clearly visible. Also, the NRT logo should be put only when the training product being advertised is registered on your scope of registration.

Q.4. How the social media marketing can be done by RTOs?

A.4. While using social media as a marketing channel, a few things need to be taken care of. The Page/post/tweet should contain your RTO code. RTO may use the name and code as the name of the social media page as well. Reply to the comment on the posts/tweets do not require your RTO code.

Q.5. Who approves RTO’s marketing plans?

A.5. RTO’s Marketing Manager approves all the plans and activities in order to ensure its compliance with Marketing guidelines like ACL and Spam.