How to Calculate the Amount of Training for VET Courses? Leave a comment

In VET, we all know that time is a precious resource. But are you harnessing its full potential for your RTO? Are your training programs designed to maximise learning while staying efficient and compliant?  It’s a challenge we all face.

The truth is training duration is about more than just meeting the minimum requirements. It’s a strategic decision that directly impacts your RTO’s success – your students’ outcomes, your reputation, and even your bottom line.

This guide isn’t just for RTO leaders. It’s for everyone involved in training VET students – managers, course developers, trainers, and assessors. Together, we can explore how to make the most of every minute, ensuring your training programs are both effective and efficient.

Why is the Amount of Training a Strategic Lever for RTO Growth?

let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Think of training duration as a tool in your RTO’s toolbox. Use it wisely, and it can boost your growth in some pretty exciting ways.

Get More Students, Keep More Students

First things first, the right training duration can be a big drawcard for new students. They’re looking for courses that fit their busy lives. If your courses are too long, you might scare them off. But make them too short, and they might worry they won’t get the skills they need. Find that sweet spot, and you’ll see more enrolments – and happier students who stick around to graduate.

When students have a positive learning experience, they’re more likely to finish their course and spread the word about your RTO.  That means better completion rates and a shiny reputation that attracts even more students. It’s a win-win!

 Money Matters: Don’t Waste a Dime

Think about it this way: every hour of training costs money – trainers’ wages, facility costs, materials, you name it. If your courses are longer than they need to be, you’re throwing money down the drain. But if they’re too short, you might end up having to repeat training or provide extra support, which also eats into your profits. Get the duration right, and you’ll save money while still delivering top-notch training.

What is “Amount of Training?”

Let’s start with the basics. “Amount of training” simply means the time your students need to spend on structured learning activities to be ready for assessment. This includes everything from classroom sessions and workshops to online modules and workplace training.

So, why should you care about this? Well, the amount of training directly affects your students’ learning experience. Too little, and they won’t grasp the concepts. Too much, and they might get bored or lose motivation. Getting it right is key to student success.

The Three Ingredients of Training Duration

Think of training duration as a recipe with three key ingredients:

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in determining the right amount of training. In the next sections, we’ll break down each one and explore how it affects your decision-making.

Know Your Students: Practical tips for assessing student needs and experience levels.

Remember, your students aren’t all the same.  They come from different backgrounds, have different skill levels, and learn at different paces. So, a cookie-cutter approach to training duration just won’t cut it.

Get to Know Them: Assess, Don’t Assume

Before you set a course duration in stone, get to know your students. What skills and experience do they already have? What are their learning goals? Are there any language or learning difficulties you need to consider?

You can gather this info through pre-training surveys, interviews, or even informal chats.  The more you know about your students, the better you can tailor the training to their needs.

Different Students, Different Needs

Think about the different groups of students you might have:

Don’t forget, each group might need a different amount of training to succeed.

Listen Up: Feedback is Your Friend

Once training is underway, keep your ear to the ground. Listen to what your students are saying. Are they struggling to keep up? Or are they bored and looking for more challenge?

Regular feedback surveys or informal check-ins can give you valuable insights. Use this feedback to adjust your training duration as needed. It’s all about finding the right balance for your students.

Deconstructing the Training Product: Not All Courses Are Created Equal

Now, let’s turn our attention to the second ingredient in our training duration recipe: the training product itself. Just like students, not all courses are the same. Some are a breeze, while others are more like climbing a mountain.

Get to Know Your Course: Complexity Check

Before you can figure out the right amount of training, you need to understand the complexity of the course you’re delivering.  This means looking at the training package, the units of competency, and the skills and knowledge students need to master.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you gauge complexity:

Depth and breadth: How much detail does the course go into? Does it cover a wide range of topics or just a few specific ones?

Skills vs. knowledge: Does the course focus more on practical skills or theoretical knowledge?

Application: Do students need to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios?

Regulatory requirements: Are there any industry-specific regulations or standards that students need to meet?

The more complex the course, the more training time you’ll likely need.

One way to make training more efficient is by clustering units of competency. This means grouping together similar or complementary units and teaching them at the same time. This can help reduce repetition and make the learning process smoother for your students.

 Delivery Mode Matters: Choose Wisely

Your choice of delivery mode can also affect the amount of training needed. Here’s a quick comparison:

The right delivery mode for you will depend on your students, your resources, and the nature of the training product. But keep in mind that different modes can significantly impact the amount of training required.

The Calculation Process: A step-by-step guide to calculating training duration.

How do you actually calculate the right amount of training? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start with the Volume of Learning: The Australian Qualifications Framework gives you a general idea of how long a course should take. Use this as a starting point.

Factor in Your Students: Remember those student profiles we talked about? Consider their experience, skills, and learning needs. This will help you adjust the duration up or down.

Look at the Course: Evaluate the complexity of your training product. Are there lots of units? Is it super technical? More complex courses usually need more training time.

Delivery Mode Makes a Difference: Think about how you’re delivering the course. Online courses might be faster, while face-to-face classes could need more time.

Crunch the Numbers: Now, put it all together. Add up the time for each unit or module, considering all the factors we’ve discussed. This gives you an estimated total training duration.

Practical Example: Calculating the Amount of Training

Let’s bring theory to life with a detailed example. Imagine you are designing a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120). Here’s a comprehensive guide to calculating the amount of training required:

Step 1: Start with the Volume of Learning

According to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a Certificate III course typically requires 1200-2400 hours of learning. This encompasses all activities, including classroom instruction, online modules, workplace training, and self-study. This range provides a foundational benchmark to ensure the course meets national standards.

Step 2: Factor in Your Students

Next, consider your students’ profiles. Suppose your students possess basic computer skills but have varying levels of business knowledge. This diversity influences the total training hours needed.

After assessing their backgrounds through surveys and interviews, you estimate an average requirement of 1500 hours of structured learning to bridge their knowledge gaps and meet the course outcomes.

Step 3: Analyse the Course Complexity

Now, dissect the course content. Certificate III in Business comprises 12 units of competency. Some units are straightforward, while others demand more in-depth learning. For instance:

• BSBCRT311 Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment: This unit is complex, focusing on practical application and critical thinking, requiring more training hours.
• BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities: This unit, though essential, is less complex and more theoretical.

Step 4: Choose the Delivery Mode

Your delivery mode significantly impacts the training duration. You opt for a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face instruction and online learning to leverage the benefits of both methods:

• Face-to-Face Learning: 60% of the total time, equating to 900 hours, facilitates hands-on experience, direct interaction, and immediate feedback.
• Online Learning: 40% of the total time, or 600 hours, offers flexibility, self-paced study, and accessibility, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Step 5: Crunch the Numbers

Break down the time allocation for each unit, considering its complexity and the chosen delivery mode. Here’s how you might distribute the hours:

• BSBCRT311 Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment:
  • Face-to-Face: 80 hours to cover practical workshops, group activities, and interactive sessions.
  • Online: 40 hours for theory, case studies, and self-assessment tasks.
• BSBPEF301 Organise personal work priorities:
  • Face-to-Face: 60 hours for interactive lessons, real-life simulations, and guided practice.
  • Online: 30 hours for theoretical content, digital resources, and self-directed learning.

Continue this detailed breakdown for all 12 units, ensuring each unit’s training duration is tailored to its specific requirements. Once all units are accounted for, sum up the total hours to ensure it aligns with the AQF guidelines.

Final Calculation

By meticulously calculating the hours for each unit and combining the structured learning activities, you confirm that the total training duration for the Certificate III in Business is 1500 hours. This balanced approach ensures your course is comprehensive, engaging, and aligned with AQF standards, providing an optimal learning experience for your students.

Future proofing Your Strategy

The VET sector is always changing. New technologies pop up, industries evolve, and student expectations shift. So, how do you make sure your training duration strategy doesn’t get left in the dust?

Tech-Savvy Training: In 2024, it’s not just about online learning. We’re talking AI-powered assessments, virtual reality simulations for hands-on skills, and micro-credentials for quick upskilling. Embrace these innovations to deliver training faster and more effectively. Your students (and your bottom line) will thank you.

Skills for the Future: The job market is changing rapidly. Keep tabs on the National Skills Commission’s reports and industry forecasts. Are your courses preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow? By aligning your training duration with in-demand skills, you’ll attract more students and boost their employability.

Agility is Your Superpower: The pandemic taught us that change can happen overnight. Build agility into your RTO. Use modular course structures that you can easily adapt. Explore flexible delivery modes like blended learning. This way, you can quickly adjust your training duration and respond to unexpected events or shifts in the market.

Investing in the Future: Don’t just train for today – invest in tomorrow. Upskill your trainers in emerging technologies. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By staying ahead of the curve, you’ll ensure your RTO remains competitive and relevant in the ever-changing VET landscape.

Time to Wrap Up

Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground. You’ve learned what “amount of training” means, why it matters, and how to calculate it. We’ve talked about understanding your students, deconstructing your training products, and even embracing new technologies to future-proof your strategy.

Now, it’s your turn to put these ideas into action.  Take a fresh look at your course durations. Do they match the needs of your students and the demands of the industry?  Are you using technology to your advantage? Are you ready to adapt to whatever the future throws your way?

Remember, training duration isn’t just about compliance – it’s about giving your students the best possible learning experience. By investing time and effort into optimising your training duration, you’re not just ticking boxes. You’re setting your RTO up for success, one well-designed course at a time.

So, go on, grab that toolbox and start building a brighter future for your RTO!

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