RTOs are challenged with ensuring trainers and assessors possess up-to-date industry skills and knowledge due to fast-paced advancements, particularly with technology. RTO management should be well aware that maintaining current expertise is vital for delivering high-quality, relevant VET courses that prepare students for the workforce. One effective approach to achieving this is by collaborating with industry experts, who can provide invaluable insights and guidance in a rapidly evolving landscape. The following information suggests five ways in which RTOs can collaborate with industry experts to ensure that trainers and assessors stay ahead of the curve, keeping pace with industry changes and maintaining the quality of the VET courses they deliver.
Inviting guest lecturers and speakers:
By inviting industry experts to deliver guest lectures or participate in panel discussions at RTO events, you can expose your trainers and assessors to current trends, technologies, and best practices in their respective fields. These guest sessions not only enrich the learning experience but also foster networking opportunities and open the door to future collaborations with industry professionals.
Participating in industry-sponsored workshops and seminars:
Encourage your trainers and assessors to attend industry-sponsored workshops and seminars, which provide targeted, hands-on learning experiences focused on specific skills and techniques. These events allow your staff to gain practical insights into the latest developments in their industry sectors, ensuring they remain well-versed in the most recent advancements and industry standards.
Facilitating industry secondments and job shadowing:
Arrange for trainers and assessors to undertake short-term secondments or job-shadowing opportunities within industry partner organisations. This hands-on experience enables them to gain a deeper understanding of current industry practices and challenges, which they can then incorporate into their training and assessment strategies and practices.
Collaborating on industry projects and research initiatives:
Partner with industry experts to develop joint research projects or initiatives that address current industry challenges or explore emerging trends. Involving trainers and assessors in these projects provides them with firsthand knowledge of the latest developments in their industry sectors and helps them stay current with the evolving needs of the industries they serve.
Establishing professional development programs with industry input:
Develop tailored professional development programs for your trainers and assessors with input from industry experts. By consulting with these professionals, you can ensure that your professional development offerings are relevant, timely, and aligned with industry needs, ultimately benefiting your staff and the students they teach. This commitment to continuous professional development not only enhances the quality of the VET courses your RTO provides but also boosts your reputation as a training provider that is dedicated to delivering innovative, industry-relevant training programs.
Other feature articles:
How work integrated learning can enrich your VET courses and strengthen industry partnerships
How using industry advisory committees can benefit RTOs
Three key strategies for RTOs to enhance collaboration with industry
Why academic planning doesn’t mean perfection in your RTO
How to create a holistic self-assurance model for your RTO
An RTO compliance managers guide to leadership
How can compliance and quality functions work together in an RTO?
Who is responsible for quality and compliance in your RTO?
References:
https://www.asqa.gov.au/how-we-regulate/self-assurance/building-shared-understanding-self-assurance
https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/skills-reform-overview/quality-reforms
https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/focus-compliance
https://www.asqa.gov.au/rto/responsibilities
https://www.asqa.gov.au/rtos/users-guide-standards-rtos-2015/chapter-4-training-and-assessment
