Trainers and assessors must evidence how they have maintained, upgraded or developed new skills relevant to current industry needs (1.13b) for each unit of competency they are delivering. RTOs must have appropriate systems and processes in place to manage this evidence that meets the requirements of the Standards for RTOs 2015. Your RTO is also required to consult with industry to determine appropriate activities for trainers to undertake that maintains their currency and how often they should do it. Industry input should be documented and used to inform your training and assessment strategies and practices.

Industry workplaces:

According to ASQA delivering training and assessment in a workplace does not constitute the development of current industry skills. They suggest trainers attending a workplace to experience the latest techniques, processes and resources could contribute to the demonstration of current industry skills. RTOs should have a systematic approach in ensuring that trainers and assessors are regularly exposed to industry workplaces and participate in workplace tasks. Planning opportunities for your staff to engage with industry e.g. discussions with employers or attendance at industry networking events will ensure trainers and assessors have sufficient opportunities to remain current. Another way of maintaining industry currency is by belonging to industry associations and participating in associated activities. Trainers and assessors who have concurrent employment in industry can evidence their currency by providing statement of services or letters of confirmation from employers.

Training and development:

By having a co-ordinated approach to the training and development of staff your RTO can ensure it provides appropriate professional development opportunities for trainers to enable the maintenance of industry currency. RTOs should have a framework in place that provides clear guidance for staff in relation to evidence required to demonstrate competency and currency (as informed by industry). This will ensure trainer and assessor records are compliant. The types of activities that can contribute to the maintenance of industry currency include: undertaking accredited training relevant to the industry area; reading industry journals and subscriptions; staying informed about changes to technology and keeping up to date with changes to legislation.

Networking:

Attending industry events and networking with employers and other stakeholders is valuable in staying up to date with industry trends and developments. Evidence of attendance at supplier workshops to stay current with products or the latest techniques / processes used in industry is a good way to demonstrate currency. Records of attendance and other supporting documentation that verifies participation in networks can be provided by trainers and assessors for their staff files.

Maintaining records:

Providing a mapping that demonstrates current industry skills for each unit of competency being delivered and links supporting documentation provided to the elements within those units is the most effective way to evidence current industry skills. This documented analysis will provide a thorough overview of the trainer’s current industry knowledge, skills and experience. Ideally, when recruiting new trainers and assessors you should conduct referee checks to confirm relevant industry experience and verify work history provided in resumes. This will ensure you are verifying that they have appropriate current industry skills relevant to the training and assessment you want them to provide. Keeping a centralised filing system of your trainers and assessors files whether electronic or paper based will ensure they are easily located and regularly maintained.

Quality assurance:

RTOs should regularly review trainer and assessor records to confirm they are up to date and compliant. These quality checks should be incorporated in your internal audit program at least annually to ensure you are monitoring your staffs adherence to your policy / procedures and overall system. Reporting regularly on compliance with industry currency requirements will provide responsible managers with visibility of staff file maintenance.