In the rapidly evolving world of vocational education and training (VET), maintaining the currency of trainers' skills is not just a compliance requirement but a cornerstone of delivering training that meets today's industry demands. To support Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in achieving this, it is essential to adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), specifically Clauses 1.13 to 1.16. These clauses emphasise the importance of employing skilled trainers and assessors who are up-to-date with industry practices.
Understanding Clauses 1.13 to 1.16
Clause 1.13
This clause mandates that RTOs ensure their training and assessment are delivered only by individuals who possess:
- Vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed.
- Current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided.
- Current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that inform their training and assessment.
Industry experts can also assist in training delivery and assessment judgment, working alongside trainers and assessors.
Clause 1.14
The clause specifies the credentials required for trainers and assessors based on the delivery date:
- For training delivered on or before 30 June 2019, trainers must have credentials specified in Items 1, 2, or 3 of Schedule 1.
- For training delivered on or after 1 July 2019, trainers must have credentials specified in Items 2 or 3 of Schedule 1.
Clause 1.15
For individuals conducting assessments only:
- Prior to 30 June 2019, they must have credentials specified in Items 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of Schedule 1.
- After 1 July 2019, they must have credentials specified in Items 2, 3, or 5 of Schedule 1.
Clause 1.16
This clause requires RTOs to ensure that all trainers and assessors undertake professional development in:
- The knowledge and practice of vocational training, learning, and assessment.
- Competency-based training and assessment.
The Importance of Skilled Trainers and Assessors
Quality training and assessment hinge on the skills and knowledge of trainers and assessors. ASQA’s strategic industry reviews have consistently found high levels of non-compliance with these clauses, which undermines the quality of the student experience and affects the credibility of qualifications. Students expect their teachers to be professional and knowledgeable, reflecting current industry practices.
Requirements for Trainers and Assessors from March 2024
Trainers and Assessors
As of March 2024, trainers and assessors must hold one of the following:
- TAE40116/TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or its successor).
- TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment plus specific units (TAELLN411/TAELLN401A and TAEASS502/TAEASS502A/TAEASS502B).
- A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education.
- A credential enabling registration as a secondary school teacher, plus specific VET credentials (TAESS00011/TAESS00019 Assessor Skill Set or TAESS00024 VET Delivered to School Students Teacher Enhancement Skill Set).
Assessors
Those providing assessment only must hold:
- TAESS00011 Assessor Skill Set or its successor.
- TAESS00001 Assessor Skill Set plus TAEASS502/TAEASS502A/TAEASS502B.
- A diploma or higher-level qualification in adult education.
- A credential enabling registration as a secondary school teacher, plus specific VET credentials.
Maintaining Industry Skills and Vocational Competency
Trainers and assessors need to demonstrate their current industry skills and vocational competencies. This can be achieved through various activities such as:
- Volunteering or working part-time in the industry.
- Undertaking relevant accredited training.
- Engaging with industry associations.
- Attending industry networking events and keeping up to date with industry changes.
RTOs must retain evidence of trainers’ and assessors’ industry skills and professional development activities. This ensures compliance and enhances the quality of training and assessment provided to students.
Demonstrating Compliance
To ensure compliance, RTOs should:
- Verify the authenticity of trainers’ and assessors’ qualifications and experience.
- Retain evidence of professional development and industry engagement activities.
- Implement a structured approach to ongoing professional development.
By adhering to these standards and maintaining the currency of trainers’ skills, RTOs can provide high-quality, relevant training that meets the needs of both students and industry.
For more insights, dive into our blog "The Simple Ways You Can Maintain Your Trainer Currency" and discover how to lead your RTO to excellence.
