More and more I have discussions with clients regarding Professional Development and meeting their RTO Compliance….and it seems to be a recurring theme, so I thought I would write to you all about it.
There is no simple answer on the best solution for RTOs and their PD activities as it varies between industries, states and the person who holds the purse strings of RTOs; RTO management.
As I have said before it is important that RTOs are able to demonstrate that its staff are undertaking a range of PD which is appropriate to the RTO business needs and the industry on your scope. Sometimes this appears to be a huge task to many RTOs. Over time I have worked with clients and drilled down to their units on scope, and analysed which ones are most at risk for change in the society, legislation or industry standards. It is these we concentrate on with the staff PD. For example hairdressers would consider attending sessions on the latest hair styles, carpenters would update their knowledge on the latest tools and equipment.
RTO Management need to play their part in supporting the RTO staff to undertake the PD. It is up to the individual RTO as to how this looks. For some RTOs it may include attaining further and higher level qualifications and skill sets. For others it is simply allowing time off to attend networking.
PD not only meets the requirements for AQTF 1.4 and SNR4.4 it also keeps the individual trainer/assessor motivated so their work remains interesting with a chance to grow and develop. This motivation, from within, is a powerful incentive for staff to perform at their peak.
F4 Solutions offers PD activities specific to RTO compliance. To find out more about the PD sessions available in WA click here
The key message I need to you to take away is:
- when selecting PD activities remember to review the quality of the PD being undertaken and its relevance to the business needs.
- Is it for something that is at risk of changing?
- Does the activity improve upon the skill mix that your staff need to maintain and improve the quality of your practice?
- Just as important as the external PD activity is internal reviews of teaching and assessing practices by peers. If you share the responsibility of reviewing around all of your trainers it also adds another dimension; it helps them to reflect on their own practice by being actively involved in the critique of other trainers.