Let’s be honest – training has changed.
Once upon a time, being a “good trainer” meant showing up, reading from some slides, handing out assessments, and going home. If you were nice and knew your content, that was enough.
But in 2025? That just won’t cut it anymore.
Today’s students are walking into our classrooms (virtual or face-to-face) with different needs, different goals, and very different expectations. They’ve got options, opinions, and often—other offers. So what do they want from us?
Let’s dive into what students really expect from their VET trainers in 2025 – and how we can meet them where they are.
📱 Tech-Savvy Without Being Tech-Heavy
You don’t need to be a coder or a TikTok influencer – but students expect trainers who know how to use technology to make learning easier, faster, and more fun.
I once worked with a trainer who just delivered slides… in 2023. The class was polite, but you could see the eye-rolls happening all around the room. The students weren’t being rude – they were just used to things being quicker and more interactive.
Now, we’ve got interactive platforms, video submissions, online quizzes, and real-time feedback tools. Students want those tools used well – not just tossed in for show. They want technology to help them learn, not confuse or distract them.
How to be Tech-Savvy in your next class with style
- Use tech to engage, not overwhelm
- Play games with your students to get them excited to learn
- Keep digital content clear and accessible
- Be open to learning new platforms (your students will often help!)
- Summarise your classes in a written post that outlines the next steps
- Have a backup plan for when tech fails – because I promise, it will
💬 Communication That’s Clear, Kind, and Consistent
Students want to feel like their trainer sees them. That starts with how we communicate.
In 2025, your students expect replies to emails (or texts or LMS messages) within a reasonable time. They want instructions that make sense, due dates that are clear, and feedback that actually helps them improve.
Consistent communication looks different for everyone – but remember…
- Reply promptly, even if it’s just to say “I’ll get back to you tomorrow”
- Set expectations of when you will be able to grade their assessments.
- Be kind and encouraging – tone matters. I struggle with tone so much – I’m ND!
- Build trust by being predictable and fair
- Explain things more than once, in more than one way
I had a student once who dropped out – not because she didn’t enjoy the course, but because she felt “too confused to keep asking questions and the trainer doesn’t listen to me” That broke my heart. From that day on, I made it my mission to help VET & ND trainers to be clearer, friendlier, and easier to approach.
👥 Real-World Learning That Feels Relevant
Students today are more focused on outcomes. They want skills they can use, stories they can relate to, and practice that feels like the real world. VET isn’t like university – we are setting up students to be work-ready at graduation.
How to bring the real-world into the classroom
- Use real-world scenarios, not just theory
- Bring in guest speakers or field trips where possible
- Help students connect training to jobs they actually want
- Let students practice, fail safely, and reflect
I remember one class where we were learning customer service. Instead of just reading the performance criteria and standards, I brought in a local café manager for a Q&A and had the students practice taking “customer orders” with role-play. The energy in the room totally shifted – students were laughing, thinking, and asking great questions.
Learning came alive because it felt real.
🌏 Inclusion, Flexibility, and Human Understanding
More than ever, students are bringing their whole selves to class. That includes their neurodiversity, mental health challenges, cultural identities, parenting roles, disabilities, and life experiences.
In 2025, they expect trainers to see that, respect that, and make space for that.
You don’t know what someone has been though…
- Ask, don’t assume
- Offer flexible assessment options
- Know how and when to offer extra support
- Be supportive when someone comes to you for help
One of my most memorable students was a young carer who looked after her mum full-time. She’d often miss the start class or drop off early, hand things in late, or forget deadlines. Instead of penalising her, we worked together on a plan: flexible deadlines, recorded lessons, and regular check-ins. I’m so proud to see her graduate and continue to grow as an amazing human!
❤️ A Trainer Who Actually Cares
At the end of the day, students want trainers who care – not just about the curriculum, but about them.
In 2025, connection matters more than ever. With so much of life feeling rushed and digital, students notice when you remember their name, ask about their weekend, or check in after an absence. Those small things build big trust.
How to be the trainer everyone wants in their life
- Build genuine relationships
- Be present, not just physically, but emotionally
- Celebrate small wins with your students
- Create safe, warm learning spaces
I once had a student who showed up late every class. Instead of scolding him, I started asking if he’d been working during class. He’d been skipping the start of class because he could only get dinner at 6pm Once we sorted that, his attendance and focus improved. Sometimes caring looks like teaching less and listening more.
💭 Tell me how you connect with your students!
Being a trainer in 2025 is more than just delivering units and collecting signatures. It’s about meeting learners where they are, using the tools they know, and guiding them toward a future that feels possible.
And no, you don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to be present. Curious. Compassionate. Willing to grow.
So, here’s a question for you:
👉 What do your students expect from you – and how are you rising to meet them?
Drop a comment and let’s start a conversation. 💬👇
Till next time.