What’s the Big Deal About Data? Let’s start with a little story – because ya girl loves a good story! A few years ago, I was in the staffroom at an RTO I used to work at. One of the new trainers had just printed out a whole bunch of enrolment forms to take home…
What if Anyone Could Train Anyone?
Stop and think about this for just a minute… You walk into a training session and look around… The trainer introduced themselves with a big smile and said, “Don’t worry, I haven’t done this course before, but I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos, so I’ve got a pretty good idea.” You blink. Were they…
Helping Students Transition from Study to Employment
Have you ever finished a course, packed up your books, and thought, “Now what?” It won’t surprise you that a lot of our students feel the same way. As VET trainers, we teach the skills – but our job doesn’t end there. Many of our learners are stepping into the workforce for the first time…
Engaging Adult Learners: Some Practical Tips for VET Trainers
Have you ever stood in front of your class, asked a question, and been met with… crickets? You’re not alone. I’ve had moments where I thought, “Are they even listening?” But then I realised – the problem wasn’t them, it was how I was trying to teach. In Vocational Education and Training (VET), we’re not…
What Makes VET Education Different? A Guide for New Trainers
Starting your journey as a Vocational Education and Training (VET) trainer can feel both exciting and overwhelming. VET isn’t just another branch of education – it’s a unique space designed to prepare students for real-world jobs through practical skills and hands-on learning. But what exactly sets VET apart, and how can you, as a new…
Making the Most of the Sessional Holidays: A Trainer’s Guide
Whether you’re employed at an Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institute, you might have a few breaks throughout the year that you need to plan for. My first training gig had a 16 week repeating schedule – 12 weeks on (3 units), 4 weeks off – so I found…
Work-Life Balance: Finding Harmony in the Hustle
You’ve just wrapped up a day of delivering workshops, marking assessments, and answering a flood of emails from students. The clock says 7 PM, but your to-do list is still feels a km long. Sound familiar? For professionals in any industry, the line between work and life often feels blurry. Between managing student needs, staying…
How to Provide Constructive Feedback to Adult Learners
Providing constructive feedback to adult learners is both an art and a science. It’s about balancing honesty with encouragement and ensuring your feedback is clear, actionable, and respectful. I think it’s important for facilitators and educators to at least try to understand how to provide relevant and constructive feedback to their students… after all, the…
Why Do Employers Value Vocational Education and Training?
Let’s just be up front. Employers like vocational education and training (VET) because it teaches people useful skills they can use right away at work. VET helps workers learn how to do specific jobs, like building, caring for others, or fixing things. This saves time for employers because new workers already know what to do….
What is a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and Why Does it Matter?
It’s your first day at a new job, and your boss mentions the company training and something called a “USI.” You nod along, but inside you’re wondering, “What is that, do I already have one, and why do I even need one?” Don’t worry – because you’re not alone! Whether you’re a student, a trainer,…