Final Thoughts: What Do YOU Think Makes a Great Trainer?<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re thinking about becoming a trainer – or just want to be a better one – this one\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGreat Trainers Are Great Communicators<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need to be a TED Talk speaker. But you do need to get your message across clearly – and know when to stop talking and start listening. Trust me, this is something that I struggle with in every single class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I once had a student we can call Jin – who had just arrived in Australia. His English was quite strong, but he was really shy. Every time I checked in, he\u2019d nod politely, even if he didn\u2019t understand. This made me worry that he wasn’t getting the most out of my classes. This is when I started to I learn to check for understanding in other, simple ways – like asking, \u201cCan you show me what you\u2019d do in that situation?\u201d instead of just \u201cDo you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It changed everything. Jin started asking questions, joining in to the group discussions, and eventually became a team leader at his hospitality job. A crushing victory for the shy guy I met only a few months early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My tips? Try to use simple language. Explain the industry terms using real world scenarios that make sense. Use visuals or hands-on examples whenever you can. If the student can visualise it, they can achieve it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Know Our Stuff – and Keep It Fresh!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No one likes outdated advice – and includes when we are learning! Your students are learning skills to go out and work in real jobs. So, your training needs to reflect real<\/em> workplaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThat means staying current – on tech, processes, and what employers actually want. If you haven’t been learning about AI – then you are not current. It’s changing the way education is assessed and, as trainers, it’s our responsibility to help our students use AI legally, and ethically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s say you\u2019re delivering a business course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your materials might mention fax machines and filing cabinets – but your students are more likely to use AI tools and cloud-based platforms. Industry bodies like the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) regularly publish updates on industry trends. Tapping into those helps keep your content real and focused on the changes in your industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So get out there! Go to industry events, stay in contact with employers, and take up short courses yourself! Students love hearing – I just learned this last week<\/em>! – because it shows your commitment to learning the newest information and teaching them the most relevant stuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Build Trusting, Respectful Relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Students don\u2019t learn well when they feel judged. Or ignored. Or invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Great trainers see<\/em> their students. They remember names. They ask about weekends. They check in when someone looks off. They remind students that making errors is part of being human. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn one of my Certificate IV classes, I had a mature-age student. She hadn\u2019t studied in over 15 years. She was terrified of being \u201ctoo old\u201d and \u201cnot smart enough.\u201d and together we made a deal – I\u2019d help her with digital literacy if she helped lead our class discussions with her workplace stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her wealth of knowledge was an asset to my classroom and it was because of that one relationship kept her coming back. She will graduate with flying colours before I even know it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to think about how to effectively use trauma-informed practice in your classroom. Remember to be inclusive. Different learners need different things to feel safe and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Use Real-World Examples, Not Just Workbooks!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No one wants to be read to for six hours. If students wanted that, they wouldn’t be in our classrooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Great trainers bring content to life. We use scenarios, stories, case studies, and even mistakes from our own careers. We share the good and the bad sides of our roles and play blooket… literally every single class…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s not just an interest thing… The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) encourages RTOs to integrate workplace learning and scenarios into their assessments and lessons. After all, employers want job-ready graduates, and storytelling is one way to close the gap between theory and practice. So don’t forget to share examples from your life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask students to share their own work examples too – then build discussions around them. One student\u2019s story might unlock learning for the whole group. Sometimes you just have to throw the pre-made examples out and use real life! For Real Life! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Are Reflective Practitioners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Great trainers don\u2019t think they\u2019re perfect. We ask for feedback, notice what worked (or didn\u2019t), and tweak our approach. We also reflect on our own biases, triggers, and teaching style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am the first to put my hand up, every four weeks, and ask my students for their constructive criticism. I want to know what they are thinking and how their experience of my class was. It is important to me to understand how I can become a better teacher. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a session where my students seemed bored out of their minds, I stayed back and asked two of them what went wrong. They said I lost them somewhere in the middle of the slides… They needed a break, but didn’t know how to ask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guess what? I thought about that and made sure to build in breaks regularly into every future session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s not just about your students thoughts too! I like to reflect at the end of every class and unit. I think about what I thought went well… What didn\u2019t go so well? What surprised me? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Make Learning Inclusive and Fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need to be a stand-up comedian – but bringing in energy, colour, and humour goes a long way. And so does adapting your delivery to suit different learning styles and needs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The VET sector supports learners from all walks of life – international students, students with disability, school leavers, job seekers, and career changers. Trainers must know how to deliver content in a way that reaches everyone<\/em>, not just the top few.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo … Mix it up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try games, roleplays, visuals, group chats, solo tasks, videos, or even workplace visits. Make your students interested in the content you are teaching them – even if it is really dry! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Understand Compliance – and Keep Students in the Loop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes, being a great trainer also means understanding the Standards for RTOs, assessment validation, reasonable adjustment, and what competency actually<\/em> looks like. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCheck out some of my thoughts<\/a> on compliance in my other posts.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nBut it also means helping your students understand what\u2019s expected of them too. Transparency builds trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be open about assessment processes. Use checklists. Set realistic expectations early and often. Be clear in your expectations of your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWe Stay Passionate (Even When It\u2019s Hard)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some days will feel tough. Some students will test your patience. You\u2019ll juggle admin, compliance, and behaviour issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But great trainers know their \u201cwhy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I\u2019m stressed, I re-read the great comments from my students. I read about their joy in my class and their career progression on social media. That\u2019s what keeps me going. That\u2019s why I teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to surround yourself with other passionate trainers! Don’t underestimate the rejuvenation of a colleague with energy for days. Go to PD days and share your wins. Keep the fire burning for learning! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts: What Do YOU Think Makes a Great Trainer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, great trainers aren\u2019t just teachers. We\u2019re facilitators, mentors, cheerleaders, and sometimes – unofficial counsellors. We help people rewrite their stories. To see their goals and travel the path of learning with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
VET Trainers are powerful. Our work is practical, it\u2019s real, and it opens doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So tell me:
\ud83d\udc49 What makes someone a great trainer in your<\/em> eyes?
\ud83d\udc49 Have you had a trainer who changed your life?
\ud83d\udc49 Are you trying to be that trainer for someone else?<\/p>\n\n\n\nDrop your thoughts in the comments. Let\u2019s learn from each other and build a stronger VET sector together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because when we invest in great trainers – we invest in a stronger, more skilled Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Till next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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