Dust Off Those Old TAE Qualifications And Get Back In The Saddle!
If you have TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment somewhere in the archives and it’s been some time since you’ve been in the classroom – now’s the time to think about dusting off the qualification and getting back on that horse.
The new Standards for RTOs will commence from 1st July 2025 and there’s opportunities waiting for trainers and assessors with old qualifications to catch up with what’s changed in the last few years and get back in the classroom.
Don’t panic – even though the VET landscape has changed significantly since you were last here, those in charge of VET have decided it’s like riding a horse – you never really forget.
However, the new Standards do require you have evidence of continuing professional development to maintain current skills and knowledge in training and assessment, including skills and knowledge relating to engaging and supporting VET students.
So, what do you need to do to demonstrate an understanding of current practices relevant to training and assessment? Let’s break it down.
1. Refresh Your Knowledge of Compliance and VET Frameworks
The VET sector is highly regulated, and compliance requirements have evolved. You’ll need to familiarise yourself with:
- The Standards for RTOs 2025 and any recent updates
- ASQA’s regulatory framework and compliance expectations
- Current training package requirements and how they are structured
- Competency-based training and assessment principles in today’s context
2. Rebuild Your Training and Assessment Practice
It’s been a while since you’ve been in the classroom, the way training and assessment are delivered has transformed. To demonstrate your currency:
- Gain recent experience delivering training and assessment (even in a volunteer or mentoring capacity)
- Participate in validation sessions to understand modern assessment practices
- Update your understanding of workplace-based training, online learning, and blended delivery methods
- Ensure you can unpack the assessment tools being used to ensure they meet the requirements of the unit of competency
3. Develop Digital Skills for Training Delivery
Technology now plays a critical role in VET delivery. You’ll need to show competency in:
- Learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard
- Virtual training tools such as Zoom, Teams, or Webex
- Digital assessment tools and e-portfolios
- Interactive learning strategies using technology
4. Engage in Professional Development and Industry Networking
A strong professional network will help you stay current. Consider:
- Attending VET webinars, conferences, and industry forums
- Joining trainer and assessor networks and LinkedIn groups
- Undertaking professional development courses related to adult learning, assessment validation, or instructional design
- Engaging in industry placements or job-shadowing to maintain vocational competency
5. Demonstrate Your Currency
To return to the sector, you’ll need to provide evidence of your professional development and currency in training and assessment. This may include:
- A currency matrix outlining your recent experience and learning
- Copies of updated qualifications and professional development certificates
- Documentation of recent training or assessment activities
- Participation in assessment validation sessions
Time to Take Action!
If you’ve been away from training and assessment for a few long years, now is the time to refresh your trainer and assessor practices. You might want to update your qualifications. The VET sector is evolving, and with the right steps, you can confidently return to delivering high-quality training and assessment that meets today’s standards.
Are you ready to dust off those old TAE qualifications and step back into the VET sector?
Next steps
- Let’s see what jobs are available for trainers and assessors on seek.com.au
- Become familiar with the latest Training Package relevant to your industry
- Check out the new design for training.gov.au
- Refresh your Trainer Matrix and Resume
- Subscribe to some useful newsletters – ASQA, Jobs and Skills Australia etc…
- Subscribe to the Jobs and Skills Council who develops the Training Packages you will be using
- Ask lots of questions, document your activities, prove you are current!
Good luck getting back on the horse!