(RTOs) is crucial to ensure they maintain their knowledge,
skills and competence in delivering quality vocational education and training.
The following are key aspects of professional development for trainers and
assessors in Australian RTOs:
Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Trainers and
assessors are encouraged to engage in ongoing CPD activities to stay up to date
with industry trends, changes in regulations, and best practices in training
and assessment. This can include attending workshops, conferences, webinars,
and undertaking further qualifications.
Industry Currency: Trainers and assessors are required to
maintain industry currency, which involves actively participating in the
relevant industry to stay informed about current practices and developments.
This can be achieved through industry engagement activities such as work
placements, industry consultations, and networking.
VET Sector Updates: Trainers and assessors should stay
informed about updates and changes within the vocational education and training
(VET) sector. This includes changes to training packages, assessment
requirements and regulatory frameworks Regularly accessing and reviewing
Updates from the national VET regulator and industry bodies are essential.
Assessment Validation: Trainers and assessors should
actively participate in assessment validation activities, which involve
reviewing and evaluating assessment practices to ensure they are valid,
reliable, fair, and comply with regulatory requirements. This helps maintain
assessment quality and consistency.
Technology Integration: Professional development should
focus on enhancing trainers' and assessors' digital literacy skills to
effectively integrate technology into training and assessment practices. This
includes using learning management systems, online assessment tools, and
digital resources to enhance learner engagement and improve assessment
processes.
Feedback and Reflection: Trainers and assessors should seek
feedback from learners, colleagues, and supervisors to gain insights into their
performance and identify areas for improvement. Engaging in self-reflection and
evaluating the effectiveness of their instructional and assessment strategies
is essential for continuous improvement.
Mentoring and Collaboration: Encouraging trainers and
assessors to engage in mentoring relationships and collaborative activities
within their professional networks can foster knowledge sharing, peer learning,
and support. This can involve participating in mentoring programs, communities
of practice and collaborative projects.
RTOs have a responsibility to provide opportunities and support for trainers and assessors to engage in professional development activities. They should establish policies and procedures that outline the expectations for ongoing professional development and provide resources and incentives to facilitate trainers' and assessors' growth and learning.
