The RTOs (registered training organizations) are the most important factors in making the VET (vocational education and training) system in Australia into what it is today. In a way, they’re a privately-owned alternative to TAFE (technical and further education). Put simply, they’re privatized (and much more popular) VET institution. Still, these RTOs are present in many different fields, sectors and industries and wherever there’s a plethora of choice, it’s quite hard to choose. With that in mind and without further ado, here are several tips that will help you make the right choice.
1. What’s the cost?
The next thing worth keeping in mind is the cost and there are several things that should be of concern to you. First and foremost, you need to be able to afford the cost of enlistment. Second, you need to compare the cost to the industry standard. If this particular course has much cheaper enlistment fees, chances are that this is indicative of something suspicious. Also, you need to inquire with the community and establish communications with some of the people that have previously taken this course. The first thing you need to ask them is – are there any hidden fees?
2. How hard it is to find adequate learning materials
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind, yet, it will affect the efficiency of your education, as well as the end result of this process. First, you need to consult the curriculum and try to see if you have what you need on platforms selling RTO materials. Also, consult the local community (something we’ve already suggested) in order to see if it would be possible for you to acquire some student notes. While this may be a bit impractical, you need to bear in mind that it’s safer to make this consideration before, rather than after.
3. The pass rate
Not a lot of RTOs are willing to openly talk about their pass rate, however, if you spot an RTO that talks about 100 percent pass rate, this should be a first red flag. You see, you’re not there just to get a certificate, you’re there to learn something, something important. Sure, there are some RTOs who adopt a philosophy that their profit depends on the number of people enlisted, not the quality of education. This makes them lower their grading criteria. However, it won’t be long before potential employers and government bodies figure this out. This means that their certificate won’t be worth much on the job market either.
4. The certificate
While this is something that we’ve already touched upon, it’s a topic that’s worth revisiting. You see, the certificate that you get after successful completion of the course will be something that you include into your resume and list in your CV. This is why it needs to mean something. Also, depending on local laws and regulations, as well as the permits granted to the RTO in question, the certificate you get may be recognized in the state, in the entire country or even have international recognition. This too is more than worth checking.
In conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing the right RTO is really not that hard, as long as you know what you’re looking for. What you need to focus on is the enlistment itself, the education process, the certificate and the legitimacy of the RTO in question. Moreover, just because the institution is government approved it doesn’t make it perfect or adequate. It only means that it fulfills certain criteria. You, on the other hand, should settle for nothing but the very best when your own education and career are in question.
