RTO trainers and assessors are responsible for evidencing how they have maintained, upgraded or developed new skills relevant to current industry needs (1.13b) for each unit of competency they are delivering. RTOs must have recordkeeping systems in place to manage trainers and assessors documentation so as to meet to the requirements of the Standards for RTOs 2015. Evidence of engagement with industry must also be gathered by RTOs to determine appropriate activities for trainers and assessors to maintain current industry skills and the required frequency of these activities (1.16b). This feedback should be documented and used to inform training and assessment strategies and practices. Here is some advice to help your RTO sufficiently evidence industry currency for your trainers and assessors.

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Working in industry:

Trainers and assessors who have employment in industry at the same time working for an RTO can provide evidence of secondary employment in the form of statement of services or letters of confirmation from employers. It is important to note that delivering training and assessment in a workplace does not constitute the development of current industry skills according to ASQA. Their advice suggests trainers attending a workplace to experience the latest techniques, processes and resources could contribute to the demonstration of current industry skills. Ideally your RTO should have a systematic approach in ensuring that trainers and assessors are regularly exposed to industry workplaces and participate in workplace tasks. This could be done by planning opportunities for staff to engage with industry e.g. discussions with employers or attendance at industry networking events.

Industry professional development:

RTOs should have a co-ordinated approach to the training and development of staff including providing professional development opportunities for trainers to enable the maintenance of industry skills. Implement a system in your RTO that has clear benchmarks for indicating appropriate and sufficient forms of evidence that also provides guidance around what industry thinks is current so it will ensure trainer and assessor records are compliant. Suitable professional development activities can include: undertaking accredited training relevant to the industry area; reading industry journals and subscriptions; staying informed about changes to technology and keeping up to date with changes to legislation. Recording activities completed in a PD log or mapping document for all units of competency being delivered can provide evidence of industry currency. Supporting documentation should also be provided that verifies the industry activities completed such as certificates of attendance or minutes of meetings/workshops attended.

Industry networks:

Evidence of attendance at supplier workshops to stay current with products or the latest techniques / processes used in industry Trainers and assessors who are actively involved in industry networks can provide documentation showing their contribution to these activities for their files. Records of attendance and other supporting documentation that verifies participation in networks can be provided by trainers and assessors for their staff files.

Evidencing industry currency:

The most effective way to evidence vocational currency is to provide a mapping for each trainer and assessor that demonstrates current industry skills for each unit of competency being delivered and links supporting documentation provided to the elements within those units of competency. This documented analysis will provide a thorough overview of the trainer’s current industry knowledge, skills and experience. A good practice when recruiting new trainers and assessors is to conduct referee checks to confirm relevant industry experience and verify work history provided in resumes. This will ensure you are verifying that they have appropriate current industry skills relevant to the training and assessment you want them to provide. Your trainers and assessors files should be stored in a centralised filing system whether electronic or paper based so these records are easily located and regularly maintained.

Self-assurance and monitoring compliance:

RTOs managers should ensure trainer and assessor records are regularly monitored and confirmed as being up to date and compliant. Undertaking quality checks of these records as part of your self-assurance system will confirm staff are adhering to your policies and procedures. RTOs should also report regularly on compliance with industry currency requirements so managers can address issues as required.