There are an estimated 4,000 registered training organisations (RTOs) operating across Australia offering vocational education, apprenticeship and traineeship training and assessment services. Trainings and assessments conducted by RTOs are recognised by other RTOs throughout Australia, and are certified under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). RTOs generally receive funding and subsidies from the federal government for their programmes.
Trainings and assessments conducted by RTOs are recognised by other RTOs throughout Australia, and are certified under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). RTOs generally receive funding and subsidies from the federal government for their programmes.
Private vocational training centres, private and public companies, universities and community colleges meeting the AQTF's criteria are awarded RTO status. For example, Qantas is an RTO as it offers apprenticeship as part of its human capital development programme.
Training at an RTO
An RTO qualification ensures that your training is tailored to the demands of a specific industry, resulting in a qualification that is recognised throughout Australia. RTOs are also allowed to offer interstate training.
RTOs recognise prior learning through formal work experience and do not solely rely on academic results for entry requirements. An RTO qualification can also lead to articulation into higher education or advanced development courses.
If you are an international student planning to undertake a course offered by an RTO, you can only apply for courses that are approved under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Applying to an RTO
Before applying to an RTO for a course, apprenticeship or vocational education training, ask your employer or career counsellor for any advice on the relevance of the training or course that interests you. The National Training Information Service lists the endorsed and accredited courses available at the various RTOs in your state.
Certain RTOs do not have fixed terms or training dates, but operate on a demand-basis.
Some high schools and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions that are registered as RTOs offer vocational education and training to complement the academic learning environment, equipping students with nationally recognised and employable skills.
What to expect
Before your training commences, your RTO is required to provide an induction and assessment session to establish your level of competence and learning needs towards the attainment of your qualification.
If you are not satisfied with the training provided by your RTO, you can try to resolve the issue first with your RTO through its established grievances feedback system. If no resolution is attained, you can approach the RTO authority in your state as a final resort.
Find trade courses and apprenticeships from RTOs, TAFEs and other educational institutions all over Australia.