A time for change. Why TAE is under the microscope

It’s crazy to think the last time the Training and Assessment Education (TAE) Training Package was reviewed was 7 years ago! The VET teaching, training and assessment landscape has drastically changed since then (need we mentioned COVID-19??). The Industry Review Committee (IRC) brought a case for change to an AISC meeting on 19th August 2021. We expect to see new skill sets coming very soon.

Industry expert and Community Advisor at vetr, Phill Bevan weighed in on the matter at a recent webinar with Rob Bright, CEO and Founder of Cloud Assess.

Online Learning in Vocational Education and Training

In the past, online learning was restricted to remote students, that is, students whose geographical location made it impossible to attend classes physically. Now, it’s a lot different. In Phill’s words, “Online learning is really about how we’re using technology and digital learning practices to support all of our students in all of the delivery modes of their programmes, whether internally, externally or in the workplace.”

Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) recognises that technology supports learning, regardless of how or where students learn. In January 2018, it changed the VET Delivery Modes Reporting System, providing a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with three new options for reporting student enrolments: Internal, External and Workplace. And, since COVID-19, they created an entire site on guidance resources for online learning.

The need for change

To better support Trainers and Assessors with their ability to deliver training and assessment in the digital world that we live in now, it’s timely that this review is taking place.

There are 2 key areas that pose challenges for RTOs when it comes to delivering online learning according to Phill and they are:

• Lack of trainers and assessors’ capacity: Many trainers and assessors lack the wide range of digital skills required for excelling in a new technological age.
• Wrong usage of electronic signatures: Many RTOs violate identity consent obligations and the authenticity of records while collecting electronic signatures from students.

The TAE review should assist with supporting skills and competency for trainers and assessors. Phill advises overcoming any uncertainty around authenticity is to ensure you meet all the requirements and guidelines of applicable regulations for your state. For example, you need to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Act.

Progress has been made

The new TAE skillset

At the 12th April 2022 meeting, the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) endorsed the release of one new Skill Set – TAESS00023 Online Learning and Assessment Skill Set, which includes the following two new units of competency within the TAE Training Package:

• TAEDEL405 Plan, organise and facilitate online learning
• TAEASS404 Assess competence in an online environment

These newly endorsed units are awaiting approval from Skills Ministers prior to being listed on training.gov.au

With these now being endorsed, pending final approval and release, they do not form part of the review against which feedback is currently being sought.

What’s next

Version 1 draft revised material is now available for public review including the reviewed:

• TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design and Development
• TAE units of competency listed in the above qualifications

TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment review focuses on:

• Planning and organising training in terms of technology requirements, learner cohorts and target groups
• Synchronous delivery and engagement
• Awareness of tech requirements
• Additional Performance Evidence

How can you get involved?

To download and review the training products, please click here

If you would like to provide feedback you can do so via this survey by COB Monday 30 May 2022.

Wrapping up

It’s great to see that digital technology is being acknowledged as representing lots of opportunities for the VET sector. We’re seeing many clients embrace the digital landscape and reap the rewards including creating brilliant learner experiences.

About Phill Bevan and vetr

Phill Bevan has nearly 24 years of experience in the VET sector. He has worked with hundreds of RTOs and regulators and founded several consultancy businesses within this time. He is currently the Community Advisor at vetr, a digital learning community for the Australian VET sector. Phill also holds a Master’s Degree in E-learning.

About Rob Bright

Rob is the Founder and Managing Director of Cloud Assess. With a background in quality management, Rob moved to VET to make a difference. Having previously owned and managed an RTO he knows what it takes to keep all the plates spinning. A qualified Trainer and Assessor, he’s a passionate advocate for the industry and aims to continue developing the best Training and Assessment software for skills development.