Registered Training Organisation (RTO) are providers of nationally recognised training.
Becoming An RTO: How To Become A Registered Training Organisation
Registered Training Organisation (RTO) are providers of nationally recognised training. The training programs they provide to students will have been registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
If you are an expert in your specialised field but want a change of pace, why not consider becoming an RTO? It will allow you to share your experience and expertise with others who want to have a similar success story to yours.
Becoming an RTO will allow you the opportunity to run your own company, one that helps others create their own success story. It is also a unique way to own a highly profitable business. If this sounds like the dream career for you, one that you have envisioned living for some time, here are the steps you can take towards becoming an RTO.
Have Financial Viability
Before becoming an RTO, you need to consider the financial aspect of this career choice. The application process for becoming an RTO is going to take time. As such, you should consider the time needed for your alternative sources of income. Think of how the process could reduce your time spent on these activities. There will be fees included in the process, so it is worth keeping in mind as you make your way through the application.
Take into consideration the input provided by a qualified accountant. They should help you prepare and sign off your financial viability risk assessment. You may already have an accountant that you trust. However, if they have no experience completing this document, they are more likely to complete the spreadsheet incorrectly.
You have to provide evidence to the ASQA of the current position, performance and projection of your finances. It includes bank statements, annual financial reports, tax compliance records ? everything to help them have a clear understanding of your financial situation.
With the information provided, they will be able to make an informed decision about if you are eligible for becoming an RTO.
Create A Business Plan
Your business plan is the spark that ignites the flame. It begins the conversation you have with ASQA about becoming an RTO. Included in your business plan should be your justified reasoning as to why you should be an RTO. You have to outline clearly how you intend to maintain yourself. Another factor that you will need to include, is identifying what your core market is. You must feature what your core offerings are. As well as explain what your operational structure will be.
Before you begin creating training resources or policies and procedures, you will need to have put a solid plan in place first. It should feature your goals are for the company in the short term and the long term. Provide an overview of your services but include a detailed breakdown of each offering.
The business plan should match your financial viability. There should be no contradictions between the two, only support.
Find External Support
Being an RTO, you will understand how precious your time is. As such, you will likely want additional support to help you complete tasks that are consuming most of your time. Some of these tasks can be resolved easily with the support of technology available, such as online assessment software.
Businesses, such as Cloud Assess can offer RTOs online assessment software that they can use. A glance at the Cloud Assess website will help you understand the support firms like them can provide. The support these businesses can provide will prove to be beneficial for you and your RTO. It will help to free up some of your valuable time, enabling you to focus on providing a personal, supportive experience to your students.
Branding Your Business
If you have been fortunate enough to be approved as an RTO, you will want to begin the process of creating your marketing materials to share. However, any marketing materials you wish to publish must first be approved by the ASQA. You will need to send across examples of the materials you are wanting to publish, to encourage people to choose you as their RTO.
The reason why you need to seek approval first is to ensure that any materials being shared of factually correct. The information included should be clear and accurate. It should not be misleading, offering promises that you will likely be unable to deliver.
All materials published should provide learners with a clear understanding of the services your RTO will deliver. Until all of your materials have been approved, you will not be able to share any of them online.
Know The Benefits
After learning how to become an RTO, you will likely want to know the benefits that you can reap as a result. One of the most obvious reasons as to why you wanted to become an RTO was because you felt passionate about your chosen industry. What you may not have known are the numerous other benefits that come from being an RTO. These are just a handful of those benefits you will be able to reap.
- Support International Students ? As an RTO, you will have been approved to provide your courses to international students choosing to study in Australia. With this approval, you can expand who you can help. In turn, this helps you to expand your portfolio of those with who you have worked in previous years.
- Provides Credibility ? When you become an RTO, it provides you with a certain level of credibility. Having this credibility behind you can offer assurance to potential students that they are choosing a reputable organisation. An organisation known for delivering quality training that will be beneficial for them in their career.
- Included On National Register ? Alongside providing a level of credibility, becoming an RTO will also allow you to be included on the national register of authorised organisations. Being included on this list can be hugely beneficial for you, as it allows potential partners and students to view the services you will offer. As a result, this can help to further expand your service reach. You can also reap the benefits of being viewed as a trustworthy provider.
- Use Official Logo ? Another benefit of being an RTO is that you can use the nationally recognised training logo. You can feature it on all qualifications and statements of attainments issued. Using this nationally recognised training logo adds another level of credibility. It will help to mark you as the best choice for those wanting to partake in one of your training courses.
The Bottom Line
Becoming an RTO could be an incredible opportunity for you to make a difference. You can help others on their career path as you guide them through the processes.
The process of becoming an RTO can take time. On average, the whole application process could take between 6-12 months to complete. You have to be prepared to be patient. Despite taking a bit of time, the result and the opportunities that become available will have been worth the wait. You can begin to help others and make a difference. In the end, you can be part of the success story of many individuals in their respected field.