The TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment elevates every CV it’s listed in – there’s a good reason for this. The TAE40116 – and the rest of the TAE series – are nationally-recognised certifications that are standard requirements when working in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. As well, when seeking work in the private or public sectors, the TAE certifications qualify the skills of the applicant as proficient in their industry-specific skills.
The certification is attained through coursework that must be completed within six to twelve months. It’s available through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and is offered through online and face-to-face delivery methods. Because of the various delivery methods and the easy accessibility of the RTOs throughout Australia, the coursework for the certification is ideal for adult learners who have day-to-day responsibilities.
Given this information, a good majority of those who take the TAE certification pursue work in the VET sector as trainers and assessors, be it through RTOs or TAFE institutes, or private or public organisations and companies. These careers can be fulfilling and can last for decades, giving trainers and assessors extensive experience within the VET sector.
This brings us to what comes after a considerable career as a trainer or assessor. What’s next for a certified trainer or assessor with expert experience in the vocational education and training sector?
Here are some suggestions for those looking to further their careers.
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE
Experience is one of the few things that a person can never have enough of. Continuing one’s training and learning serves to improve one’s skills and abilities. For trainers and assessors, this can be particularly important – keeping updated with the trends in the VET sector keeps one’s skills fresh and current. As well, knowing the new developments in the VET sector is important in developing effective training and teaching styles, as these new trends can be adapted into already existing training styles for better results.
On the practical side of things, expanding one’s knowledge and skills will always look good on a CV. It never hurts to have experience in other fields; gaining other skills related to one’s expertise gives more value to one’s professional reputation. Prospective clients and employers would be more impressed with a CV that shows a diverse set of certified skills compared to a CV that displays a narrow set of skills and qualifications. (There are instances where a highly focused CV is preferred over a diversified CV; if one’s chosen industry prefers the former, definitely pursue improving one’s technical skills.)
RTOs and TAFE institutes offer various courses that build on already-certified skill sets.
WORK AS AN INDUSTRY EXPERT OR CONSULTANT
There’s always a need for industry experts – as trainers and otherwise. Becoming a consultant for the private or public sector can be the next step in one’s career. Consultants offer expert insights on the industry’s ins and outs, and their input is valuable in the development and planning of processes and projects that are geared towards the improvement of infrastructure, be it in the public sector or the private sector. For example, the opinions of expert consultants from the child care industry can inform the policies of legislation about social services involving the protection and welfare of minors.
Also, becoming an industry expert can be a new challenge – shifting the focus from training individuals to informing and educating organisations as a whole can push one’s skills to new heights, on top of learning new skills that can be applied to one’s training styles.
START YOUR OWN TRAINING COMPANY/RTO
There’s a lot more paperwork involved with this option, but starting one’s own RTO is the logical next step for most. Managing one’s RTO involves a lot of interpersonal (and financial) management skills – one’s TAE training will be put to the test with this option. There’s also a growing demand for RTOs, especially in far-flung areas where VET options are limited. Setting up an RTO fulfils an economical and educational need within small communities such as this. Running an RTO is no easy feat, but for those who put in the work into getting an RTO up and running, the rewards can be more than fulfilling.
These are some of the options available for trainers and assessors looking to take their careers to the next level. For those just getting started, getting the certifications first is crucial. It all begins with one step. Enrol for a TAE certification today.