Choosing an RTO consultant

The Consultant's Role

When selecting a consultant there are a number of important questions to consider:

• Does the consultant have expertise and experience in consulting on the AQTF?
• Does the consultant have qualifications relevant to the vocational education and training (VET) sector?
• Can the consultant provide references of work previously undertaken in the VET sector?

Experience and Expertise

The consultant you choose must be able to demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge in the vocational education and training sector. A consultant must have a comprehensive understanding of the national skills framework. Ask  the consultant you choose about the following:

• Current and previous history in the VET sector
  For example a work history with TAFE Institutes, private registered training organisations, universities that deliver VET, or VET industry bodies or agencies. Ask your consultant to provide you with details to confirm their experience.
• Additional experience in Education & Training including the  development of learnning  guides and assessments  is an advantage
• Experience with  and/ or possession of at least one of the following qualifications  and in particular knowledge of the current TAA Training Package
1. BSZ40198 Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (superseded qualification)
2. BSZ50198 Diploma in Training and Assessment Systems (superseded qualification)
3. TAA 40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (current qualification)
4. TAA50104 Diploma in Training and Assessment (current qualification)

• Knowledge of training packages, the ability to unpack training packages  and experience in competency based training and assessment
• 
  A consultant must have:

• A knowledge of training packages - this knowledge is an important aspect in being able to develop learning and assessment strategies and is a critical aspect of complying with the AQTF Standards.
• A comprehensive understanding of competency based training.

• Attendance at AQTF professional development workshops

• A consultant should maintain a current understanding and knowledge of the AQTF. This could be achieved by attending professional development workshops; or
• Participating in national VET projects or industry networks.
  
  This would demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a current knowledge of the AQTF.

Links to Industry

A consultant with relevant industry expertise or experience will be valuable in informing you of any special issues or requirements which exist within that industry. Some industries are governed by specific legislative and licensing requirements of which you must be aware prior to applying for registration. A consultant may possess a knowledge of a particular industry because of links/networks with industry advisory training bodies or other industry associations.
Maintaining links with industry could also be undertaken through maintaining membership with industry or business associations or subscription to VET sector and training journals and publications.

Prior Consultancy History

Discuss the consultant's experience prior to engaging their services. Ask the consultant to provide details of consultancies undertaken during the past 12 months. It is important that the work undertaken is recent and current. Details should include information of what work was performed as part of the consultancy and how this would be relevant to the type of work you are requiring of the consultant.
It is reasonable to expect that a consultant could provide references for AQTF consultancy work previously performed and contact details for organisations where work has been undertaken in the past 12 months.

Consultant Fees

You are encouraged to discuss the costs upfront so you aware of the fees before engaging the services of a consultant.