How to Become a TAFE/RTO Teacher/Trainer

Why Work at a TAFE OR RTO?

Working at a TAFE institution or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can be a highly rewarding experience for anyone wanting to share their industry skills and knowledge.

TAFEs and RTOs specialise in providing vocational education and training (VET) across an incredibly diverse range of employment areas, including business, childcare and IT.

Rebecca Redfern is our RTO Director at MSA Training and Professional Development and believes teaching vocational education is a highly fulfilling career path.

“Teaching at a TAFE or RTO is a rewarding career, allowing you to share your skills, knowledge and experience with others,” she said.

“It’s really satisfying to watch your students grow and develop and know that you’ve helped them to pursue their career goals.

“Another benefit is that the work can be quite flexible, with options for full-time, part-time or sessional teaching, allowing for a good work/life balance.”

 

What Qualifications Are Needed to Teach at a TAFE or RTO?

Vocational education requires just that, a vocation!

The first step to becoming a TAFE or RTO trainer is experience in a given vocation.

According to Rebecca Redfern, this includes relevant qualifications and several years’ work experience.

“Trainers will ideally have a vocational qualification along with several years of experience working within that vocational area,” she said.

“For example, to pursue a career as a Plumbing Teacher, employers will be looking for candidates who hold a minimum of a Certificate III in Plumbing as well as having worked as a fully qualified plumber for at least two years.”

All prospective TAFE and RTO trainers are also required to complete the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

The Certificate provides the necessary skills to train individuals and groups as well as assess student progress.

The TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment can be completed in the space of 18 weeks and provides the necessary qualifications to begin immediately teaching.

 

Where Can Teaching Take You?

Once qualified, VET trainers can work across an incredibly diverse field of employment.

TAFEs and RTOs both provide opportunities for classroom-based and online teaching.

Trainers also work in apprenticeships/traineeships, workplace-based delivery and VCAL programs with secondary school students.

Rebecca Redfern says students from MSA Training and Professional Development have gone on to work in a wide variety of jobs.

“TAE40116 students go on to teach at TAFE or within the corporate sector,” she said.

“However, others have gained teaching roles in settings as diverse as hospitals, airlines, prisons, an equestrian school, on a cruise ship, at a golf club and in the defence force.”

As previously mentioned, work can also be flexible where needed.

The growth in online learning means this flexibility now extends to allowing working from home.

 

How to Apply

The TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment can be found here.