VET News

Don’t be alarmed by ASQA’s Training Provider briefing, here’s why

ASQA’s 2018 Training Providers Briefing recently outlined the findings of audits since the new Student-Centred audit approach has been launched.

The briefing outlined that the common areas of non compliance included:

• 1.2 Amount of training
• 1.8 Assessment
• 2.1 Third-party arrangements

Alarmingly the level of compliance to Clause 1.8 Assessment in 2017, was a staggering 28.5%. After rectification this number only increased to 46.7%. As ASQA move to a focus from compliance to quality, they will be effectively targeting providers fundamentally unable to meet standards. Therefore there is a greater need for RTOs to find a solution that will avoid non-compliance.

However, don’t be alarmed, there is good news! RTOs are finding that advances in technology are helping reduce the risk of non-compliance as cloud tech does not only allow us to work more efficiently but increase quality too.

What are the benefits of using cloud and mobile technology?

1. Efficiency

The ability to avoid costly and unreliable networking infrastructure, providing flexibility so you can scale quickly and easily, having access to your data anywhere. Gone are the days of having to replace your servers every few years due to obsolescence or lacking capacity and capability. Working online provides the opportunity to easily integrate and connect systems. This supports you with the ability to select the best solutions for you departmental systems (Sales, Marketing, Finance, Government Reporting, Assessment) and connect them to make a much more powerful stack aligned to your business needs.

2. Access to everyone

Decades ago, the concept of every house having a computer was laughed off. Now, thanks to smartphones, those that might previously have been considered to be computer illiterate, are walking around with a portable computer in their pocket. These people use this computer for mobile banking, social interactions, managing their day-to-day work and communicating to the wider world, without blinking an eye.

3. The continuous advancement of web tech

Consumers of tech are now having richer and more engaging experiences than ever before. If you said 20 years ago, that nearly 2.2 billion people, worldwide, would log-on to a database and share photos, have conversations and socialise, then no-one would believe it. Visions of a Microsoft access database would make that inconceivable. Now with web interface technologies available, interacting with a web-based database through an app or website, is a rich and rewarding experience. Excuses are gone, web-based software now needs to be clean, simple and engaging and provide an intuitive experience without frustration.

What’s out there for RTOs?

In relation to the above, typical Learning Management Systems (LMS) have been continuously pushed to RTOs as they are a great tool for online learning and business transparency, however they are learning-centric tools in an industry that is significantly biased on assessment compliance. The VET sector does not talk quizzes and pass or fail, but actually evidence and competency.

LMSs often align to LTI or other such standards, that were developed by academics in the US, and are not designed with consideration to Australian VET requirements. However, the market now offers RTOs fit-for-purpose, assessment solutions like Cloud Assess. Cloud Assess’s primary focus is on Assessment Compliance (a sticking point for non-compliance, as seen in the ASQA provider briefing).

Cloud Assess was launched in 2013. Built for VET it includes a range of features specifically focused on enhancing the quality of the learner’s experience and RTO compliance. Unique capabilities aligned to VET needs include workflow, mapping, authoring, revision control, statistics for continuous improvement and authentication.

What does the future look like for RTOs?

 WH&S More Skills Director, Richard Seaborn states, “Using a purpose built online assessment platform, like Cloud Assess, which is aligned to the needs of the VET sector, is essential now and to be ready for the future.”

To support this, a recent study showed, 100% of surveyed Cloud Assess customers, said they felt significantly more confident in meeting their compliance requirements than ever before.

The Australian Government are kicking goals with the focus on quality and are raising the profile of VET as a competitor to University education, which is a massive leap in mindset. Combine that with ASQA’s push to reward those who show consistently good levels of quality, and as quality goes hand in hand with profitability, the future is bright for RTOs.

Check out Cloud Assess' latest blog: 3 Positive Industry Changes to Support Quality VET Outcomes 

If you are looking for a solution to suit your needs, contact us today for a consultative approach to your requirements www.cloudassess.com.au.

Date posted Jul 11, 2018