Choosing an RTO and delivery model
Schools must decide which provider and delivery model is most appropriate. The right choice depends on a few things:
- the needs of the students
- the requirements of the certificate
- the capability of the school
- provider options available locally.
Direct RTO delivery model
Direct delivery model is when the registered training organisation (RTO) delivers training and assessment directly to students using its own staff.
Direct delivery can be at a:
- RTO
- school
- host school
- third-party site
- online if suitable.
Direct RTO delivery is most suitable when the certificate needs specialist facilities, equipment, or trainers.
In a direct delivery arrangement, the RTO is responsible for the quality and compliance of the training and assessment.
The RTO also has obligations set out in the contract for:
- student safety and wellbeing
- emergency management
- transport
- privacy information sharing
- reporting attendance and progress to schools
- certification.
The school has important responsibilities including:
- student support
- attendance oversight
- sharing student information with the RTO
- communication with parents or carers
- working with the RTO to respond to incidents or concerns about students.
When direct delivery is offsite
There are additional requirements where students attend training at an RTO site away from their school. These help to ensure students are safe and supported in their training.
Before choosing offsite delivery, the school must complete an offsite VET readiness check. This helps the school to decide if it is right for the student and what supports the student might need to succeed. Read the Completing due diligence chapter for information about offsite VET readiness checks and additional checks required for offsite RTO delivery.
The VET readiness check and other information relating to the student’s participation must be stored securely in the school’s student management system or admin server. These records are usually required to be retained for 75 years prior to secure disposal.
Schools also retain duty of care obligations under direct delivery. This includes when students are travelling to an RTO’s campus for the training.
When to prioritise TAFE delivery
The department has identified 14 certificates for TAFEs to focus on for secondary students. These certificates target areas with workforce shortages and rising demand. They are also certificates that are harder for schools to deliver.
These certificates are:
- Certificate II in Agriculture
- Certificate II in Animal Care
- Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Bricklaying and Carpentry Streams)
- Certificate II in Cookery
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
- Certificate II in Engineering Studies
- Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-Apprenticeship)
- Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
- Certificate III in Beauty Services
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- Certificate III in Information Technology.
Schools are encouraged to:
- support students to choose TAFE where places are available
- work through VET clusters. Also, collaborate with the department to strengthen ties with TAFEs
- identify and tackle barriers to local TAFE access.
These certificates are difficult to deliver because of technical, regulatory and facility requirements. Schools can consider TAFE, and other providers with specialist trainers and infrastructure for delivery of these certificates.
Other provider types include school-based RTOs (SBRTOs), Trade Training Centres (TTCs) and specialist private RTOs. They can also offer high-quality services. This is helpful when TAFE places are limited or unavailable.
Auspice delivery arrangement
In an auspice delivery arrangement, school staff deliver the training. The RTO supervises the process and must provide strong oversight and quality assurance. The RTO is also responsible for issuing qualifications or statements of attainment. Schools and RTOs must understand their responsibilities before delivery begins.
Auspice delivery should only be considered where a school can show it has:
- qualified and vocationally competent trainers
- facilities and equipment that meet regulatory standards
- the ability to meet the RTO’s training, assessment, and quality-assurance requirements.
In an auspice arrangement, the RTO remains responsible for regulatory compliance. If a school cannot meet the requirements that the RTO sets for auspice delivery, it should consider direct RTO delivery instead.
This arrangement may help schools integrate VET into their timetable more effectively. It can also encourage collaboration and shared access. This is when one school hosts students from other schools. For further guidance on fostering collaboration please read the Vocational Education and Training Clusters policy.
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