Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in the vocational education and training (VET) sector: trainer, manager, CEO, auditor, and consultant. Through these experiences, one thing has become abundantly clear—quality training doesn’t happen by chance. It requires deliberate design, thoughtful planning, and above all, the right people.
One of the most critical yet often misunderstood roles in an RTO is the instructional designer. Unfortunately, I’ve observed that some RTOs minimise the role of instructional designers to merely creating content. This narrowed perspective often leads organisations to outsource content creation to publishing companies, believing this to be a sufficient substitute. While you can buy content, you cannot outsource the development of a training program that is tailored to your learners’ needs and your organisation’s unique context.
Instructional designers do much more than produce content—they design programs that engage learners, ensure compliance, and align with industry needs. This distinction is crucial, and it’s why having an instructional designer as part of your team is so valuable.
The Role of an Instructional Designer
Instructional designers are the architects of effective learning. Their responsibilities go far beyond content development, encompassing every element of program design, from compliance to learner engagement.
Here’s what they bring to the table:
1. Crafting Tailored Training Strategies. A program designed in-house, with input from someone who understands your RTO’s specific goals and challenges, is far more effective than an off-the-shelf solution. Instructional designers, equipped with skills listed in TAEDES411 (Use nationally recognised training products to meet training needs), ensure strategies are compliant and customised.
2. Designing Learning Materials That Work for Your Learners. Learners engage more effectively when the content is relevant to their experiences and tailored to their needs. Instructional designers should be trained in TAEDES502 (Design and develop learning resources) to create resources that resonate with your audience.
3. Aligning Programs with Industry Standards. Off-the-shelf content often lacks the specificity needed to align with industry standards. Instructional designers ensure compliance and relevance. See TAEDES505 (Evaluate a training program).
4. Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes. Integrating e-learning tools, Learning Management Systems, and digital simulations isn’t just about adopting technology—it’s about using it effectively. Instructional designers, with skills like those in TAEDEL501 (Facilitate e-learning), make this happen.
5. Continuous Improvement of Programs. Program design isn’t a one-time activity—it requires ongoing refinement based on learner feedback, industry changes, and audit outcomes. Instructional designers, guided by TAERES501 (Apply research to training and assessment practice), ensure your programs stay relevant and effective.
The Danger of Outsourcing Without Context
While outsourcing content creation may seem convenient, it often overlooks the critical aspects of program design. Pre-packaged materials may look polished, but they rarely address the nuances of your learners’ needs, your trainers’ delivery methods, or your RTO’s operational realities.
I’ve seen RTOs struggle because the content they purchased didn’t align with their delivery strategies or learners’ expectations. Instructional designers bridge this gap by ensuring every program element—from learning materials to assessments—is seamlessly integrated into a cohesive training strategy.
Why Your RTO Needs an Instructional Designer
From my perspective, an instructional designer is an investment, not an expense. Here’s why:
- They Create Programs That Fit Your RTO. An instructional designer develops programs tailored to your unique context, ensuring better learner outcomes and organisational alignment.
- They Maintain Compliance. Having been through numerous audits, I can confidently say that a program designed with compliance in mind is a program built to succeed.
- They Adapt Training to Industry Needs. Instructional designers collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure your training stays relevant.
- They Use Technology Effectively. Instructional designers know how to leverage technology to enhance learning, not just add complexity.
- They Foster Continuous Improvement. Training programs should evolve with your RTO, and instructional designers are instrumental in driving this evolution.
The TAE Training Package: A Foundation for Success
The TAE Training and Education Training Package provides a foundation for developing the skills needed to design and deliver high-quality, compliant training. Units like TAEDES503 (Design and develop e-learning resources) and TAEDES412 (Design and develop plans for vocational training) outline the competencies required for creating exceptional learning programs.
However, in my experience, the reality is often different. Many TAE certification holders do not possess the practical skills or confidence needed to execute the tasks listed in the units they hold. While the qualifications provide a foundation, they do not guarantee capability.
This gap often necessitates re-training. RTOs must invest in additional professional development to ensure trainers and assessors can apply these competencies effectively. For example:
- Providing workshops on instructional design principles tailored to your RTO’s needs.
- Offering hands-on training in e-learning development tools like Learning Management Systems.
- Creating mentoring programs to support new trainers in developing their practical skills.
By recognising this gap and addressing it, RTOs can unlock the full potential of their instructional designers and trainers, ensuring the delivery of truly impactful and compliant training programs.
Adapting to Industry 4.0 and Beyond
Industry 4.0 is changing the game for RTOs. The rise of automation, AI, and new technologies means our training must evolve. Instructional designers play a key role in this transformation by:
- Developing micro-credentials to address emerging skill gaps.
- Integrating e-learning and blended models to meet diverse learner needs.
- Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility through innovative approaches.
A Personal Call to Action
If there’s one thing my experience has taught me, it’s this: you can’t outsource the soul of your training programs. Instructional designers bring that soul. They understand your learners, your trainers, and your organisation in a way that no external provider can replicate.
I encourage you to invest in this role, leverage the competencies of the TAE Training Package, and empower your team to deliver exceptional outcomes. Trust me—it’s an investment your learners, your team, and your organisation will thank you for.
What’s your experience with instructional designers in your RTO? Let’s discuss how we can continue to raise the bar for quality in the VET sector.
