The Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector is about to enter a paradigm shift. As the dynamics of the modern learner and workplace continue to evolve, skills assessment can become a critical tool for RTOs to gauge their workforce’s capabilities, identify skill gaps, and devise strategies for effective upskilling and Professional Development focus. Skills assessment is a critical tool in any organisation, but it is of particular importance in the RTO sector for various reasons.
The tertiary educations sector, and particularly RTOs will undergo a rapid transformation in the coming years, including increasing demand for micro-credentials, mass digitization, use of AI, changes in compliance requirements and self-correcting policy, increase demand for online learning options, and more. Therefore, to effectively manage these challenges, the workforce must be properly skilled and understand why their skills are important in the context of their rapidly evolving role.
There are several undeniable reasons why RTOs should use skills assessments. Here are some key reasons:
Enhancing training and assessment services.
The vocational education and training sector’s primary role is to provide employment pathways to individuals and supply the skills and knowledge required by the industry to sustain and improve our lifestyle. From healthcare, social services to manufacture, mining, business, the VET sector covers in different capacities, the whole range of skills currently present in our society. Regular skills assessments can identify areas of weakness that, when addressed through upskilling, can lead to improved training and assessment services.
Retaining top talent.
According to LinkedIn, upskilling (through skills assessments) can help bolster employee retention. By conducting skills assessments, RTOs can identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, helping them create tailored professional development plans. This improves performance and makes employees feel valued, thus improving job satisfaction and retention rates. In fact, according to the same LinkedIn article, 75 percent of employees who receive promotions stay with an organisation for at least three years.
Meeting compliance requirements
The VET sector is a highly regulated environment, in which, new policies are introduced periodically responding to societal and workplace changes. Adapting to those regulatory changes require specific skills or knowledge. Skills assessments can identify where gaps in these areas exist, and upskilling programs can then provide employees with the necessary tools to meet these challenges.
Adapting to technological advances
Digital transformation has demanded employees in all sectors, including RTOs, to be adept at using modern technologies. RTOs are increasingly using online delivery and assessment practices and have digitised records for efficiency and to meet government reporting requirements, making tech-savviness a requirement for many roles. Skills assessments can identify gaps in digital proficiency, and upskilling programs can then help employees adapt to this change.
Improving operational efficiency
With the right skills, employees can work more efficiently and effectively. By identifying skills gaps and providing targeted training, RTOs can enhance their operational efficiency.
While skills assessments are crucial, it’s equally important to utilize the findings appropriately. The results should be used to design targeted training and development programs to upskill employees, enhance their potential, and bridge identified skills gaps.
Incorporating skills assessment in the VET sector is not merely about staying relevant or just meeting currency regulatory requirements. It’s about ensuring the ability to meet student and industry needs effectively and responsibly in an ever-evolving world.
Insources Group is working with the sector to develop a suit of skills assessments for trainers and assessors, instructional designers, validators, and compliance staff. The first set of skills assessments will be launched during the CEO Bootcamp later this year.
