From getting the right skills and knowledge to enter a new career field, to expanding your current knowledge and skills to allow for career advancement. Everyone has their own reasons for signing up for training courses. But choose the wrong training provider can see you not only out of pocket, but also still lacking the skills and knowledge you wanted.
Choosing a training provider involves more than simply finding one that offers courses in the field in which you are interested. Knowing how to choose the right training provider can save you time and money, while also guaranteeing that you will walk away with the competencies and qualifications you need.
Check That They Are a Registered Training Organisation
Visit training.gov.au to check that the provider you are interested in signing up with is a registered training organisation (RTO), and that their registration is still current. This shows that they are registered by ASQA (or a state regulator) to deliver accredited VET courses with nationally recognised qualifications.
Check That the Courses Offered Are Accredited
Some RTOs offer a mix of accredited and non-accredited courses. There is nothing wrong with taking non-accredited courses because–while they don’t come with a recognised qualification–they can still provide you with useful knowledge and skills. However, it is important to know that certain jobs specifically require approved certification following an accredited course. Being in the hospitality industry and wanting to work at any licensed venue means you must have a valid RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) certificate. And this is only issued if you complete an accredited RSA course.
Look for Course Information
Almost all training providers will have a website with some information. But the best training providers will include detailed information for each course they offer. This should include:
- A summary of the course, highlighting some of the skills you will gain, and the industries or jobs the training is suited to.
- A list of units, modules, or topics covered by the course.
- Course duration. For courses that run over multiple months, they should include details of how often classroom training happens, along with any practical placement requirements.
- The type of assessment used.
- Details of the Statements of Attainment that are issued on successful completion.
- All fees, along with notes on whether Government funding is available.
- How to enrol, along with specific entrance requirements or pre-requisites.
This information makes it easier for you to see whether the course covers topics that are important and relevant to the qualification, and that it includes a practical part where necessary.
Ask About Class Size
Class size is a good indicator of how much individual attention and support you can expect during your training. The larger the class, the more difficult it will be for the instructor to spend time with each student, especially when going over practical skills.
Limit Yourself to Specialist Training Providers
When researching training providers, you will quickly discover that some offer courses for many different industries, while others focus on a single industry. It is the latter that you should be most interested in because these RTOs are likely to be attuned to that industry. Instructors might have experience in the industry, so are able to share industry insights, while also having industry contacts that could offer an entry path to employment.
Coffee School is now part of Complete Hospitality Training (CHT), a registered RTO specialising in training related to the hospitality industry. Through our training facilities in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne we offer a mix of accredited and non-accredited courses. And all our accredited courses include nationally recognised certification. Whether you're only starting out in the hospitality industry, or looking to advance your career, we're sure to have a course suited to your needs.
