How to become a TAFE/ RTO trainer in 2024

How to become a TAFE/ RTO trainer

Working at a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can be an incredibly rewarding career for anyone passionate about sharing their industry knowledge and skills.

In 2024, TAFEs and RTOs provide vocational education and training (VET) across a diverse range of sectors, from business and childcare to trades and IT. As a teacher or trainer in this field, you can directly contribute to helping others achieve their career aspirations.

Why work at a TAFE or RTO:

Rebecca Redfern, our RTO Director at MSA Training and Professional Development, believes that teaching vocational education is one of the most fulfilling career paths.

“Teaching at a TAFE or RTO is rewarding because it allows you to pass on your skills, knowledge, and experience,” she said. “It’s highly satisfying to see your students grow, develop, and achieve their career goals.”

Rebecca also highlights that teaching at a TAFE or RTO offers flexibility. “There are options for full-time, part-time, or sessional teaching, giving you a great work/life balance,” she added.

What qualifications are needed to teach at a TAFE or RTO?

Becoming a TAFE or RTO trainer begins with experience in your chosen industry.

As Rebecca notes, “To become a VET trainer, you’ll need vocational qualifications and a few years of hands-on experience in the field.”

For instance, if you’re aiming to become a Plumbing Teacher, you’ll typically need to have at least a Certificate III in Plumbing and several years of experience as a fully qualified plumber.

Beyond industry experience, one essential qualification is the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This new qualification is designed to equip future trainers with the skills to deliver training and assess student progress effectively.

The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is a comprehensive course, offering a strong foundation in training and assessment methods. It can typically be completed over several months, giving you the qualifications necessary to teach at TAFE or RTOs immediately upon completion.

Where can teaching take you?

Once you’ve gained your TAE40122 qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to teach across a broad spectrum of vocational fields. TAFEs and RTOs offer teaching roles in both classroom and online settings, and you can also work in apprenticeships, traineeships, and workplace-based delivery programs.

Rebecca points out that graduates from MSA Training and Professional Development have gone on to teach in a wide variety of unique settings.

“TAE40122 students often find teaching roles in TAFEs, RTOs, or even the corporate sector,” she said. “We’ve had graduates work in places as diverse as hospitals, airlines, prisons, equestrian schools, cruise ships, golf clubs, and even the defence force.”

With the rise of online learning, there’s also increasing flexibility to work from home, allowing trainers to achieve an even better work/life balance.

How to apply