What RTOs can do?

RTOs can:

  • deliver and assess nationally recognised courses and qualifications
  • apply for government funding for publicly funded training.

RTOs can use the nationally recognised training logo on all qualifications and statements of attainment that they issue. The logo is a valuable marketing tool and signifies that:

  • the training courses are accredited under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF)
  • the issued qualifications are nationally recognised by all other RTOs.

This means that those trained will be confident that the skills they attain are of a high quality and will be accepted and valued nationwide.

User Choice

User Choice is a national policy that encourages a direct market relationship between employers, apprentices/trainees and training providers. User Choice is designed to increase the responsiveness of the training system to client needs. Under the system:

  • non-government organisations can register to provide nationally recognised training and qualifications
  • funding is available for these non-government registered training organisations (RTOs).

User Choice works in conjunction with Australian Apprenticeships, whereby apprentices and trainees enter legally binding training contracts with their employers. The apprentice or trainee and employer negotiate with an RTO of their choice to deliver structured training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. Employment may be full-time or part-time and the structured training may be delivered at the premises of the RTO, at the workplace, by various forms of distance education, or by a combination of any of the delivery pathways.

User Choice allows employers, together with the apprentices and trainees they employ to:

  • choose which RTO will provide them with structured training services
  • negotiate key aspects of the training, such as where, how and when it is provided.

The choice of RTOs may be limited in some cases, such as where there are small numbers (a thin market), but the objectives are the same. Each state and territory sets its own policies regarding User Choice and the amounts of funds RTOs receive for providing structured training to each apprentice or trainee.

The Australian and Northern Territory governments also offer funding programs targeted at particular learning groups, industries, or regions of Australia.

New business opportunities

RTOs can create new business opportunities by:

  • delivering training and assessment services at times and locations suited to the needs of their customers
  • providing practical and relevant training that responds to the demands of the Australian labour market.

RTOs can tailor courses or design new courses to better satisfy their clients. 

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