Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) play a crucial role in Australia’s workforce development and are essential for ensuring the upskilling and retraining of workers. As the demand for education and training continues to grow, RTOs need to ensure they are equipped to meet this demand by preparing for growth and considering changes to their RTO scope. One key aspect of preparation is to consider adding to the RTO’s scope of registration.
Changing RTO scope involves expanding the range of courses and qualifications that an RTO can offer, which can greatly increase student base, diversify course offerings, and enter new markets. However, changing the RTO scope is complex and requires thoughtful planning.
Why Add to the Scope of Registration?
RTOs add courses to their scope for a variety of reasons, including:
Meeting market demand
RTOs add courses to their scope in response to changes in the labour market, such as new job opportunities or emerging industries, to meet the training needs of their students.
Entering new markets
By adding courses to their scope, RTOs can enter new markets and reach new students, increasing their student base and revenue.
Diversifying course offerings
RTOs add courses to their scope to offer a wider range of qualifications, making them a more attractive option for potential students.
Responding to changing regulations
Changes in government policies or regulations can affect the courses that RTOs offer. By adding new courses to your scope, RTOs can ensure they remain compliant with the latest regulations and continue to operate effectively.
Improving competitiveness
RTOs add courses to their scope to differentiate themselves from other providers and improve their competitiveness in the market.
Maintain existing market
RTOs can add courses back to scope when they are “lost” due to new, non-equivalent qualifications, skillsets, and units being released.
Retain students and offer career progression
Provide pathways for students to continue their studies in a field, e.g., by offering Certificate III, Certificate IV, and Diploma qualifications in the same area of study.
To get government or other funding
Access training funding opportunities offered by governments, industry bodies and other organisations that wish to subsidise training for students.
5 Key Considerations When Changing Your RTO Scope
The following are some key considerations for RTOs looking to change their scope of registration:
Market demand
It is essential to consider the market demand for the courses and qualifications you want to add to your scope of registration. Researching the demand for specific courses and qualifications helps ensure that you are offering courses in high demand, which can increase your student base and revenue.
Resources
Changing the RTO scope requires significant resources, including staff, equipment, and infrastructure. Ensure that you have the resources required to deliver the new courses and qualifications effectively.
Compliance with regulatory requirements
Adding to the scope of registration requires RTO to meet all the necessary regulatory requirements and standards, which can add to compliance maintenance and overheads.
Quality assurance
Quality assurance is a crucial aspect of the VET sector, and RTOs must ensure that their courses and qualifications meet the required standards. When changing the RTO scope, it is important to consider the quality assurance processes and systems needed to ensure the quality of your courses. Invest only in training resources that meet industry standards.
Staff training
Your staff play a critical role in delivering courses and qualifications. Ensure they’re trained and equipped to deliver the new courses and qualifications effectively and meet the compliance requirements for holding the certifications themselves.
Additional Information and Tips When Changing RTO Scope
To ensure that your RTO is fully prepared to expand its scope of registration and meet the demands of the market, it’s important to take a comprehensive approach. Here are some additional tips to help you cover all your bases and make the most of this growth opportunity.
Consultation with stakeholders
Before adding to your scope of registration, it can be beneficial to consult with stakeholders, such as industry bodies, employers, and students, to ensure that the new courses and qualifications are aligned with their needs and expectations.
Understanding the costs
Adding to your scope of registration can be expensive, so it is important to understand the costs involved and to plan accordingly. This includes not only the direct costs of delivering the new courses but also indirect costs such as marketing, staff training, and infrastructure upgrades.
Review of existing resources
Adding to your scope of registration may require additional training resources and other course delivery aids – equipment, computers, training props, facilities, software and so on. It is important to review and plan your resourcing requirements to make sure you have everything required to deliver the course effectively.
Marketing and promotion
Once you have added new courses to your scope of registration, it is important to promote them effectively to attract students. This could include developing a targeted marketing campaign, using social media to reach a wider audience, or offering introductory discounts or bonuses to encourage sign-ups.
Continuous improvement
Adding to your scope of registration is just the beginning. To remain competitive and relevant in the VET sector, it is important to continually review and improve your course offerings, delivery methods, and quality assurance processes. This could include seeking feedback from students, monitoring industry trends, or investing in staff development and training.
