Regardless of whether you want to change your career, prepare yourself for a promotion or are looking for an alternative to university education, an RTO can help you obtain the knowledge and certificate necessary for a successful career. Since you want the skills and diploma you acquire to give you an advantage in the job market, it is important to consider your options carefully. However, choosing the right RTO for your needs requires a fair amount of research and you may find yourself overwhelmed by a large number of institutions and the different types of services they offer. Below are some guidelines which can help you make this major decision.
Is the institution you are considering nationally accredited?
It is always better to undertake a course with a registered education provider, since a diploma or certificate issued by an accredited institution is recognized by the government, and hence, all educational institutions within the country and, in some cases, even abroad. You can check whether an institution is recognized by the government on the official website of the Government of Australia.
What is the institution really like?
Most education providers will do their best to present themselves as the best choice for you. However, before opting for an institution, you should try to find out about the experiences of others with them, for example, through student reviews. This can give you a more accurate picture of what you can expect if you decide to undertake a course with them.
How much will it cost you?
Considering a large number of existing RTOs, it is only natural that the cost of the training they offer varies. Since the money you are able to invest into your education is an important factor, it is best to contact the RTO and familiarize yourself with all the expenses associated with the training you are considering to undertake.
Can you get subsidies or a student loan?
Some RTOs are able to offer student loans for their courses, or even government subsidies, while others are not. If this is important to you, it is an issue you will need to contact the RTO about, since the answer may be different for different courses.
Is the learning material of high quality?
The quality of the learning material used for your course is another key issue to consider. Since undertaking a course is an investment in your future, you need to make sure that the training resources available to you will equip you with relevant and up to date skills and knowledge. Quality material and resources, apart from having a positive effect on your overall experience with the course, will also help you to more easily master the required skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to complete the course.
How is the course delivered?
If you have a busy schedule, this may leave you with little flexibility in adjusting to a timetable. In this case, you may want to choose an RTO which provides the possibility of taking your preferred course online, or at your workplace.
Although researching all the available options when choosing an RTO and course which suits your needs best may require some time, it is an important process, since having the right certificate and set of skills and knowledge can make a great difference for you in the job market and can help you advance your career in the desired direction. The list of questions above, however important, is not exhaustive, and before opting for a certain institution you should consider all your specific needs and expectations in order to ensure your road to success is a pleasant one.
