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Welcome back to the RTO Superhero Podcast! In this episode, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined once again by Maciek Fibrich, who is caravanning around Australia while working with RTOs. Together, they explore the future of vocational education in Australia and the impact of the new standards for RTOs.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Angela and Maciek dive into:
✅ The potential impact of the upcoming federal election—will a change in government reshape VET reform?
✅ The evolution of compliance and quality training—why RTOs must look beyond ticking boxes to ensure meaningful outcomes.
✅ The role of work-integrated learning—how training providers can better align with industry expectations to produce work-ready graduates.
✅ The undervaluation of education in Australia—why shifting mindsets from "cheapest and fastest" to quality and outcomes is essential.
✅ AI and technology in education—how embracing digital transformation can improve efficiency, compliance, and student success.

This episode is a must-listen for RTO owners, trainers, and compliance professionals who want to future-proof their organisations and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving training landscape.

🎧 Tune in now and be part of the conversation!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay updated on the latest insights in vocational education! 🚀

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

Send us a text

Join Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows in this insightful episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, where they break down the changes to VET Student Support Services under the Revised Standards for RTOs.

With the introduction of Standards 2.3 and 2.4, student support has now been given its own Quality Area, significantly impacting how RTOs must provide and document services. Angela and Lauren discuss:

✅ The shift from Clause 1.7 to a dedicated Quality Area for student support
✅ The impact on RTOs delivering online and RPL courses
✅ Ensuring reasonable access to trainers and assessors—what’s required?
✅ Tracking student progress and well-being throughout their training
✅ Leveraging technology and AI to enhance student support
✅ The role of mental health awareness in trainer and assessor responsibilities
✅ How to incorporate well-being units into training products

With completion rates being a key concern in the VET sector, providing the right support from enrolment to graduation is more critical than ever. Angela and Lauren explore practical strategies to help RTOs comply with these new standards while also enhancing student outcomes.

🚀 Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most significant changes in the new standards!

🔔 Subscribe to the RTO Superhero Podcast for expert insights on compliance, governance, and best practices in VET.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

Send us a text

Not all RTO consultants are created equal! In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards exposes the hidden dangers of hiring the wrong consultant and why you truly get what you pay for.

We’ve seen it happen time and time again—RTO owners opting for the cheapest option, only to come back months (or years) later, begging for help to fix the mess left behind. One recent case? A client who, after two years of working with a consultant, had never even visited the ASQA website! Now, she’s facing a tribunal hearing to salvage her RTO application. 😱

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

💥 Section 1: The Risks of Choosing the Wrong Consultant

• How bad advice can cost you thousands in legal fees, appeals, and lost time.
• The devastating impact of non-compliant systems and failed audits.
• The true cost of hiring the wrong consultant—your entire RTO could be at risk!

🚩 Section 2: Red Flags When Hiring an RTO Consultant

• Before you sign on the dotted line, ask yourself:
• ❌ Do they lack transparency about their processes?
• ❌ Do they promise quick fixes instead of teaching compliance?
• ❌ Are past clients returning for fixes after failing their audits?
• ❌ Do they offer a cheap price upfront and later hit you with hidden costs?
• ✅ Pro Tip: Always check their LinkedIn profile, website compliance, and online reviews (Google, Facebook, LinkedIn).

🦸‍♀️ Section 3: How to Choose the Right RTO Consultant

• Why experience and a strong track record matter.
• The must-ask questions before hiring a consultant.
• Why compliance isn’t a one-time job—you need ongoing support!

💸 Section 4: The Cost of Cutting Corners

• The biggest mistake? Trying to save money upfront, only to pay more in the long run.
• Learn why cheap consultants could be the most expensive mistake you ever make!

🎙️ Listen Now & Avoid Costly Mistakes!

If you’re serious about getting your RTO across the line without unnecessary headaches, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN!

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards is joined for the first time by Maciek Fibrich, who will be a regular guest throughout the year as they unpack the Revised Standards for RTOs.

Together, they break down what RTOs need to know right now about the compliance changes, including:
📜 What’s changing (and what’s not)? The real impact of the new standards on policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations.
🎓 The updated credential policy—why the TAE qualification requirements are shifting and what it means for trainers.
🔄 Self-assurance & continuous improvement—how RTOs can move away from compliance being a "burden" and create a culture of quality.
🛠 Audit expectations—how ASQA’s approach is evolving and what RTOs should be prepared for in their next audit.
🤖 Leveraging technology & AI—how RTOs can use automation and digital tools to simplify compliance and improve efficiency.

Angela and Maciek bring their expert insights, strong opinions, and plenty of passion to this conversation—helping RTOs cut through the confusion and focus on what really matters.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

Welcome to the first episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast for 2025! Join host Angela Connell-Richards and special guest, industry expert Lauren Hollows, as they dive into the exciting yet challenging world of the Revised Standards for RTOs.

This episode is like dropping into a real conversation between two experienced consultants who live and breathe compliance. Angela and Lauren explore why preparing now is crucial for the upcoming changes set to take effect on 1 July 2025. From key changes in the standards to practical strategies for readiness, you’ll get a mix of insightful advice, actionable steps, and a few laughs along the way.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the Revised Standards: What are they, and why do they matter for your RTO’s future?
• Why Procrastination is Your Worst Enemy: The risks of waiting until the last minute to comply.
• Tools from ASQA: Discover ASQA’s Practice Guides and how they can help you navigate the transition. Access them here: ASQA Practice Guides.
• Have Your Say: Don’t miss your chance to provide feedback on the standards by completing the ASQA survey before Monday, 27 January 2025. Share your voice here: ASQA Survey.

Angela and Lauren also discuss how AI technology is transforming policy creation and the importance of building a compliance culture across your entire organisation. With engaging stories and expert tips, this episode sets the stage for a year of preparation and success.

Ready to be an RTO superhero? Take action now:

1. Check out the ASQA Practice Guides for detailed resources to get started.
2. Participate in the ASQA survey before it closes on 27 January 2025.
3. Subscribe to the RTO Superhero Podcast for more episodes packed with guidance and insider tips.

Let’s make 2025 your RTO’s best year yet! Listen now, and don’t forget to share this episode with your team and fellow compliance champions.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

Discover the future of vocational education as industry mavens Marie from Compliance Assist and Angela from Vivacity unravel the complexities of RTO regulatory changes. Our latest episode promises to guide you through the maze of new assessment standards and the shifting regulatory environment. We tackle the critical balance between the government's hardline on quality assurance and ASQA's supportive ethos, providing exclusive insights into the implications these regulations have on the 'fit and proper person' criteria. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone invested in the present and future state of RTO audits and the VET sector's evolution.

As the Australian government's funding strategies fluctuate, so too does the landscape for Registered Training Organizations. Our guests discuss the readiness of RTOs to trial new educational standards, the move from a nurturing to a more punitive regulatory stance, and how these trends may affect industry motivation and educational quality. Tune in to glean expert viewpoints on the preparation needed for RTOs to navigate re-registration processes and understand the effects of funding shifts on state harmonization and the rise of non-accredited training. This episode is an invaluable resource for stakeholders aiming to remain proactive and well-informed during this transformative period for vocational education.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

In this episode of the enlightening 2024 RTO Roundtable Series, Lauren Hollows from Aniwaya Education Services continues the insightful dialogue on Clause 4 with Angela Connell-Richards of Vivacity and Katya Holker from Hawkeye Consultancy. This discussion hones in on the critical aspects of ensuring integrity, fairness, and transparency in the delivery of RTO services, an imperative stride towards elevating the sector's standing and operational ethos.

Diving deeper than ever before, our experts examine the draft standards' call for RTOs to transcend traditional policy statements, urging a transformation in how services are delivered with unwavering integrity, fairness, and transparency. Katya initiates the conversation by reflecting on the alignment with existing marketing practices and the challenges of ethical decision-making within organisations. The discourse expands to explore mechanisms for resolving potential conflicts and supporting ethical practices at all organisational levels.

Angela enriches the conversation by emphasising the anticipated requirement for a comprehensive Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics, delineating the ethical standards expected across the board. She sheds light on the necessity for access and equity policies that encapsulate equal opportunities, alongside training initiatives aimed at embedding these principles within the organisational fabric. The discussion highlights the anticipated procedural changes, including modifications to employment contracts and enrolment agreements to reflect these enhanced governance standards.

The trio navigates the practicalities of embedding integrity, fairness, and transparency into daily operations, challenging RTOs to engage in meaningful dialogues about what these values signify within their unique contexts. They advocate for transparent communication practices, sharing insights on the potential for such openness to foster improved business operations and a shared understanding of organisational goals among all team members.

Tune in to this must-listen episode for a deep dive into the nuances of implementing Clause 4's governance requirements within your RTO. Discover practical advice, innovative strategies, and thought-provoking insights aimed at guiding RTOs through the complex landscape of operationalising these foundational values.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs

Unlock the full potential of your RTO's leadership with our latest conversation where we join forces with Katja of Hawkeye Consultancy and Angela from Vivacity. Together, we dissect the fresh governance standards that could revolutionize how Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) operate. This enlightening discussion promises to equip you with the know-how to drive inclusivity, integrity, and a safe space for First Nations staff and learners within your educational institution. With the expertise of Katja and Angela, we peel back the layers of these new requirements, revealing the significance of leadership in creating a culture of success and the practical challenges of proving compliance when audit time rolls around.

Feel the pulse of modern educational leadership as we navigate through the implications of standard 4.2 and its effect on the heart of organizational culture. Hear firsthand from my guests Katja and Angela as we trade insights on the need for cultural awareness and proactive policies to shield against harassment and discrimination. This session isn't just a roadmap to adhering to the new standards – it's a treasure trove of expert perspectives, strategies for implementation, and a collective acknowledgement of the leadership landscape's evolving terrain. Tune in to transform these insights into actionable steps for your RTO and lead the charge in setting a gold standard in governance and culture.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast!

We’re excited to have you join us as we focus on the Revised Standards for RTOs in 2025. Together, we’ll explore key changes, compliance strategies, and actionable insights to help your RTO thrive under the new standards.

Stay connected with the RTO Community:

• RTO Job Board Facebook
• RTO Job Board LinkedIn
• RTO Community Facebook

📢 Your Compliance Toolkit:

🌟 Subscribe for new episodes packed with insights on the Revised Standards

✉️ Email us at hello@vivacity.com.au

📞 Call us on 1300 729 455

🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.com.au

🔗 Connect with Angela on LinkedIn

🐤 Tweet us @vivacitycoach or @angelatkconnell

🎬 Watch us on YouTube for content that inspires and informs