How to become a Trainer and Assessor in Australia

Not sure how to become a Trainer and Assessor in Australia? With a wealth of career opportunities available and the chance to help students reach their full potential, many Australians are turning to this fulfilling vocation.

However, before you submit a job application, make sure you understand the criteria for working as a Trainer and Assessor – a career that requires years of work experience and formal qualifications. The good news is that whether you are looking for a full or part-time position, and starting from scratch or with a relevant skill set, there is a clear pathway to this rewarding role.

Below, we take you through the steps you should follow to become a successful Trainer and Assessor in Australia.

What is a Trainer and Assessor?

A Trainer and Assessor develops and delivers learning programs in a certain field, mostly to adult students who are looking to advance their careers. As a Trainer and Assessor, you may work for yourself, within a workplace, at a technical and further education (TAFE) institute or for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Typical tasks and responsibilities of a Trainer and Assessor include:

• Setting course objectives
• Devising and implementing training programs, including lessons, workshops and other course components
• Designing and delivering assignments and assessments
• Recording and reporting student progress
• Sharing educational advice with students
• Utilising training aids, such as equipment, technology, handbooks and other useful industry resources
• Presenting management with the outcome of the training program, as well as any resulting insights and recommendations
• Reviewing existing training techniques and identifying opportunities to improve

 How to become a Trainer and Assessor in 5 steps

To become a Trainer and Assessor in Australia, you will need to follow the below steps:

1. Complete a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116)

2. Get certified in your chosen field

3. Develop the right skills

4. Apply for a Trainer and Assessor position

5. Undertake ongoing professional development

Let’s take a look at each one of these steps below so that you know exactly how to become a Trainer and Assessor.

1. Complete a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116

To become a successful Trainer and Assessor at a TAFE or RTO in Australia, you will need to complete the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40116. At Forsythes Training, we offer both onsite and online TAE40116 programs to students throughout Australia. This training course will teach you the skills required to plan and deliver a learning program, as well as assess student progress, effectively.

In addition to one elective unit of your choice, the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment includes nine core units to develop your abilities as a Trainer and Assessor:

1. Design and develop learning programs

2. Plan, organise and deliver group-based learning

3. Plan, organise and facilitate learning in the workplace

4. Plan assessment activities and processes

5. Participate in assessment validation

6. Design and develop assessment tools

7. Assess competence

8. Use training packages and accredited courses to meet client needs

9. Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills

Want to learn more about necessary qualifications? The Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 detail the credential requirements for Trainers and Assessors in Australia.

2. Get certified in your chosen field

Of course, anyone who wishes to teach in a given field must first develop their own expertise on the subject. As a Trainer and Assessor, you will need to stay on top of the latest industry developments so that you can share the most effective techniques and accurate information with your students.

Ideally, you would gain several years of relevant work experience and a nationally-recognised qualification in the field you wish to teach in before becoming a Trainer and Assessor.

3. Develop the right skills

To become a Trainer and Assessor, you must hone a specific set of skills to support student needs. Essential skills include:

• Organisational and problem-solving skills to prioritise, plan and implement learning programs effectively.
• Creative skills to prepare engaging lessons.
• Strong social and communication skills to collaborate with different stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
• Public speaking skills to instruct and inspire groups of people.

Certain traits are also important if you are to become a Trainer and Assessor. Firstly, you will need to have a genuine passion for helping others to reach their full potential. Additionally, this role requires you to appreciate and assist your students, even when they are struggling to absorb information. As well as an understanding of different learner styles and how to adapt your teaching method in response, you will need plenty of patience.

4. Apply for a Trainer and Assessor position

Equipped with the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, you will be able to apply for a role in a range of sectors across Australia. At this stage, you will need to choose whether you want to run your own training business, join a company as an in-house corporate trainer or work for a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), delivering learning programs across the country. RTOs fall into three categories:

• Private Registered Training Organisations e.g. Forsythes Training
• Public Registered Training Organisations e.g. TAFE
• Registered Training Organisations managed by non-profits e.g. the Red Cross

Once you’ve decided where you would like to work as a Trainer and Assessor, search for job opportunities on sites like Seek and submit your resume and cover letter to the relevant employers.

5. Undertake ongoing professional development

Once you have secured a role as a Trainer and Assessor, it is important to partake in continued professional development.

By attending conferences, seminars and professional courses, you can refine and expand your suite of training skills to further support your students.

How much does a Trainer and Assessor get paid in Australia?

A full-time Trainer and Assessor in Australia typically gets paid an annual salary of $74,880 before tax. However, this median salary should only be used as a rough estimate.

Your earnings as a Trainer and Assessor will depend on a range of factors, including your past experience, credentials, location and role requirements. For more accurate figures, we strongly recommend searching for current vacancies in your area and looking at their advertised salaries.

Become a Trainer and Assessor with Forsythes Training

Know that you have a better understanding of how to become a Trainer and Assessor in Australia, it’s time to take the leap. Start your journey by enrolling in a nationally-recognised TAE40116 course with Forsythes Training.

Located in Newcastle NSW, we have over two decades of experience in helping students across Australia to become skilled Trainers and Assessors. Enrol in a virtual course for convenient online learning or a face-to-face program in Newcastle or Sydney.

Have further questions about the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment? Enquire now to learn more.