Big shifts are landing across Australia’s retail and hospitality training packages, and we’re breaking down what actually matters for RTOs, trainers, and learners. Angela sits with returning guest Lauren Hollows to dig into what’s changing in SIR and SIT, why this reform cycle feels different, and the practical steps you can take now to protect funding, simplify assessment, and improve outcomes. The core story is transparency: using the Markup platform, anyone can see and respond to unit-leve...
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Big shifts are landing across Australia’s retail and hospitality training packages, and we’re breaking down what actually matters for RTOs, trainers, and learners. Angela sits with returning guest Lauren Hollows to dig into what’s changing in SIR and SIT, why this reform cycle feels different, and the practical steps you can take now to protect funding, simplify assessment, and improve outcomes. The core story is transparency: using the Markup platform, anyone can see and respond to unit-leve...
Big shifts are landing across Australia’s retail and hospitality training packages, and we’re breaking down what actually matters for RTOs, trainers, and learners. Angela sits with returning guest Lauren Hollows to dig into what’s changing in SIR and SIT, why this reform cycle feels different, and the practical steps you can take now to protect funding, simplify assessment, and improve outcomes. The core story is transparency: using the Markup platform, anyone can see and respond to unit-leve...
A glossy promise, a long wait, and an audit that collapsed in four and a half hours—this cautionary tale shows how fast things unravel when a consultant says “we’ll take care of everything.” We walk through a real CRICOS case where outdated policies and false confidence met the hard edge of the 2025 standards, and the regulator made it clear: capability sits with the CEO and PEO, not the consultant on the call. We dig into the mindset shift that turns compliance from a paperwork chore into a...
The vocational education landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence transforms everything from assessment design to compliance management. This thought-provoking conversation with AI expert Lauren explores the practical implications of this revolution for RTOs. We dive deep into how AI is already reshaping assessment validation processes, with Lauren sharing how her organisation has redesigned hundreds of assessments to incorporate live video components. This critic...
Ever wondered what your first audit under Australia's new RTO standards might look like? In this revealing conversation, Angela Connell-Richards and Lauren Hollows share candid insights from their recent experiences guiding RTOs through audits under the updated regulatory framework. The landscape has shifted noticeably. Auditors now place substantial emphasis on governance structures, risk management processes, and inclusivity practices. Both initial registrations and re-registrations reveal...
Navigating the re-registration process doesn't have to be stressful. This enlightening conversation between Angela Connell-Richards and compliance expert Maycheck reveals crucial strategies for approaching RTO re-registration with confidence under the 2025 Standards. Did you know you can submit your re-registration application up to 12 months before your expiry date? This proactive approach not only demonstrates organisation to ASQA but gives you valuable time to address any compliance issue...
The training sector has witnessed significant regulatory changes with the introduction of the 2025 standards, leaving many RTOs uncertain about what to expect during their ASQA audits. This episode cuts through the noise to deliver practical insights from two practitioners who've recently navigated the new audit landscape. Drawing from their combined experience with seven initial registration audits under the new standards, Angela and Maycheck reveal a fundamental shift in ASQA's approach. A...
In this powerful follow-up episode, Angela Connell-Richards revisits the policy topic with a reality check: even after updates, many RTO policies still fail to meet the new 2025 Standards. Why? Because they lack implementation, contextualisation, or evidence. Key points discussed: ✅ Why many “new” policies are still non-compliant ✅ The missing links between documentation and delivery ✅ How to embed your policies into team culture and student experience ✅ Simple tools t...
In this special reflection episode, Angela Connell-Richards shares an honest and insightful look at what the first month under the new 2025 Standards has really been like. From wins and breakthroughs to unexpected challenges, Angela takes you behind the scenes of her work with RTOs over the past month—revealing what’s working, what’s still settling, and what everyone should be paying attention to as the sector adjusts. Key points discussed: ✅ How RTOs are adapting to the 2025 Standards in pr...
In this crucial episode, Angela Connell-Richards sheds light on one of the fastest-growing audit triggers under the 2025 Standards: complaints. Even one unresolved student complaint can lead to a full ASQA investigation—so how you respond matters more than ever. Key points discussed: ✅ How ASQA uses complaints to trigger audits ✅ What makes a compliant, defensible response process ✅ How to train your team to handle feedback and escalation ✅ What documentation you must ...
In this high-stakes episode, Angela Connell-Richards breaks down the reality of delivering high-risk training products in the VET sector. From early childhood to cookery, some qualifications are magnets for ASQA scrutiny—and Angela shows you how to stay protected. Key points discussed: ✅ What defines a “high-risk” qualification or unit ✅ How to assess and strengthen your delivery of risky products ✅ Common pitfalls in assessment, placement, and validation ✅ Evidence st...
We've crossed the 1 July 2025 compliance deadline, but the real work for RTOs starts now. Having updated policies alone doesn't make you audit-ready, especially as ASQA adopts a more vigilant, risk-based approach to monitoring. Top three post-deadline compliance traps: assuming document updates equal compliance, underestimating audit triggers, and failing to implement self-assuranceASQA can now trigger audits through scope additions, student complaints, high-risk delivery, or routine risk ass...
In this timely episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores the compliance risks that come with adding courses to your RTO’s scope—especially under the 2025 Standards. What seems like growth can quickly turn into an audit nightmare without the right preparation. Key points discussed: ✅ The audit risks tied to scope additions and amendments ✅ How to pre-assess your readiness before submitting a scope application ✅ The evidence ASQA looks for when reviewing new course delivery &n...
🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Lauren Hollows tackle a confronting reality in Australia’s VET sector—how arbitrary funding decisions are crippling high-performing private RTOs. Despite delivering 80% of Australia’s training, private RTOs receive just 30% of government funding. Even worse? RTOs with exceptional outcomes are being denied funding simply because their success happened in the “wrong” state. 🚨 What’s happening behind the scenes: ...
In this forward-looking episode, Angela Connell-Richards explores what it takes for RTOs to move beyond the 1 July 2025 Standards deadline and embrace a culture of continuous self-assurance. Rather than treating compliance as a checklist, Angela invites you to reframe it as an ongoing journey of quality, improvement, and organisational excellence. Key points discussed: ✅ What “self-assurance” really means under the 2025 Standards ✅ How to embed continuous improvement across all Quality Area...
🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards, with Lauren Hollows, dives into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia’s VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs. Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding—despite data showing private providers deliver better outcomes at lower costs. 🚨 Here’s what’s at stake: 📊 Private RTOs boast higher completion rates (54%) vs. TAFE’s 4...
In this practical episode, Angela Connell-Richards helps you decode the updated credential requirements for trainers and assessors under the new 2025 Standards. If you’re unsure whether your team meets current expectations—or how to evidence it—this episode is your step-by-step guide. Key points discussed: ✅ What the Credential Policy now requires (and what’s changed) ✅ How to audit and map your trainers' qualifications and experience ✅ Documentation strategies to satisfy AS...
VET Talks: Future-Proof Your RTO - Embracing the 2025 Standards with Confidence In this insightful episode of VETtalks, join Scott Rogers (CEO of eSkilled) and Angela Connell (CEO of Vivacity RTO Consulting) for a focused Q&A on navigating the upcoming 2025 Standards for RTOs. With major reforms now on the horizon, this episode dives into why it’s critical to start preparing now—not later. You’ll hear expert insights into the compliance risks of delay, the key operational and strategic ad...
In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards and co-host Maciek Fibrich unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of the 2025 Standards for RTOs—Standard 2.2, with a laser focus on assessing Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills prior to enrolment. There’s been growing confusion in the VET sector: 🌀 Do RTOs need to buy expensive LLN and digital skills tools? 🌀 Does every course require digital assessments? 🌀 What’s the difference ...
In this urgent episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards takes you inside a growing crisis in Australia’s vocational education sector. Private RTOs—who deliver over 70% of the nation’s training—are being hit with devastating funding cuts, unfunded compliance reforms, and a wave of closures that threaten access, jobs, and student outcomes. Angela shares real frontline stories, the latest NCVER data, and what government isn’t telling you about the Fee-Free TAFE agenda. She a...
In this thought-provoking episode, Angela Connell-Richards challenges the common assumption that simply updating your policies and procedures means your RTO is compliant. She explores the deeper truth behind the new Standards: implementation, understanding, and continuous review are what really matter now. Key points discussed: ✅ Why policy updates alone won’t satisfy ASQA ✅ How to identify gaps between policy and practice ✅ The 4-question self-audit method to review your do...
Big shifts are landing across Australia’s retail and hospitality training packages, and we’re breaking down what actually matters for RTOs, trainers, and learners. Angela sits with returning guest Lauren Hollows to dig into what’s changing in SIR and SIT, why this reform cycle feels different, and the practical steps you can take now to protect funding, simplify assessment, and improve outcomes. The core story is transparency: using the Markup platform, anyone can see and respond to unit-leve...
