How to complete a compliant Trainer Matrix – Part 1 of Part 5

In this article we have included some of the most important aspects needed for a compliant Trainer Matrix.

The Trainer Matrix

A Trainer Matrix (sometimes also called staff matrix, training matrix, training chart) is a tool that can be used to track the training and skill levels of a training staff member within an organisation.

A trainer matrix has a variety of uses such as:

It tracks the skills, knowledge and expertise required to train and assess a training product
It documents and compares the required competencies for a position with the current skill level of the employees performing the role
It allows organisations to assess how they can move forward with training programs and initiatives
It provides a gap analysis between required and actual knowledge levels
It tracks competency levels and supports the development of an action plan to reach the ideal staff skills level
It provides the information required for the development of a professional development plan and budget
It aids management with development planning by providing a framework of the teaching and training skills (current and future)

ASQA guidelines related to trainer and assessor requirements:

As part of the Standards, an RTO’s training and assessment may only be delivered by trainers and assessors who:

hold the required credentials (Standards 1.14 and 1.15, Schedule 1 of the Standards)
hold vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed (Standard 1.13[a])
have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided (Standard 1.13[b])
have current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment (Standard 1.13[c])
undertake relevant professional development (Standard 1.16).

Keeping evidence

Your RTO needs to retain sufficient evidence for each trainer and assessor to show that they can demonstrate appropriate competency, currency and professional development and the RTO must verify the information presented.

Verification may include:

contacting the provider named on a person’s evidence (including qualifications) to confirm that the documentation is genuine
conducting referee checks at the time of employment to confirm relevant industry experience.

You need to keep the evidence showing how you have verified this information. The best way to do this is in a compliant trainer matrix. The template of a trainer matrix can be prepared using a word-processing tool, spreadsheet or online management system.

In our next editions, we will discuss:

What should be included in the trainer matrix template
How to complete a trainer matrix template
Review and manage trainer matrix tool

References:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/fact-sheets/meeting-trainer-and-assessor-requirements

Sukh Sandhu

Executive Director

Sukh has been working in the VET and Higher Education Industry for over 25 years. In this time, he has held several roles with RTO's and Higher Education Providers (HEP) including CEO roles for International Colleges and National Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager roles for several RTO's, TAFE's and Universities. Sukh has also worked for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Business Systems Project Official. Sukh is a Canadian permanent resident and Australian citizen.

Sukh has had extensive project management experience in risk management, compliance, administration and as a training consultant. He has extensive knowledge in government compliance standards and has participated in nearly one hundred audits across Australia and provided consultancy advice regarding ASQA/VRQA, TEQSA, ACPET, DET-HESG, VQF/Higher Education, ELICOS, NEAS, ANMAC, AHPRA, CRICOS, ESOS and ISO.

Sukh is a member of several independent professional organisations and government bodies including, ACPET, VELG, ACS, AITD, MARA, MIA, ISANA, APEX, IEEE, The Internet Society (Global Member), AISIP, IAMOT, ACM, OISV, APACALL, IWA, Eta Kappa Nu, EDSIG and several others.

Sukh's qualifications include two MBAs, three masters in IT and systems, a Graduate diploma of management learning, Diploma in training design and development, Diploma in vocational education training, Diploma of work, health and safety, Diploma of Quality Auditing, Advanced diploma of management, Advanced diploma in marketing, human resources, information technology, and a number of other courses and qualifications. He has been working as a lecturer and as a trainer and assessor since 1998, Sukh has been a vocal advocate of audit reforms and system centred auditing practices rather than auditor centred auditing practices for many years.