Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

Two reasons: 1) I design and project manage the development of eLearning courseware, having the Cert IV provides more credibility and 2) also gives me the option of conducting face to face training which I used to do but can no longer do without the Cert IV

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

I looked at a number of offerings from different RTO’s offering the Cert IV online. Fortress Learning was less expensive and also looked to have a better offering and be more organised

How long did it take you to do it?

6 months on a casual basis

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

Full Course

How painful was the RPL process?

n/a

What worked for you?

Course structure is easy to follow and submissions are marked quickly. Trainer is always available to answer questions

What didn’t work for you?

The forum didn’t seem to be well utilised and would like to have had a few more examples in the assignment area

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

If you are a good time manager and able to work on your own it is a great way to get coursework completed in your own time.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

The course is very thorough to prepare you in all aspects of training so be prepared to put some time and effort in.

DATE:11/2/2012

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

I wanted to transfer my extensive experience in Retail to other passionate people.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

Fortress offered me a very flexible study environment.

How long did it take you to do it?

12 months

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

I did a combination.

How painful was the RPL process?

It was easy.

What worked for you?

Working at my own pace and having a great support team from everyone at Fortress.

What didn’t work for you?

Navigating the website took longer than I thought, but once I understood it, it was easy.

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

I advise that you allocate a number of hours a week and I found working as a trainer assisted me in understanding the information.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

I have learn lots from the TAE.

DATE:09/2/2012

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

I’m doing a BA Education in Adult Education and the Cert IV TAE has become a required additional qualification for many jobs. Although I initially felt annoyed about that, I have found it very rewarding. I run an LLN program for an intellectual disability service and I was thrilled to be able to work with the LLN units endorsed just last year for use in the Community Services.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

A fax came through our office advertising Fortress Learning and so I went onto their site. I was impressed by the holistic approach conveyed but I’d never done any study online. I thought it was great that you could sign up for the newsletter before committing to a course. After getting that emailed for a few months, I decided Fortress was an organisation with integrity and I signed up.

How long did it take you to do it?

A bit over a year!! I work full time and study at uni part time. My son was doing his first year of tertiary studies so I felt I had to pace myself.

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

Combination

How painful was the RPL process?

Not at all painful. My CEO and manager were both very supportive and agreed to do the paperwork and Fortress took a very straightforward approach to the whole thing.

What worked for you?

Being able to do the course using units of my own choosing made me feel very in control of the whole process.

What didn’t work for you?

Nothing really. It can be hard studying online when you come across something you don’t understand. But persistence and the odd email to Bryan fixed things up.

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

I would advise people to go into the course with a clear purpose of how they’re going to use the qualification. It’s important to be able to at least visualise yourself in a training/teaching situation so you can bring all the knowledge and abilities you have to the course.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

I found Bryan to be very open and helpful. In the beginning I didn’t know how much ownership I could take with it all and Bryan gave me the encouragement I needed to take the reins and get on with it.
I also found Cecilia struck the right tone in her emails and I was grateful for that!

DATE:10/2/2012

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

I’m hoping to create a training role within my business division.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

It was recommended by a friend. I liked that it was online and the fee was very reasonable.

How long did it take you to do it?

12 months. I took my time in the beginning of the year, but had to put the hard yards in the past few months to finish it on time.

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

Full course

How painful was the RPL process?

n/a

What worked for you?

Putting aside dedicated time each week to study, although that didn’t always go to plan. I also made sure I celebrated after each submission of questions and assignments, by having a little time off in-between.

What didn’t work for you?

I found it difficult not working in a training industry as I often had to rely on other people to help complete some of the assignments, which was quite frustrating as they were often slow to respond.

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

Take each lot of questions and assignments one at a time. If I tried to look ahead it became quite overwhelming. Once I started each assignment I realised that I had the knowledge and skills to complete them from the previous work I had completed.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

This is the first time I have studied online and at first thought that it was a lonely and difficult process, but soon came to realise that Bryan was there to help, just a phone call or email away which made the process so much easier.
I have spoken to some friends who have completed this course through other online RTO’s and in a much shorter period of time. After going into more detail with them I realised they don’t know a third of the things I have been taught. There may be easier, shorter courses available, but I’d much rather do a course that is detailed and challenging which is much more satisfying.

DATE:26/1/2012

Most people begin their TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with some very clear goals in mind. These range from needing to get it because they need to update their qualification, it’s a requirement of a new job they would like to get or they may just want to gather more skills.

I always say to people that this is one of the handiest certificates that you can get.

The TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Asse ssment is an investment in your future.

One of the most important investments we make today is in our Education. It’s not cheap with some degrees costing over $50 000 dollars. Vocational Education can be an important stepping stone for many people who want to get a new job or kick start their careers in an affordable way.

Research has shown that Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is the beginning point for many people in their career as trainers in the Vocational Education sector. This sector is forecast for continued growth as Australians seek to upgrade their skills or change their skills to be able to keep their current job or embark on a new career.

Politicians are always expressing concern about the skills shortage in Australia. The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is the foundational qualification that enables you to begin your training career.nal Education can be an important stepping stone for many people who want to get a new job or kick start their careers in an affordable way.

In a study conducted by Dr Cathy Down (2009), one of its participants wrote:

Overall, I am pleased that I have undertaken this training and am up-to-date with a nationally recognised qualification. This qualification will enhance my practices within the VET environment and hopefully increase my employment opportunities in the future.

Although Down’s review was of the TAA qualification the TAE is an equivalent qualification. It is still the foundational requirement for those wanting to teach in the Vocational Education sector.

The TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Asses sment will improve your training skills.

Participants in Down’s (2009) study wrote that the TAA04 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment gave more confidence, a better understanding of their role in VET and more confidence in navigating some of the complexities of the VET system.

As another participant in her study wrote:

“I feel that this course enhanced my ability as a VET teacher as although I had over twenty six years of vocational experience and was confident in my technical ability, this course focussed me more on the training and assessment side of VET”. (Downs, 2009)

Therefore, even though Down’s research was a review of the TAA040104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment the TAE401101 Certificate IV is the equivalent qualification. The desired outcome to have competent trainer’s skilling Australians continues to be true for the updated version of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment has helped me.

Personally, I have found that having this foundational certificate has given me access to many new opportunities in my own training career. Even though I have post graduate qualifications in education, the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is a prerequisite for anyone wanting to be a trainer. I could not teach in my own Training Organisation if I didn’t have this certificate.

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

Become a part-time, maybe full-time lecturer.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

Liked the idea of distance learning and the cheap price.

How long did it take you to do it?

Eight months

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

Full course

How painful was the RPL process?

n/a

What worked for you?

No set time table.

What didn’t work for you?

The “Dashboard”; completely ridiculous way of communicating

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

Do it; sooner, rather than later….

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

Feedback and assistance was always excellent, thank you.

DATE: 18/01/2012

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

I worked in several roles e.g. Executive Officer, Grants Officer, Board Coordinator, Stenographer etc. and I wanted to work in the training area and hence I undertook TAA.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

The online and RPL options were easy and suitable for me.

How long did it take you to do it?

RPL took

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

RPL only

How painful was the RPL process?

No pains…only gains

What worked for you?

Prompt and excellent service from the training providers.

What didn’t work for you?

Nothing!

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

It is the way to go. Online training is suitable for busy people, especially working mothers who need to juggle at home and work.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

Fortress Learning is the first training provider I have come across providing online training for Training & Assessment and I thank them for their great initiative.

DATE: January 2012

Why did you want to do the TAA/TAE Cert IV?

Requirement for promotion.

Why did you choose to do the TAE with Fortress Learning?

My employer chose fortress due to the affordable cost.

How long did it take you to do it?

around 4 to 5 months at an easy pace.

Did you do the full course, RPL, or a combination?

Full Course

How painful was the RPL process?

What worked for you?

the online part was very suitable for me, do it when I wanted to for the time I wanted.

What didn’t work for you?

What advice would you give to others considering studying this course in this way?

plan study time, be sure to ask for help if you need it.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

DATE: 06/01/2012