Latest Articles

The Keys To Adult Learning: Knowles 6 Principles of Andragogy Explained
We’re going to dive deeper into the adult learning theory known as “The 6 Principles of Andragogy” and how they can guide our approach to training adults.

What is Information Processing Theory?
In this bite-size tutorial, we will talk about Information Processing Theory and how it can be used by teachers and trainers to enhance the skills and knowledge retention of their learners to achieve greater learning outcomes.


How to Become an Amazing Trainer
Becoming an amazing trainer means you’ll need to do more than just learn how to train other people. Almost anyone can do the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, but not as many go on to be “AMAZING”.You know amazing when you see it… the kind of trainer students rave about, refer others to and are sought out to learn from. The kind of trainer that students remember fondly for decades after because they changed their lives somehow or affected them in some profound way. Don’t you want to be that kind of trainer?

What You Need to Know About the New TAE50122 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
With the new TAE50122 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training on its way, the vocational education and training (VET) industry understandably has some questions – particularly about educational equivalency for those wanting to transition or upgrade from the current diplomas to the new ones.This blog seeks to provide some answers, as well as a top-level view of the diploma’s new specialisation streams. Read on for the ins and outs of the TAE update.

Respecting The Learner
Most learners enter the process with a little bit of trepidation. They are unsure whether the training they are going to undertake is what they need; unsure whether they can do well in it or not; unsure of their own success; even unsure whether they are smart enough to learn. All that uneasy feeling of being unsure is one of their worst enemies.

Just Turning Up is Not Enough
Just showing up is not enough. Students need to actually learn, build knowledge and skills in DOING and absorb quality material to up-skill.

Your ‘Why’: to Comply or to Perform?
Every now and then, a Diploma student writes a review that we believe deserves to be featured and discussed. Instead of them ending up hidden among the others, we will share them with you, and let you know our thoughts about them.

Will the Dip VET Replace the Cert IV TAE in the Standards for RTOs?
Will the Dip VET TAE50116 replace the Certificate IV TAE? It’s a question we at Fortress Learning are asked every day. However, like many things in the world of VET, the answer is, “We really don’t know”. So, what do we know?

With You Every Step of the Way
Every now and then, a graduating student writes a Review that we believe really captures what we try to do. Instead of them ending up hidden among the others, we will share them with you, and try to explain why we think they are so appropriate.

Why There is No Such Thing as a Quality TAE Certificate IV
The first thing to do is recognise that it is not actually the Certificate IV TAE that you need to be quality. What you actually do not need is an RTO that will tell you that they deliver a quality program. After all, that is irrelevant, because what they mean (if anything) by the word quality is quite possibly very different to what you mean.How to tell if their quality is the same as your quality.

Why Response Times Matter for Cert IV TAE and Dip VET Online Learners
If there is one thing we have learned over our years of training Certificate IV TAE and Dip VET students, it is this: people don’t just like to know what is happening, they need to know when it will happen.Everyone is busy. Our students are busy professionals who are juggling the often competing demands for limited time. And limited energy.So, when they have a window of opportunity to get some of their course done, they need to make the most of it.

Why Student Support Matters
As a student, the support you get from an online course provider can be the difference between passing or failing the course you signed up for. Good support can spur a smooth, enjoyable educational experience, whereas poor support can make for a frustrating experience where you’re left fending for yourself. Without answers to questions and resolutions to potential problems, completing a course can ultimately become a challenge.

Why People Are Choosing – and Not Choosing – a TAE Diploma Upgrade
We have said before that the question of a TAE Diploma Upgrade to the TAE50116 Dip VET and TAE50216 Dip TDD is a personal one. In the most simple terms, it is not for everyone.

Why is Research – and TAERES501 – So Important for VET Professionals?
This or something like it is pretty close to the reality of what happens in the VET sector. Work intensification and casualisation of the workforce has led people to be more time-stressed than ever, which means that tasks that do not have an immediate and tangible beneficial outcome are often pushed down the list.

Why It is Important to Enrol for the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Now!
It is understood that in line with current wording in the Standards, those currently holding a TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification would not be required to upgrade this to the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as it is proposed that the 2022 version be deemed the successor to the TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification”

Why Fortress Learning Doesn’t Take Everyone
Just as there are training organisations that will issue qualifications to people who may not be competent, there are people who wish to gain qualifications without being competent. Over the past few years, it appears there are more people who have either first or second-hand experience of this. For Fortress Learning, this presents a challenge since many people now come to our courses with the expectation that what they – or someone they know – has experienced elsewhere is the norm.

Where’s the Other Half of the Story?
There’s something about the Black Friday Sales and the massive hype that goes with this event that reminds me of what’s happening in the VET sector, and it’s got nothing to do with sales.I asked some students recently if they knew what the Black Friday sales were all about – and no one could relate this to the tradition in America of the shopping spree that happens the day after Thanksgiving.

What The Certificate IV TAE Is and Isn’t
The Cert IV TAE has changed over the years. While the qualification has been transforming and evolving over a period of decades, public perception of what the course involves has remained largely the same. In an effort to clear up any myths and misconceptions associated with the Certificate IV TAE, I interviewed Fortress Learning’s very own National Training Manager, Emma Siebuhr.

What is E-learning and What Are Its Benefits?
Just as everyone learns differently, there are different ways to facilitate that learning. One of the key methods of acquiring new information and building knowledge is through electronic technologies and media channels, in what’s called electronic learning or e-learning.In this article, we discuss what e-learning is all about and the advantages of this learning format.

What Happens When an RTO Provider Closes Unexpectedly
It didn’t go unnoticed that the above providers were RTOs that offered the TAE40116 Certificate IV at incredibly low prices. In the past, we have written about low-cost providers and offered advice on why “low cost” is not always “ best value”. Unfortunately, due to multiple factors such as the rising cost of living and lack of sufficient information, many students still opt for these lower-cost courses which in turn puts pressure on RTOs who really want to offer the service standards and value for a quality education.

What Are the Different Learning Styles?
Now when we went to write this blog, we thought we were pretty clear about what the content should be when it comes to writing about learning styles. But as any professional organisation should, we went to see if there were any updates or changes to what’s already thought to be “common knowledge”…

What Can I Research in TAERES501?
Of all the things that can freak people out, having too many choices has to be up there.It is no different when we start to think about what sort of research we can undertake as part of TAERES501. It is not surprising that many of the people who are thinking about this unit ask: what can I research?

Wanting RPL for Your TAE Cert IV or Dip VET? The First Step is to Make Sure That You Are Competent
To get Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) for any course of study, be it a single unit or an entire Qualification, means that you can demonstrate that you are competent in all areas of the course. This might seem a bit basic, but experience tells me that there are many people who either wish to shortcut the RPL process or who do not understand what RPL means in the context of the Certificate IV TAE and Dip VET. Experience tells us that it is better for people to reduce the number of “unknown unknowns”.

Upgrading From TAE40110 to TAE40116 With Fortress Learning: What Does It Look Like?
The TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is not entirely the same as the older TAE40110 Certificate IV TAE. Yes, 8 of the 10 units are equivalent but don’t be fooled into thinking that a TAE40116 Upgrade can just be a matter of showing your old certificate and showing a resume or job description.
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What Our Graduates Say About Fortress Learning
Here is why we are the highest rated RTO on Trustpilot with over 1,750+ reviews.
Hi. I really enjoyed the learning experience offered by fortress learning. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a supportive and well organised online learning experience. A great team.
Andrew Trosic
So far the best RTO that I have been with. Great support from the admin team, stable online blackboard platform, experienced trainers like Richard Gietman & Deb Thomas, along with efficient student processing services. Thank you Fortress, and 5 stars for the team!
Suresh Suppiah
I had an excellent experience completing the Diploma of Vocational Education and Training through Fortress Learning. The whole team was incredibly supportive throughout the process—special thanks to Karen, Bheng, Jane, Maniya, and Emma for their professionalism and encouragement at every step. I would particularly like to thank my trainer, Emma, for her outstanding guidance, clear feedback, and responsiveness, which made the RPL journey smooth and achievable. I highly recommend Fortress Learning to any VET professional seeking a structured, supportive, and well-managed qualification pathway.
Yun Qian
I have completed a few Cert IV and Diploma units with Fortress over the years and have had nothing but positive experiences (even with RPL). The team at Fortress are always helpful and supportive.
Christiana Mergan
The Fortress Team were extremely professional to deal with all throughout my course. Always helpful, understanding and a pleasure to deal with. I would happily recommend them to anyone.
Lee Guest
I really enjoy my study journey in fortress learning. The teachers and staff really helpful.
Physio Dian Nawir
Highly recommend. Reasonably priced, easy to use interface, quick marking times and responsive trainers.
Bel Callea
The TAE cert iv certainly isn’t an easy course to complete. I had to learn a whole new language and although I was expecting to be taught how to teach, it’s nothing like that - more like learning how best to support our students and to present the information to them in a way they can understand. The support provided by Fortress was really good - I chose the middle package as a safety net just in case I needed it. Initially my trainer was Brian, an awesome mentor, huge experience and very helpful. He left last year, and my new mentor was Richard - again fabulous support, almost always available relatively quickly and able to point me in the right direction. Marking turnaround was typically 1-2 days - shorter than the advertised time too which also helped. I have no hesitation in recommending Fortress Learning to anyone looking to further their VET journey. Many thanks Fortress and the team
Andy Graham
Fortress learning was fantastic in all areas. From the customer support team to the trainers. The support team was always professional at all times and the communication was fantastic. The trainers were knowledgeable, empathetic and supportive during the whole course. I would highly recommend fortress learning. A special mention to Deb who is definitely an asset to the team and any future students.
Clint Parkes
I have recently completed the TAESS00021 Facilitation Skillset, and the training material and content was not only top quality but also interesting. The admin staff and trainers were extremely punctual and helpful. Big thankyou to trainer Deb. I highly recommend training with Fortress Learning.
Sienna hardie
I am so glad that I chose Fortress Learning for my course. The team was available and helpful along my entire journey. It was not easy, but my advisor exceled in encouraging me and enabling me to keep going! I highly recommend Fortress Learning to anyone! They are amazing at what they do.
Tim Hildebrand
Fortress Learning is an outstanding RTO that delivers exceptional training and support. I recently completed my TAE upgrade, and the process was seamless, efficient, and well-structured. A huge thank you to Mel, Jan, and my incredible assessor, Deb, for their guidance and professionalism. Their expertise and dedication truly make them champions of TAE!
Daniela Accary

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