Latest Articles
Use Your Why to Keep Motivating Yourself!
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.
Training the Literacy Challenged Learner
The percentage of those who are literacy challenged has been on a startling rise. A larger and larger percentage of our workforce is falling into the category of being “functionally illiterate.” It’s not just a problem here in Australia either, many developed nations have the same problem that we do. The generation growing up is managing to make it through school without learning to read at an adequate level.
Understanding = Relevance = Meaning
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.
Trainer Was Generous With His Time
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.
Trainers, Developers and Experts: There is No One Ring That Binds Them All
As a trainer and assessor for some 15 years in government and private training organisations and the last 18 months actually training the TAE40116, I have some anecdotal evidence to share that dovetails nicely with Sandy Welton’s research report mentioned in her “Re-thinking the role of trainers and assessors” article.
Three Steps to Effective Learning Objectives
All learning must be focused on a goal. Without a goal, one has no way of knowing whether they’ve arrived or not. In VET, we call these goals our “Learning Objectives.” They define what we expect our learners to be able to do once the training is over and they are assessed.
Three Reasons Why People Don’t Finish Their Diploma of VET or Diploma of TDD
While we go to great lengths to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, the reality is that not all people who commence their Diploma of Vocational Education & Training or Diploma of Training Design & Development will complete it.
Three Diploma Graduates Share Their Experiences
When it comes to study (and life!), everyone’s experience is different. We all have different demands, priorities, routines, preferences and motivations, so it only makes sense that everyone has their own unique experience when it comes to online learning.We interviewed three of our Diploma Graduates to find out about their own online learning experience. While each experience was different, the end result remained the same: they all successfully completed their qualification!
The Threat of Questioning – What We Can Learn From Brain-based Learning Research
Teachers have been asking questions for centuries and for centuries there have been students who do all they can to avoid answering. Some teachers try a variety of means to force the reluctant to answer from time to time, but more often, the path of least resistance in calling on those all too eager to answer is the path taken.
The Rise of Online Learning and Its Impact on Students
Before the pandemic, Research and Markets forecasted the online education market as $350 billion by 2025¹; however, after the Covid-19 outbreak saw countless schools, universities and companies take up online learning to enable them to keep teaching their communities safely, this number is likely to rise.Although the education system is returning to ‘normal’, online learning still maintains a strong presence and won’t be going anywhere, any time soon. In this article, we take a look at the history of online learning, how it’s impacted students and the pros and cons that the learning gateway brings about today.
The Most Important Word in a Trainer’s Vocabulary
Trainers and teachers spend a whole lot of time working with people. They work out where people are at, and work out how to get them from here to there. As part of becoming a trainer, they will learn about learning, and about instructional design and assessment and that sort of stuff.
The Learner Who Just Doesn’t Get It
One of the saddest things to face in a training cycle is when a learner doesn’t pass the assessment of their qualifications. This can be particularly hard on some learners, depending upon their individual personalities. Some will want to quit, others will blame the trainer, and still, others will just get depressed.
The Drop in Traineeships and Apprenticeships. Why is It Happening?
A recent figure revealed that the federal government over the last five years has underspent close to $1 billion of its budget on TAFE, training and apprenticeships. This is on top of previous cuts. At the same time, that these budgets cuts are happening, Australia is still experiencing critical skills shortages in several industries. A number of experts have warned of serious effects on the Australian economy.
The Certificate IV TAE: You Get Out What You Put in
Every now and then, a Certificate IV TAE 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.
The All-important Training Session Plan
Benjamin Franklin was the first one to say those immortal words, although others have followed suit, including Winston Churchill. Those words have become a byword for anyone who teaches time management. They should likewise become a byword for every trainer.As you walk into every training session, you must realize that you are the lone individual, walking into a den of lions. As long as you keep those lions engaged in learning, they’ll forget that they’re hungry. But the moment you give them time to realize their hunger, they’re going to be all over you.
Taking Longer to Get Assessments Done Sooner
It may seem like a time-saver to skim read assessment instructions and quickly jot down some words that seem to match but you might miss key instruction words. Yes, pesky words like “list, explain, describe, reflect…” Assessors are clued into instruction words like that and it is often glaringly obvious when a student has not responded in kind.
The 5 Awesome Benefits of Online Learning!
Yes, we said ridiculously awesome because online courses are the best! If we do say so ourselves… But for the next minute or so, hang with us and we’ll explain why we (and many others) think this is totally the case.Let’s start with what’s wrong with the standard training option. Of course we’re building a stronger case for why online courses are the way to go. Not very stealthy since we do the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment mostly online, we know.
TAE Update Time – Take 2 – Changes to the Diploma of VET
Well, it’s TAE update time – Take 2Last month we touched on changes to the TAE Training Package and focussed on the TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and AssessmentThis month we will look at the changes to the Diplomas and boy, there are quite a few so we will try to keep it as short and clear as possible.
TAE Training Package Updates (May 2022)
If you have been reading our previous newsletters, you will know that the TAE Training Package has been under review for some time.Well, the news has finally arrived that there have been some changes, some pretty big changes in fact and the PWC Skills has now released its Version 1 draft revised material to the public to gain feedback.
Studying a Certificate IV TAE: Knowing Me, Knowing You
Every now and then, a Certificate IV TAE 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.
Studying Your Cert IV TAE: 10 Strategies to Decimate Distractions
Life is full of distractions (we promise this article isn’t one of them). When it comes to completing your online Cert IV TAE course – or any other course for that matter – distractions could be the difference between success and failure. We all know how good it feels to be completely consumed by a task and operating at maximum productivity, but how do you get rid of those pesky distractions and get in “THE ZONE”?
Studying a Certificate IV TAE With Fortress Learning: User-Friendly
Every now and then, a Certificate IV TAE 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.
Should I Complete the Current TAE Diplomas When a New One is Coming?
With new TAE diplomas on the horizon, it’s fair to wonder whether you should hold out until the new ones are available or go ahead with the current courses.When people approach us with this predicament, we always try to ensure that each student is provided with clear, transparent information related to their individual needs at the time of inquiry. This may be encouraging them to wait for the new ones or encouraging them to enrol now for the current Diplomas.
Quality is Meaningless
It is a word that is used easily and widely. It is a word that we readily understand, but I do not believe that quality is something that actually exists in VET, but I do believe it should.
Reaching "The Standard"
Every now and then, a TAE 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.
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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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