What Is an RTO in Australia?
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is an education provider that is approved to deliver nationally recognised training and qualifications in Australia. RTOs play a critical role in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector by delivering practical, skills-based training across industries like construction, healthcare, business, and the electrical trade.
In Australia, there are about 4000 RTO’s which ensure the quality and consistency of training delivered to over 4 million VET students each year.
What Does an RTO Do?
An RTO is authorised to deliver and assess nationally recognised training that are recognised across Australia. This includes:
- Issuing qualifications and Statements of Attainment that are nationally recognised
- Delivering hands-on, industry-relevant training
- Assessing student competency according to national frameworks
- Meeting the needs of both learners and employers
Courses offered by RTO’s provide students with skills and knowledge to join or up-skill in the workforce. These courses and qualifications can help participants to:
- Enter the workforce
- Start a new career
- Up-skill in their current industry
- Get into university
Who Regulates RTOs?
In most of Australia, RTOs are regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). However, RTOs operating solely in Western Australia and training only WA students can choose to be regulated by the Training Accreditation Council (TAC), which is WA’s state-based regulator. The College of Electrical Training is registered through the ASQA.
You can look up a training provider's registration and details here.
How Do You Become an RTO in Perth?
To become an RTO in Perth, you’ll need to follow a detailed application and registration process through TAC or ASQA. Here’s a general overview of what’s involved:
Prepare Your Business Model
Develop a clear training and assessment strategy, including course offerings, facilities, equipment, and qualified trainers.
Understand the Compliance Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the Standards for RTOs, and ensure you’re ready to meet requirements around governance, student support, assessment tools, and quality assurance.
Apply for Registration with TAC or ASQA
Submit your application, along with the necessary documentation and fees. TAC or ASQA will then conduct an audit to assess your compliance with the standards.
Gain Registration
If successful, your organisation will be listed on training.gov.au (TGA) as a Registered Training Organisation and can begin delivering nationally recognised training.
Why RTOs Matter in the Electrical Industry
In trades like electrotechnology, RTOs are essential for preparing apprentices for real-world work. At CET, our pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications, ensuring compliant and comprehensive training that will give you the skills and confidence you need to enter the electrical industry.
Want to Study with a Trusted RTO?
The College of Electrical Training (CET) is one of WA’s most respected RTOs for electrical training. Whether you’re starting your career or up-skilling as a licensed electrician, we offer flexible, hands-on training designed with industry in mind.
