Information for RTOs

The Star Rating Scheme was established to advance the standard of training available to potential and current trades and skills students. Private and public VET providers are encouraged to attain a One, Two or Three Gold Star Rating for their trades and skills related courses.

The Scheme rewards high performing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Star Ratings assess the quality of a course as determined by Industry experts and independent evaluators. The program began in October 2007 following a series of pilots and trials at a number of public and private institutions.

Benefits to Students and Employers

Similar to rankings used for university courses and business schools, The Scheme has shown it increases competition and encourages RTOs to increase the standard of their courses to gain recognition via The Star Rating Scheme.

In addition, prospective students benefit from knowing how their chosen course and RTO compares to others, and how it is regarded by industry.

"The Star Rating Scheme has been devised in conjunction with stakeholders including the Australian Industry Group, the National Farmers Federation, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TAFE and private providers because we need the criteria to be meaningful and purposeful”, Wexham said.

The Star Rating Scheme is an easily identifiable system which allows students, parents, career counsellors and employers to ascertain which RTOs have been recognized by industry within their field of interest.

 

“The Star Rating Scheme is a great way to help improve our courses through shared knowledge, for example we are now visiting other Gold Star winners nationally to learn from their success to further strengthen our reputation as a smart, dynamic and highly professional educational leader. The Star Rating Scheme has also been invaluable to us in terms of marketing our capability to employers and apprentices in the region and has certainly enhanced our industry recognition.”
Graeme Stuchbery
Riverina Institute of TAFE

 

The Process

The RTO assessment process includes an initial self evaluation to be completed by the faculty or school against a set of criteria which has been defined by industry (click here to see the evaluation criteria). Schools or faculties who demonstrate potential to achieve a Star Rating receive a site visit by an evaluation team who determine whether they qualify to be awarded a One, Two or Three Gold Star Rating.

RTOs awarded a One, Two or Three Gold Star Rating will receive a valuable promotional package. This includes promotion via national television, national newspapers, digital platforms and other mediums. In addition, the RTOs receive feedback from industry experts to help drive improvement.

Registered Training Organisations interested in participating in The Scheme can find more information by downloading the Application Form and Information Brochure.