Last week I talked about going through your materials and peer support.
This week I will talk about using the services and extra materials that are provided. I will also talk about having relationships with your trainers.

Firstly we will tackle services and extra materials.

In my course, the trainers and assessors provide live chats about a variety of subjects. These live chats are recorded and posted on OpenSpace (the Open Colleges online campus). They also host classes and trivia nights (all online). Participating/listening to these is a great way to get a good grasp on the materials, as well as learning about a variety of other subjects.

The trainers have also provided hands on training days at clinic around Australia. While I have not been able to attend one (applied too late and missed out, spaces filled fast), I have heard from the students that did attend, that it was well worth it.

Be sure to check out any additional resources that your RTO has provided. You might find the information that you are searching for! 🙂

With regards to your trainers, make sure that if you have any problems or questions at all, make sure you talk to trainers. That is what they are there for. While you may have to wait a while to get a reply, especially during peak times or after holidays such as Christmas, due to a high number of emails and messages they receive, but trust me, it is worth it. I will reiterate – they are there to help. They want you to succeed (But you have to do the hard yards and study! 🙂 ), so make sure you talk to them as much as possible.

They appreciate it if you help them out as well. Not every broken link can be found by the RTO, and more often than not, the students will find the broken link before the RTO does. Let them know if you find a link that does not work. Your trainers might even send you a replacement link.

Most importantly, treat your trainers and assessors with respect. The majority of them are passionate about their job – teaching you – and often take their work home with them. I have had assessments graded at 8 o’clock at night.

And my final tip for this week – thank your trainers! Let them know that you appreciate them. They just might be willing to go the extra mile for you.

See you next week!