From Graduate to Trainer: Your Next Steps After Achieving the Cert IV in Training and Assessment
Congratulations! You've successfully completed your TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a significant achievement that opens the door to a rewarding and impactful career as a trainer and assessor in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Now what?
Transitioning from study to employment in this space can feel overwhelming, but there are clear, achievable steps you can take to begin your journey. Whether you dream of training apprentices in construction, delivering digital skills in an RTO, or running short courses in hospitality, here's a roadmap to help you get started.
1. Know Your Niche
Before diving into job applications, take time to reflect:
What is your vocational competency? (what work skills do you have)
Do you have recent industry experience? (are you up to date with latest trends and work practices in your industry)
Which work skills are you most passionate about? (what skills do you want to pass on to younger workers)
You must have both TAE credential and current vocational skills/qualifications in the area you want to train. For example, to teach in aged care, along with your Certificate IV in Training and Assessment you will need vocational competence at least to the level you will be training and assessing. This might be a Certificate III in Individual Support or a Diploma of Nursing or other higher qualification in this field and recent experience in a care facility.
👉 Action Tip: Update your resume to clearly show your industry experience, qualifications, and your new TAE credential.
2. Understand the Job Market
Trainer and assessor roles exist in:
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
TAFEs and community colleges
Private companies delivering workplace training
Online training platforms
Government or employment services sectors
Once you’ve identified the qualifications you want to deliver, go to training.gov.au – look up these qualifications and look through the list of RTOs have these qualifications on their scope. You’ve now got a mailing list of providers to cold call.
👉 Action Tip: Use job boards like Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, and TAFE career pages to see what’s out there. Set up alerts using terms like “Trainer and Assessor”, “Vocational Trainer”, or “Workplace Trainer”, “TAE40122”
3. Prepare a Professional Trainer Resume and Portfolio
Your resume should highlight:
Your TAE qualification
Your industry background and achievements
Units of competency you're qualified to deliver
Training/mentoring experience, even informal (e.g. mentoring apprentices)
Digital tools you're comfortable with (e.g. MS Teams, Moodle, Canvas)
A short statement on your training philosophy
4. Register with RTOs and Staffing Agencies
Many RTOs keep an internal pool of trainers. Reach out proactively:
Email your resume and qualifications
Ask if they are taking expressions of interest
Follow up with a call a week later
Also consider agencies that recruit trainers for contract or short-term work - ideal for building experience.
5. Network and Get Involved
The VET sector is built on relationships. You’ll increase your chances of finding work if people know who you are.
Join LinkedIn groups for VET professionals
Attend TAFE open days, VET conferences, or local chamber of commerce events
Become a volunteer literacy tutor at your local TAFE or with an AMEP provider
6. Start with Casual, Contract, or Co-delivery Work
If you’re struggling to land a full-time role, don’t be discouraged.
Many new trainers start with sessional or co-delivery roles
You might be invited to team-teach or help assess students while learning the ropes
These roles often lead to longer-term opportunities once you’ve proven your reliability and effectiveness
7. Stay Current and Continue Developing
Even though you’ve finished your TAE, professional development is essential in VET. Employers will expect you to keep your:
Vocational competencies current (by working in or engaging with industry)
Training and assessing skills updated (through PD workshops and courses)
👉 Professional Development Ideas:
Subscribe to Jobs and Skills Australia newsletter
Complete free micro credentials in digital learning or LLN (visit alison.com)
Subscribe to ASQA, Skills Education and VELG Training newsletters
Final Words: Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Starting out as a trainer can take a little time, but don’t let a few rejections stop you. Many in the VET sector came from industry roles and took time to grow their confidence in the classroom.
Keep showing up, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities to learn. The VET sector needs new trainers especially those with real-world experience and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.
We wish you all the very best in your new role as a trainer and assessor.