It’s All About Trust!
By Sam Hendry, College Manager
As many reading this edition of Nurture Nook will know, the ACA NSW and Kool Kids Training College (RTO 40636) are busy educating ACA NSW members about the delivery of a better solution for their staff in undertaking either the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.
Sam Hendry, College Manager noted this week “we have travelled far and wide in the pursuit of raising the profile of the training college and how it can benefit ACA NSW members by delivering what we believe is the best training model on the training market...”
“We certainly have travelled a lot in recent months. The Coffs Harbour networking meeting stands out not only because it was a great turn out of members (and subsequently we have started training in Coffs Harbour), but it is memorable for the fact that Lyn Connolly President, Chiang Lim CEO and myself nearly got lost searching for our accommodation in the surrounding hills of Coffs Harbour. I really felt at one stage it was going to be a swag under the stars!”
Aside from travel mishaps the member network meetings are a great opportunity to meet members, discuss sector issues and also highlight that training is a critical issue for members to get right.
“Really, everything starts with training…doesn’t it?” Sam said.
“If you get it right it can be very powerful in terms of quality educators delivering quality service. On the flip side, if you get it wrong, it can have serious consequences,” Sam said.
“For our college it all starts with Trainer & Assessor and Student relationship. If we get that right from day one then the journey to a quality training outcome is pretty seamless. But that requires great Trainers & Assessors with a 100% commitment to their students and also students who commit to the training plan and timelines set by their Trainer & Assessor.
“It really is a trusted relationship. One that sees both parties coming together and working for each other.”
The key elements of what makes a great relationship between the parties is outlined below:
ESTABLISHING TRUST
* Trainers & Assessors are tasked with communicating with students as soon as the student is enrolled and they are required to organise to meet whilst providing contact details to enable the student to seek support as they need it (3 weekly visits and same day phone and email actioning = high levels of contact and mentoring)
* The initial visit sets the tone for the Trainer & Assessor / Student relationship into the future (once trust is broken is hard to re-establish)
* Trainer & Assessors must be punctual and organised to help the student feel they are valued, respected and supported
* It is important that students feel a sense of welcome and enthusiasm from their Trainers & Assessors in order to take the leap of faith into the unknown (as many students may not have had positive experiences in their past schooling or training environments)
* Trainers & Assessors support students in this by smiling, use of intonation when talking, active listening and use of positive non-verbal expressions and body language
* If Trainers & Assessors organise to meet with a student, it is vital that they advise the student if they are unable to attend (and same applies to the student)
* Trainers & Assessors go through the unit in sufficient detail to help the student feel comfortable to attempt it
* Trainers & Assessors remind students that they are only a phone call, email or text away if they need help
* Trainers & Assessors provide students with the due dates and discuss how to go about completing assessments in a timely manner
THE RELATIONSHIP MUST GO BOTH WAYS
With the training college having quality systems to monitor activity and progress, it is very important that students recognise their responsibilities in this relationship and don’t let their Trainers & Assessors down by failing to meet timelines.
* Students need to maintain open communication with their trainer to experience the best possible training support
* Students need to have realistic expectations of their Trainers & Assessors
* Students need to work closely with their Trainers & Assessors and their supervisor to complete their assessments
* Students need to advise their Trainers & Assessors if they are unable to meet (if sick or away) demonstrating respect for their trainer.
The strength of the training relationship can impact significantly on a student’s success or failure to complete their training.
“It really is about trust and a positive relationship between Trainers & Assessors and the student. For many students it is a big step to upskill – it requires time and effort and a commitment to see it through,” Sam said.
“Our college completion rates are very good as we build trust from day one in the training relationship. Once you have trust, you have ‘buy in’ from all the parties and that is when the magic happens!”
ENDS
Interested to experience training that is truly WOW in your centre? Call the college on 1300 048 133