Keeping it real - the Queensland VET Development Centre

Information sharing in RTOsWhile most RTOs reported having formal feedback mechanisms for sharing knowledge, theseprocesses were not always well followed in practice. Very few trainers reported organising specificworkshops for their colleagues to demonstrate new techniques and/or equipment encounteredthrough their industry currency activities, although this information may have been discussed atteam meetings.Sharing of information was consistently recorded when it occurred in formal settings likemeetings. Other formal ways of sharing information and examples of good practice includedcommunities of practice and formal networks. These groups may have a role in assistingtrainers to maintain their industry currency by including industry speakers at their meetings,demonstrations or site visits. Industry reference groups were also identified as a formal way fortrainers to share information and engage with industry.Trainers reported that information is often shared verbally. Because informal information sharingis generally not recorded, it can be undervalued for industry currency purposes. However, anumber of trainers identified the value of informal conversations in providing just-in-time input totraining delivery plans.Key Finding 20Information sharing about current industry practice occurs between trainers both formally andinformally. The amount of information sharing appears to be dependent on the relationshipwithin teams and the RTO in general.18 Keeping it real