Unleashing VET Superpowers: A Conversation with Lauren Hollows

In this riveting episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, host Angela Connell-Richards sits on the other side of the interview table as she is interviewed by Lauren Hollows, a dynamic force in the education sector known for her commitment to quality and impactful learning.

Together, they delve into the transformative journey of Vivacity and the exciting upcoming Unleashing VET Superpowers Conference. Angela provides insights into the current challenges faced by RTOs and how Vivacity is empowering them with the tools, training, and guidance to navigate these complexities. They also explore the rapidly evolving landscape of Vocational Education and Training (VET), with a spotlight on the role of technology and AI in shaping the future of education.

This episode is a treasure trove of practical strategies, inspiring outlooks, and in-depth discussions on the VET sector's digital transformation. Whether you're an education provider, trainer, or a part of the wider VET community, this conversation is sure to spark ideas and insights that can help you leverage innovation to unlock your RTO's potential.

Tune in to stay abreast of the latest trends and prepare your RTO for the dynamic future of the VET sector.

Relevant Links:

• Unleashing VET Superpowers Conference: https://www.vivacity.com.au/events-2/vivacity-national-conference-2023/
• Vivacity Coaching & Consulting: https://www.vivacity.com.au/
• Trainers Professional Development: https://www.vivacity.com.au/events-2/trainers-pd/
• VET Leaders Professional Development: https://www.vivacity.com.au/events-2/vet-leaders-pd/

Transcript

Welcome, RTO Superheroes, to another episode of our podcast. Today, we have a special episode where the tables are turned. I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Lauren Hollows. Lauren is an educational visionary and a passionate advocate for building better education systems and services. She is the founder of Aniwaya Education Services, and she's dedicated to providing quality, compliant, and accessible assessment tools to educators.

With a wealth of experience in business coaching, team development, resource development, and RTO compliance, Lauren excels at identifying ways to improve and streamline processes within the educational sector. She is passionate about using education to make a difference, fostering staff engagement, and enhancing business maturity.

Lauren is also the driving force behind Learning Lifelines, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at closing the digital divide and promoting equal education and economic opportunities. She truly believes in the transformative power of education.

Today, Lauren will be wearing the interviewer's hat and will be asking me about some of the exciting developments and challenges in the VET sector. So without further ado, let's dive in.

Lauren Hollows: Thank you, Angela, it's great to be here. To kick things off, can you share what's happening with Vivacity at the moment?
1. What is happening with Vivacity at the moment?
"At Vivacity, we are continually evolving to provide the best possible support to the RTO community. One way we've been doing this is by expanding our training offerings. This includes our recent launch of the Trainers Professional Development Masterclasses, a program designed to equip trainers with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, delivered by our Trainer Samantha Hotham. In addition, we've been sharing insights on the '8 Critical Drivers to RTO Success,' to ensure RTOs have the information they need to navigate the challenging educational landscape successfully.
We're also eagerly preparing for our upcoming Unleashing VET Superpowers Conference in Newcastle this September. This conference is going to shed light on significant topics such as legislative changes, VET reform, and the transformative role of AI in learning. We're putting a big emphasis on the future of Vocational Education and Training. We believe that by keeping our finger on the pulse of these important changes, we can help prepare RTOs for the future of education."
2. How is preparation for the conference going, what should we expect to see this year?
"Preparations for our upcoming VET Conference are progressing well. We're in the final stages of confirming an exciting lineup of speakers who will be addressing crucial topics related to the future of VET. We'll also have a dynamic panel discussion, promising a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies.
This conference, titled 'Unleashing VET Superpowers: Soaring Through Legislative Transformations, Bold Reforms, and AI-Enhanced Training for an Empowered Workforce', is more than just an event. It is a clarion call to all involved in VET to seize this moment of extraordinary transformation. The VET sector is on the verge of rapid and unprecedented changes, with innovation unfolding at lightning speed.
We're equipping our attendees with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to not just survive, but thrive in this innovative environment. So, if you're ready to become a driving force in shaping the future of education and training, this is an event you simply cannot afford to miss.
We invite everyone to join this adventure, answer the call, and transform your RTO’s potential into reality!”
3. What are the top three issues facing RTOs at the moment?
"There are three significant issues currently facing RTOs:
a) Compliance Complexity: With constant changes in regulatory compliance, RTOs often find it challenging to navigate this landscape. At Vivacity, we address this by delivering online workshops and masterclasses to equip RTOs with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate compliance complexities effectively.
b) Quality Assurance: Balancing the maintenance and improvement of education quality with financial viability is a significant concern for RTOs. We're addressing this through our 8 Critical Drivers to RTO Success program, where we've scheduled masterclasses on key topics, including 'Marketing + Sales' on 12th July 2023, in August we are covering 'Financial Viability', in September we are covering 'Quality + Compliance', and in October we will be covering 'Industry + Networking', and finally in November we will be delivering a special session that will cover all 8 Critical Drivers, therefore preparing attendees for Strategic Planning in 2024.
c) Adapting to Technology: As the shift to digital learning accelerates, RTOs are grappling with adopting new technologies and online learning strategies while maintaining high education standards. Our upcoming Unleashing VET Superpowers conference is poised to address this very issue, focusing on the new technologies set to transform the delivery of training in the future."
Through these initiatives, Vivacity is committed to providing comprehensive support to RTOs as they navigate these challenging issues.
4. What are you excited to see happening in VET at the moment?
"We're incredibly excited to see the VET sector's growing recognition and the push towards innovation and digitisation. The surge in technology-enabled learning is creating numerous opportunities for personalised and scalable education. It's exhilarating to see the shift towards more learner-centric models, which put a spotlight on individual learning styles and outcomes.
At Vivacity, we're thrilled to be part of this transformative journey. We're actively collaborating with partners like aXcelerate to develop systems that capitalise on these emerging technologies, setting the stage for a future where the delivery of training will be revolutionised. We're not just watching the change; we're actively contributing to shaping it.
To keep the RTO community updated and involved, I have covered several podcasts on AI technology and its impact on the VET sector in my 'RTO Superhero Podcast' series. We are on the cusp of a significant shift, and it's truly an exciting time to be in the VET sector."
5. What is one thing that RTOs should be doing at the moment to really set themselves up for success?
"One crucial action that RTOs can take right now is to proactively embrace and invest in their digital capabilities. This includes exploring and adopting emerging technologies that enable online learning, enhance student engagement, and streamline operations. For example, the rise of AI and tools such as ChatGPT opens up a new realm of possibilities for personalised, flexible, and accessible education.
Furthermore, it's equally important for RTOs to upskill their teams to effectively utilise these tools. The discussions and insights that will be presented at our Unleashing VET Superpowers Conference will further illuminate this need for technological adoption in the education sector. In this era of digital transformation, RTOs that don't evolve and embrace technology will be at risk of being left behind.
Success in the VET sector will increasingly depend on how effectively RTOs can leverage technology to deliver high-quality, engaging, and accessible education. As such, now is the time for RTOs to lean into these advancements and make technology a central pillar of their strategy."
Angela Connell-Richards: That brings us to the end of this enlightening conversation. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Lauren for taking the time to engage with us and explore these pertinent topics. Your insightful questions and thoughtful dialogue have indeed added a unique and enriching perspective to our podcast. Thank you so much, Lauren.

To our RTO Superhero community, thank you for tuning in. I hope that this conversation with Lauren Hollows has provided you with some valuable insights and sparked ideas for how you can leverage the power of technology and ongoing innovations to elevate your operations and student experience.

As we have discussed today, the VET sector is undergoing an incredible transformation, with new technologies and digital capabilities reshaping how education is delivered. Now is the time to embrace these advancements and equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate this exciting landscape successfully.

Remember, it's our collective efforts that will shape the future of Vocational Education and Training. So, let's continue to learn, adapt, and innovate together.

Stay tuned for more inspiring and insightful conversations here on the RTO Superhero Podcast. Until next time, take care and keep unleashing your VET superpowers!