As the vocational education landscape continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for flexible, focused learning. This is the best time for RTOs to recognise how offering single-unit courses can help boost revenue, attract diverse students, and address industry needs.
Worried about compliance? ASQA confirms that RTOs “can deliver any combination of individual units, provided the units appear explicitly or implicitly on their scope of registration”. In this blog, we go into more detail on the benefits of providing standalone courses, strategies to leverage this model, and some high-demand units you can market to your audience.
How Offering Standalone Courses Can Benefit Your RTO
Attracting a Broader Audience
Standalone courses on high-demand units can draw a wider range of students, especially those who may not be interested in full qualifications. These single-unit courses can attract professionals seeking specific skills, individuals looking to reskill or upskill, and even employers seeking targeted training for their workforce.
Meeting Immediate Industry Needs
RTOs can quickly address industry trends and skill shortages by offering high-demand units. You can event market these courses as a way for individuals to quickly gain relevant skills that enhance their employability. This responsiveness will enhance your organisation’s reputation as an industry-aligned education provider.
Flexible Learning Options
Standalone courses offer flexibility for students unable to commit to full qualifications for several reasons. These shorter, more affordable courses fit easily into busy schedules, appealing to those needing to acquire new skills in a fast-paced job market.
Gateway to Full Qualifications
Single-unit courses can serve as gateways to full qualifications. Once students experience the value of these courses, they may be more inclined to pursue further education with your RTO, fostering long-term student relationships and encouraging enrolment in additional courses.
Increased Revenue Streams
Since standalone courses can be offered at a lower price point and in a shorter time frame, they can attract a larger number of students and create additional revenue streams for RTOs. By offering a range of single-unit courses, your organisation can further maximise resources and facilities to increase overall profitability.
Reduced Barriers to Entry
Standalone courses provide a low-risk entry point for students hesitant to commit to full qualifications in vocational education. They allow students to build confidence in a learning environment, helping RTOs reach new demographics that might not otherwise consider vocational education.
Alignment with Micro-Credentialing Trends
The rise of micro-credentialing, focused on specific skills, aligns with the business model of offering standalone courses. These credentials are valued by employers as they provide evidence of specific competencies. By integrating single-unit courses into your offerings, you can position your organisation at the forefront of this trend.
Agility in Course Offerings
Standalone courses allow RTOs to be agile in their course offerings. They can quickly develop and launch courses in response to emerging trends, new technologies, or changes in industry standards. This agility enables RTOs to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of students and employers.
Enhanced Reputation and Brand Visibility
High-demand standalone courses can elevate an RTO’s reputation for providing relevant education. Successful courses boost brand visibility, attract media attention, and generate positive word-of-mouth, leading to higher enrolments across all offerings.
Strategies for Single-Unit Course Success
Offering single-unit courses can be a powerful revenue stream for RTOs if approached strategically. Here’s how to ensure your standalone courses thrive in the market:
Industry Requirements
Focus on compliance and certification needs by offering courses that meet mandatory industry or regulatory training requirements. High-demand areas like Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), first aid, and industry-specific licensing ensure a steady enrolment pipeline, as professionals and businesses must regularly renew certifications or train new employees.
Skill Longevity
Prioritise courses in skills that remain relevant despite technological changes, such as communication, project management, and leadership. Courses centred around these foundational competencies cater to long-term needs, reducing the need for frequent updates and maximising your return on investment.
Broad Appeal and Utility
Choose single-unit courses with wide applicability across industries to maximise enrolment. For instance, offering training on widely used software like Microsoft Excel or essential soft skills like time management and conflict resolution attracts a broad audience, enhancing your RTO’s visibility and reputation.
Digital Delivery Potential
Capitalise on the growing demand for online education by offering standalone courses digitally. This approach allows you to reach a global market, offering flexible, self-paced learning that appeals to busy professionals. Additionally, online delivery lowers overhead costs, boosting profit margins while providing convenience to students.
Start With These High-Demand Single-Unit Courses*
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Critical for workers in agriculture, pest control, and any industry that handles hazardous chemicals, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
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Useful for entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them navigate the complexities of legal and risk aspects of business setup.
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Especially relevant in the context of global health concerns, this unit is vital across healthcare, hospitality, and public service sectors.
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Useful for security personnel, customer service roles, and any profession that requires conflict resolution skills.
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Critical for almost any individual, ensuring they have the life-saving skills to perform CPR in emergency situations.
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Provides essential skills for responding to life-threatening emergencies, beneficial across all sectors and communities.
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Fundamental for workplace and community safety, equipping individuals with the skills to handle a wide range of first aid situations.
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Specifically tailored for those working with children, mandatory for meeting safety requirements in educational and childcare environments.
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Essential for workers in remote areas, where medical help is not readily available, ensuring they can provide first aid in challenging environments.
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Suitable for workplaces and situations requiring more comprehensive first aid knowledge and skills, going beyond basic first aid training.
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Important for environments where advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy might be needed, such as sports facilities, large workplaces, and community centers.
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Crucial for individuals responsible for overseeing first aid practices and resources within organisations, ensuring a structured and compliant first aid response capability.
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Essential for mining, construction, and any industrial environment where atmospheric hazards need to be assessed regularly.
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Crucial for workers in construction, maintenance, and utilities, where safety training for height-related activities is mandated to prevent workplace accidents.
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Essential for anyone working in environments where alcohol is served, as it’s legally required in many regions to ensure safe and responsible alcohol service.
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Mandatory for employees in gaming venues to promote responsible gambling practices and comply with gambling regulations.
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Necessary for operating a forklift in various industrial environments, often required for logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing jobs.
*Enrolment data above is for 2022.
Start Leveraging High-Demand, Single-Unit Courses to Boost Your RTO!
Incorporating standalone, single-unit courses into your RTO’s offerings is a strategic way to diversify your portfolio, meet industry demands, and attract a broader audience. To maximise your success, focus on highly enrolled units, ensure the longevity and broad appeal of the skills taught, and explore digital delivery options where possible. eSkilled offers a wide range of e-Learning materials that you can start with. Get in touch with us for enquiries!
