Funding Fairness: Public vs Private RTOs with Lauren Hollows

🎙 In this episode of the RTO Superhero Podcast, Angela Connell-Richards, with Lauren Hollows, dives into one of the biggest funding battles in Australia’s VET sector—the growing inequality between TAFE NSW and private RTOs.Private RTOs are under increasing pressure as TAFE NSW now receives 80% of all Smart and Skilled funding—despite data showing private providers deliver better outcomes at lower costs.🚨 Here’s what’s at stake:📊 Private RTOs boast higher completion rates (54%) vs. TAFE’s 43%💰 For every $1 spent on a private RTO, $3.34 is spent on TAFE✅ Student and employer satisfaction consistently favours private providersAngela explores the real impact of this funding imbalance, from regional RTO closures to TAFE’s capacity crisis—outdated facilities, digital access issues, and staff shortages.She also uncovers the hidden flaw in “fee-free” training: ❗️low student commitment and poor completion rates, leading to wasted resources and skills shortages.✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:Why the “dodgy RTO” myth doesn’t hold up to the dataHow current funding decisions risk collapsing the support ecosystem for quality trainingThe unintended consequences of centralising training deliveryWhat we must do now to protect student choice, innovation, and training diversity in Australia🎧 Tune in to join the fight for fair, equitable funding—and learn how you can take action.✍️ Sign the petition: change.org/save_private_rtosSend us Fan Mail Support the showThank you for tuning in to the RTO Superhero Podcast! This podcast supports RTOs to operate with clarity and control under the 2025 Standards. Each episode breaks down compliance into practical actions you can apply in your RTO.📘 Want deeper insight into governance under the new Standards?Explore The Governance Shift: https://governance-shift.vivacity.com.au/and the 8 Critical Drivers to RTO Success: https://8-critical-drivers-book.vivacity.com.au/ Stay connected with the RTO Community: RTO Job Board FacebookRTO Job Board LinkedInRTO Community Facebook📌 Don’t forget to:✔ Subscribe so you never miss an episode✔ Share this episode with your RTO network🎙 Listen now and stay ahead of the Standards📢 Want more compliance insights?Subscribe to our EduStream YouTube Channel for FAQ sessions on the 2025 Standards🔗 Subscribe now: EduStream by Vivacity Coaching✉️ Email us at [email protected] 📞 Call us on 1300 729 455🖥️ Visit us at vivacity.au