Every now and then, a graduating student writes a Review that we believe really captures what we try to do.  Instead of them ending up hidden among the others, we will share them with you, and try to explain why we think they are so appropriate.

Here is what Robyn said:

“In this day and age it is important to keep current in your competency (whatever that may be). More importantly it is vital to be able to prove that your competency is current.

With that desire, I enrolled with Fortress Learning to update my 2010 Diploma and complete the additional Units to achieve a Dual Diploma in Training (TAE50216 Diploma of Training Design and Development and TAE50116 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training).

On review of the Course Work and the associated requirements to complete, with a hectic work and personal life, I really did wonder how I was going to complete it all within the required timeframe. However, have you heard the expression ‘how do you eat an elephant’?

The answer is: one mouthful at a time. So following that analogy, I started the Course Work and uploaded each assignment as I completed them.

On each upload, Fortress acknowledged receipt of my work and provided encouraging feedback which helped spur me on to completion.

When I had issues, concerns or questions, Fortress were quick to respond and help me through.

I enjoyed the relationship with Fortress, the newfound learnings I acquired through researching and completing assignments. Learnings that I can apply at work and most of all I am very happy that I made the decision to update my qualification(s) with Fortress.”

Why did this particular testimonial comment get our attention?

Robyn made six great points in her testimonial that we would like to expand on.

#1. Keep current in your competency, and be able to prove that your competency is current

Within the VET world, keeping your competency current is a matter of compliance.

Beyond compliance, staying current is essential to keeping your confidence – your own and of those around you.

The VET world is constantly undergoing change. For your own confidence, you need to have the right skills and the right knowledge to keep on top of those changes and to practically apply them in the workplace.

It’s also important to stay current in your competency as the more you learn, the more you can potentially earn. If your skills and knowledge are outdated, there is little potential for you to earn more.

In order to be compliant, be confident and create avenues to increase your salary, you need to be able to prove it with currency in knowledge, skills and qualifications.

#2. Take it one step at a time

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work that you have available to you from Day 1. The entire course and all the work required is displayed in front of you on the computer screen. Just like eating an entire elephant (as Robyn put it) once you get over that initial shock of what you’re about to conquer, break it up into bite-size pieces and get busy – one step of one task at a time.

#3. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help

We are here to support you! It is completely normal and expected for you to have issues, concerns or questions along the way, just like Robyn did. If you feel stuck or there is something you are not quite sure about, please give us a call or send us an email. We would love to help you out however we can.

#4. Fast response times keep the ball rolling

Here at Fortress, we will endeavour to respond to you within 8 business hours. We know our students lead busy lives that can include work, family, friends and other commitments, so we want you to make the most of the windows of opportunity that pop up for you to study. Fast response times allow you to keep up the momentum to get the job done. To find out more, we have written about why response times matter here: Why response times matter for Cert IV TAE and Dip VET online learners.

#5. You can have a relationship with an online RTO!

We were delighted when we read, “I enjoyed the relationship with Fortress”. In education, relationships are key. Just because you are studying online, it doesn’t mean you have to feel isolated.

To study with Fortress Learning means you can become part of a supportive community that engage in learning together. As stated previously, we are always encouraging our students to reach out and ask for help. But it’s not all one-sided.  We reach out, too.  We open the door to invite you in and, we also come knocking on your door (metaphorically speaking) to see how you’re travelling and to find out what you need.

We are a friendly bunch here at Fortress, and very approachable.

#6: You can apply what you learn in your qualification in the real world

The courses we offer at Fortress are more than a piece of paper you need to show your employer to prove you’re compliant. Our courses teach you skills and knowledge that you can use in your workplace and in your life. It’s learning that translates to the real world.

If you would like to know more about what it means to be a student with us, how about you read Dear Future Student, check out Our Courses, or give us a call on 1300 141 994 and we can explore what that would look like.

‍