Challenges by TP
Overall
WSQ TP
non-WSQ TP
Lack of training/qualification in the subject areas we need
32
11.0
22
14.8
10
8.3
Lack of knowledge about training opportunities
22
7.6
10
6.7
12
9.9
Staff don’t need it
10
3.5
3
2.0
7
5.8
Lack of provision
9
3.1
5
3.4
2
1.7
No improvement in performance from past training
9
3.1
5
3.4
2
1.7
165
50.6
83
48.0
68
51.9
66
22.8
37
24.8
25
20.7
Multiple challenges No challenge
One of the TPs shared why they were reluctant to strengthen internal capabilities: And it boils down to the cost in that regard. Yeah. Of course, another way is to hire your own instructional designer in house. And then you basically put them through professional development and be patient lah. Wait lah. 1 year, 2 years, 2 projects, 4 projects, 6 projects. By the time they finish the 6 projects, probably they will be better definitely, right than the first project. You have... you have to really figure that out. We work a lot on... working with adjunct on project basis, precisely because of this reason… Hopefully we will be able to source the right trainer for the right industry, for the right context, for the right level of staff... If you would employ a full time and train them, it's, it's not, it's virtually impossible for you to have so many diverse kinds of different types of trainings. In so many purposes. [TP_Q, a private ATO, 25+ years in training and consultancy] This quote also explains the rationale why training providers engage freelancers. It seemed to the training providers that hiring an adjunct who has adequate skills and experience would be a faster and less-costly solution to their staff needs, rather than spending time and resources to groom their internal talents. For them, hiring a freelance provides flexibility in meeting diverse needs and requirements of clients. This could meet their business needs in the short term, however, if no effort has been taken to develop their own staff, the development of TAE capabilities could be hampered in the long run.
9.2 TAE professionals’ challenges in working in TAE sector Table 37 presents the challenges reported by AEs by their employment status. Competitive market, uncertain career trajectories and difficulty in responding to changing TAE market were the top challenges faced by our AE respondents.
65