Star Rating Scheme

The Star Rating Scheme is administered by The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence and recognises excellence in trade and skills training among TAFE and private Registered Training Organisations.

Pam Christy – TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute Director stresses the importance of the independent, industry conferred Star Rating Scheme

“At TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute we are proud to have been assessed as providing top quality training at our colleges.

The star rating scheme is public recognition for the excellent links that we have with industry, the calibre of our teachers and our facilities.

Most importantly this industry rating helps potential students find out which training providers are specialist centres in their field of interest”.


The Star Rating Scheme identifies the very best training providers, industry by industry, to enable employers, career counselors, potential students, and parents to distinguish excellence in trade training by evaluating training providers.

Industry areas within Registered Training Organisations which apply receive either a: One Gold Star; Two Gold Star; or Three Gold Star Rating to indicate that they have achieved excellent results for their students.

The Star Rating Scheme focuses on the following eight areas of skill shortage:
- Automotive
- Building & Construction
- Electrical
- Hospitality & Personal Services
- Manufacturing
- Metals & Engineering
- Mineral Resources
- Rural & Farming

Evaluations are carried out against three broad criteria that were developed in partnership with the industry.

The evaluation process includes an initial self evaluation by the relevant faculty or school, followed by a site visit to schools or faculties who demonstrate potential to achieve a One Gold Star, Two Gold Star or Three Gold Star rating.

Brian Wexham, Chief Executive Officer of The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence said that The Star Rating Scheme reassures students that they are selecting the most appropriate course.

“One of the biggest concerns when choosing a training organisation to attend is whether or not it will get people the job they want when they complete the course. Thanks to The Star Ratings Scheme, prospective students and employers now have a credible source to help them with their decision.

“The Scheme aims to recognise high performing registered training providers and help individual schools and faculties understand exactly what their clients want from their training.

“The Star Rating Scheme is an industry driven initiative and has been developed by The Institute and industry to provide a platform that will deliver the vocational training outcomes required to meet industry needs” said Mr Wexham.

Rick Duynhoven of Randwick College sees the scheme as a benchmarking tool and one which inspires reflection.

“The star rating scheme is an excellent opportunity for teaching sections to reflect on their current teaching practices and relationships with industry. Whilst the teaching section have all the best intentions to provide the best teaching and educational service to students and industry, the Star Rating scheme provides position feedback against the benchmarks required by the industry which is the customer.

For a complete list of courses which have received a Star Rating go to the following site: www.skillsone.com.au/Article/60/5/Star-Rating-Scheme/