Welcome to Episode 3 of Voices in VET.

In this episode, Rob is joined by Andy Panes, Director of the National Institute of First Aid Trainers (NIFAT), long-time first aid trainer, and a well-known figure in the industry.

NIFAT plays a key role in supporting and representing first aid trainers across Australia, with a strong focus on professional development, industry standards and advocacy.

Together, they unpack the current state of the first aid training sector, including how organisations are navigating the 2025 Standards and the increasing focus on quality and compliance.

The conversation covers the challenges training organisations are facing, what’s changing across the industry, and what trainers should be focusing on in their day-to-day delivery.

If you’re delivering training or working in the industry, this episode gives a clear, practical look at where things are at and what’s coming next.

In This Episode

• Where the first aid training industry is sitting right now
• How the 2025 Standards are impacting trainers and RTOs
• The biggest challenges across the sector
• What to expect from the NIFAT conference
• What separates a good trainer from a great one
• Practical things trainers can implement immediately
• What needs to change in training delivery

Links mentioned in this episode

👤 Andy Panes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-panes-41a96224/

🏢 National Institute of First Aid Trainers (NIFAT)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nifat-au/

📅 NIFAT Conference Program
https://conference.nifat.com.au/program/

📱 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nifat/

📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/nifataus/

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Welcome to Episode 2 of Voices in VET.

In this episode, Rob shares a practical look at the Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC), and how Allens Training has approached completing it under the new Standards.

Rather than going line by line, this episode focuses on how we’ve answered the declaration in practice. From continuous improvement and compliance systems, to third-party oversight and student support, Rob talks through the thinking behind our responses and what sits behind each declaration.

You’ll also hear key insights from recent ASQA workshops, including what regulators are really looking for, and why clear, practical and genuine responses matter more than ever.

This episode is designed to help RTO leaders understand what they’re signing off on, and how to approach the declaration with confidence and integrity.

Voices in VET is designed for partners, trainers and those working in the VET sector, sharing real conversations, practical insights and the thinking behind what’s happening in the industry.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Annual Declaration on Compliance (ADC) requires CEOs to confirm
• Insights from ASQA on how to approach your declaration
• How we’ve answered key areas of the declaration in practice
• Continuous improvement and what that looks like day-to-day
• Managing compliance across systems, staff and third parties
• Why honest, practical responses matter more than generic answers

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Welcome to the first episode of Voices in VET.

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Allen, CEO of Allens Training, to unpack how the business started and what’s shaped it into what it is today.

Rob takes us back to the very beginning, how Jim and Helen built Allens from the ground up, what the training industry looked like at the time, and the early decisions that set the direction for the business.

We also explore the key moments that shaped its growth, what’s remained consistent over the years, and what Rob focused on preserving as he stepped into a leadership role.

This episode gives a clear picture of what Allens stands for today, and what the organisation hopes to be known for moving forward.

Voices in VET is designed for partners, trainers and those working in the VET sector sharing real conversations, practical insights and the thinking behind what’s happening in the industry.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Allens started and what the training landscape looked like at the time
• What set the business apart in the early days
• The moments that shaped its growth over time
• What mattered most stepping into leadership
• What Allens stands for today and what it aims to be known for

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