The core of competence-based assessment rests on the assessor’s judgement, yet this moment of observation is arguably the most fragile point in the VET system. The assessor is a human instrument, and unlike a machine, is subject to the limitations of working memory, fatigue, and unconscious biases.

Vocational competence rarely exists in isolation. Performance involves a complex and integrated mix of technical knowledge, safety compliance, critical decision-making, and communication skills.

Once an effective observation tool is designed, the next major hurdle for VET assessors is interpreting the language of the competency standards themselves. These documents rarely specify the exact frequency or volume of demonstration required, leaving assessors to navigate a high-stakes grey area between efficiency and compliance.

In vocational education and training (VET), observation is often hailed as the gold standard for verifying competence, yet it is simultaneously the most vulnerable part of the assessment process.

Vibe coding comes from software development. It means focusing on outcomes, not technical instructions.
In learning design, this approach helps you co-create with AI and stay focused on what matters—active learning, authentic experiences, and meeting learner needs.

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor share insights from their latest book, ‘Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro: Strategies to Ignite Learning’, and dive into actionable strategies that L&D professionals can borrow from the world of marketing.

Discover why shifting your mindset from “order taker” to strategic business partner is essential for today’s L&D professionals. We also uncover how to personalise learning at scale, run effective learning campaigns, and apply marketing-inspired strategies to create learning experiences that resonate – and deliver results.

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Dr. Alaina Szlachta, founder of Design by Development Solution, explores measuring success in learning and development. She guides us in thinking like researchers to effectively gather data from stakeholders and align training solutions with business outcomes.

Tune in as she highlights starting with simple, relevant data points and introduces 'Return on Expectations' to evaluate if training meets stakeholder goals. We'll also discuss the challenges of measuring soft skills, the pitfalls of satisfaction metrics, and the importance of understanding the core problems training aims to address.

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, we are joined by Dwayne Wood, an associate professor at National University and an expert in instructional design for workplaces. As the landscape of AI, especially generative AI like ChatGPT, rapidly evolves in higher education, Dwayne shares his unique perspective on how this technology is reshaping learning experiences. From the ethical implications to the challenges of maintaining critical thinking and creativity in students, this episode unpacks the complexities and opportunities AI brings into the educational sphere.

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Rance Green talks about the transformative power of storytelling in learning. He shares his "instructional story design" method, emphasising the need to understand the learning audience deeply and integrate conflict effectively into training narratives. Rance also provides practical advice on creating impactful training stories that act like flight simulators for the brain, driving both context and action.

In this episode of the Learning While Working Podcast, Anamaria Dorgo the founder of Handle With Brain, shares her innovative "No Course" approach to learning design. Learn how to create sustainable learning communities, encourage participant-led experiences, and leverage curiosity and adaptability in the learning process.