Creating a New ACC-RTO Classification

Strengthening Aboriginal Education and Workforce

VACCHO is advocating for recognition and funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled RTOs (ACC-RTOs) to ensure culturally safe, high-quality training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

ACC-RTOs deliver culturally appropriate education and training programs that meet the critical skills needs of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

These organisations provide essential services for and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring their workforce is trained with cultural understanding and relevance.

In addition to providing skills and training to the ACCO sector, some students also work within other organisations and are undertaking training to develop their technical skills applied within a culturally appropriate framework.

ACC-RTOs are currently treated like Private Providers and do not receive the same government funding as public Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Despite this, they consistently deliver high-quality, culturally safe training with outstanding results.

Key highlights:

• ACC-RTOs often have significantly higher completion rates among Aboriginal students than mainstream RTOs across Australia.
• First-time educational success for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• Positive outcomes for workplaces, Aboriginal families, and communities

The challenge: Funding barriers and small cohort sizes put the long-term sustainability of ACC-RTOs at risk. Without recognition and equitable funding, these vital organisations may struggle to continue providing essential services.

We are advocating for the creation of a new Aboriginal Community Controlled RTO (ACC-RTO) classification, which would:

• Recognise ACC-RTOs as an integral part of the public RTO system
• Provide access to a greater pool of public, government funding
• Include a seamless transition process to ensure no disruption to existing funding

This classification would secure the sustainability of ACC-RTOs and acknowledge their critical role in delivering high-quality, culturally safe training.

An ACC-RTO is a not-for-profit training provider governed entirely by a board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They deliver culturally safe education and training programs that meet the skills needs of ACCOs, while also supporting students working in other Aboriginal or mainstream services.

Key features of ACC-RTOs:

• Governance & Accountability: Fully Aboriginal-led boards accountable to their Communities
• Culturally Safe Training: Accredited training and assessment that respects cultural context
• Empowerment & Skills Development: Strengthens individuals, workplaces, and the broader Aboriginal workforce

Show your support for a new ACC-RTO classification and help secure the future of this vital sector.

Supporting ACC-RTOs is about more than funding education — it’s about empowering communities, strengthening workforce capability, and creating lasting positive outcomes for students, families, and workplaces.

Join us in advocating for change. By recognising ACC-RTOs for the vital role they play in training and education, we can ensure this sector continues to provide opportunities and support generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.