Turning Industry Knowledge into Better Training: How the SECI Model Helps RTOs Meet the 2025 Standards
By Contextualised Learning Resources
As we move toward the new 2025 Standards for RTOs, one message from ASQA’s Practice Guides stands out: RTOs must actively engage with industry, turn insights into action, and demonstrate continuous improvement in their training and assessment. But how can this process be made practical and measurable? Knowledge Creation Models can help with that.
One useful framework is Nonaka’s SECI Knowledge Creation Model. This model breaks down knowledge creation into four stages — Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination, and Internalisation — creating a cycle of shared understanding, applied change, and ongoing improvement.
At Contextualised Learning Resources (CLR), we see SECI as an ideal model for RTOs wanting to embed industry feedback into their training systems while meeting compliance requirements.
What Is the SECI Model?
The SECI model, developed by Ikujiro Nonaka, explains how organisations create and share knowledge:
- Socialisation – Sharing tacit knowledge through conversations, observations, and direct interactions.
- Externalisation – Converting that tacit knowledge into explicit ideas, documents, and strategies.
- Combination – Integrating new explicit knowledge with existing processes, systems, and resources.
- Internalisation – Embedding these changes into practice, so they become part of everyday operations.
This is more than theory, it’s a cycle RTOs can use to show evidence of industry engagement, resource contextualisation, and assessment validation.
Applying SECI Knowledge Creation Model to RTO Practice
1. Socialisation: Engage and Listen to Industry
SECI starts with meaningful engagement. This aligns directly with Standard 1.2 of the Practice Guide: Training, which requires RTOs to “seek meaningful advice and feedback from industry, employer, and community representatives”.
This could mean:
- Hosting regular employer roundtables or industry forums.
- Speaking with placement supervisors about student performance.
- Observing workplace practices to ensure training mirrors current industry needs.
Outcome for compliance: RTOs can demonstrate that they actively identified industry needs and captured real-world insights.
2. Externalisation: Turn Feedback into Action
The next step is making industry feedback explicit — documenting what was learned and converting it into actionable changes.
This is supported by Standard 1.3 (Assessment), which encourages RTOs to review assessment tools by consulting industry and trialling them with sample groups.
Examples include:
- Updating assessment tools based on employer feedback.
- Documenting the rationale for choosing certain electives or delivery methods.
- Incorporating industry-specific case studies or simulated tasks.
Outcome for compliance: Clear evidence that feedback was captured, documented, and used to shape delivery and assessment strategies.
3. Combination: Contextualise and Integrate
In this stage, RTOs combine new ideas with existing systems to ensure relevance and compliance.
This could involve:
- Contextualising purchased training resources to reflect local industry standards (linked to Standard 1.8 – ensuring facilities, resources, and equipment are fit-for-purpose).
- Designing learning activities that integrate employer feedback into simulated business environments.
- Ensuring assessments include realistic workplace tasks that reflect current practice.
Outcome for compliance: Training and assessment systems evolve into industry-aligned, contextualised learning experiences.
4. Internalisation: Embed and Improve
Finally, the knowledge becomes part of the RTO’s culture and practice.
This stage directly reflects Standard 1.5, which requires RTOs to validate assessment practices regularly and make improvements based on feedback. It also supports Standard 2.3, ensuring training support services are adjusted to meet student needs.
Examples include:
- Training staff on new resources and assessment methods.
- Embedding industry-driven changes into future Training and Assessment Strategies (TAS).
- Documenting continuous improvement actions for audits.
Outcome for compliance: RTOs can show auditors exactly how they trialled, validated, and embedded changes, closing the loop on industry engagement.
Why SECI Matters for the 2025 Standards
ASQA’s 2025 Standards emphasise evidence-based continuous improvement. The SECI model gives RTOs a practical framework to:
- Engage with industry beyond a “tick-box” approach.
- Document and demonstrate changes made as a result of feedback.
- Validate assessment practices and show auditors the before-and-after impact of industry collaboration.
This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about creating training that prepares students for real jobs and builds trust with employers.
How CLR Helps You Apply SECI Knowledge Creation Model
At Contextualised Learning Resources, we specialise in bringing these principles to life. Our simulated business environments, contextualised resources, and industry-informed strategies help RTOs evidence industry engagement and continuous improvement.
Whether you need to review assessment tools, update your TAS, or embed industry practices into your delivery, our resources and consulting services can help you close the SECI loop — and be audit-ready.
Need Help Implementing the SECI Model in Your RTO?
Ready to make industry engagement practical?
Contact Contextualised Learning Resources to learn how our solutions can help you meet the 2025 Standards while creating engaging, job-ready training.
📧 info@clresources.com.au
🌐 clresources.com.au
Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our team at Contextualised Learning Resources. We are passionate about helping RTOs deliver quality, contextualised learning.
Part of The Inception Network Australia.
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