Looking to get a RSA cert. Looking online, online courses seem to cost around $30+ while a Tafe certification is about $100+.
So I guess my question simply is, is there a huge difference between online vs Tafe? Do bars/restaurants etc prefer you complete your RSA at a Tafe? Or does it not matter as long as you have one?
Thank you in advance!
I did mine in person, but that's only because its required in VIC. Honestly, an employer only wants to know whether or not you have a valid RSA, not where it is from.
Everything in it is really basic and common sense.
RSA's are the same wherever you get it. The end result is a piece of paper that says you're certified and that's all that is required for you to work and serve alcohol. Employers won't ask you how you got it, or where you got it from.
Check the state, from memory VIC RSA certs were much cheaper than NSW
I work for a large university and we are supplied our bar / wine by a major contractor that supplies a lot of large companies in Australia. I had a conversation with the contractor for a mate, about what they would require. He put it simple. TAFE you need to learn (you attend for a set time) and they wouldn't just let you pass. A lot of the cheaper online provide will. He told me, a few providers online (where people go RSA), they wont employee due to "incidences" that have occurred. There is a few legal issues that they could face, but employing people who haven't done the training correctly.
Anyways, up to you. Every pub would be different. TAFE has always been a well know provider for quality education. Maybe go cheap, and if you can't get a job, do TAFE. Also try to add, RSA and a bar / wine course (depending where you want to work). The more you have, the more they will want to employ you. If you with a job centre at all, hit them up for costs and ask them to place you (unpaid) in a bar for a few weeks experience.
We do some "unpaid" experience where I work, and they seem to be able to get into the industry alot easier.
I've never worked anywhere thats needed one but in NSW I did get one with some company. Since I did it with the company (agency) they pretty much spoon fed you the answer so I imagine it was much easier.
In terms of "what you learn" its mostly all obvious or once you get told once you get it sort of thing. So I imagine most places would care much more about you having experience as opposed to where you did it.
I don't know what its like with other states, but there is also the possibility that your state may have special laws for you to get RSA online (I think there has to technically be a teacher available in NSW or something, don't remember). In any case in NSW you can find online approved training courses here: http://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/Pages/liquor/serving-a… you might find similar for your state or territory?