Afternoon Tea

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Regulatory Changes in a VET Landscape

Category

Management / Leadership

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

In a changing regulatory environment, Providers are challenged to remain viable, compliant and relevant. This presentation will examine ASQA's evolving regulatory framework while providing insights and examples of cases that will impact all RTOs.

Topics will include:

the fit and proper person declaration
financial viability
buying and selling RTOs
internal reviews
appeals

If you work in the RTO space, or are involved in RTO management then this presentation will be directly relevant to you and your team.

Peter Doukas OAM

Managing Director, Denison Toyer Education Lawyers

Peter owns and operates the education law firm Denison Toyer.

Working in the field of Education Law and Corporate Governance since 2007 Peter has acted for over one hundred Registered Training Organisations and Higher Education Providers in various stages of the education management cycle. He routinely acts for colleges in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and provides extensive advice to RTO Management, Higher Education providers, Educational Conglomerates and Universities. His professional practice also includes providing legal and governance advice to listed and unlisted company boards. He has acted in some of the largest cases involving ASQA in the AAT.

Peter is also active in the multicultural space and acts as a volunteer director on various boards. He is the current chair of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW.

He also works providing pro-bono legal assistance to new and emerging communities, particularly in the establishment of associations and governance structures within NSW.

In Australia Day 2020, Peter was awarded Honour of Member of the Order of Australia for services to Multiculturalism.

The New Power Generation: Challenges and opportunities within Australia's energy sector

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

In this session, Anthea will present a dive deep into the current issues facing the energy sector as we race towards 2030 and beyond. The presentation will address pressing workforce challenges and shortfalls, anticipate future workforce needs, and explore the transformation of our energy to ensure its capable and equipped for the future.

Vicki Gottardo

General Manager, Strategy and Delivery - Powering Skills Organisation

Vicki Gottardo is the GM of Strategy and Delivery for the Powering Skills Organisation.

Her background is deep within the education strategy field where she has worked across secondary schools, universities in both pre-vocational settings and vocational education settings.

Vicki has worked with junior doctors in hospitals and has used education as a means of reducing clinical risk for the Royal Flying Doctors Service Queensland. She has used this experience in the Energy Industry for the past 7 years in long term capability development for Energy Queensland and now the Powering Skills Organisation.

AI and Assessment

Category

Assessment

Location

M3 (First Floor)

In this session we will demonstrate the potential of AI in producing both formative and summative assessments.

We will focus on how to transform content from a potential Unit of Competence into a variety of question formats, incorporating key learning theories. This lends toward creating self-marking quizzes that have the ability to provide immediate feedback and boost student participation.

We will then explore converting these questions into qualitative summative short-answer and written response questions, to include benchmark answers that ensure your assessments are both authentic and relevant, offering a solid foundation for evaluating student performance.

AI has the potential to improve assessment design, enrich learning experiences, and effectively integrate learning theories into your educational practices.

Stuart Rimmington

Cookery Lecturer/Principal Lecturer Specialist for Teaching and Learning, TAFE SA

Stuart is a Cookery Lecturer/Principal Lecturer Specialist for Teaching and Learning at TAFE SA

He has cooked professionally for 22 years, and currently his tenth year as a formal trainer. In 2021 he was a South Australian finalist in the Australian Training Awards: VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year.

Stuart wants to see a strong VET industry paving the way for those entering Vocational Education to ensure they have the best experience they can. He proudly promotes VET and the careers and opportunities it opens to participants by introducing the concept of lifelong learning.

Stuart has a passion for what he has witnessed over the last 10 years: massive changes in education, thrusting digital capacity upon the sector that needs to be able to maintain engagement with their cohorts.

Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities

Category

Student Support

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Invisible disabilities and barriers to education can significantly impact a person’s ability to learn, yet they often go unnoticed or misunderstood.

This presentation will assist participants in gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities in educational settings.

This will include a discussion of practical strategies and accommodations to support students with invisible disabilities and strategies to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment so that every learner can succeed.

Ultimately, this presentation aims to enhance learning outcomes, promote diversity, equality and inclusion, and empower students to overcome challenges and thrive.

Natalie Oostergo and Siân Tooker

Associate Director, Student Success Advising, USQ and Human Service Professional

About Natalie:

LinkedIn

Natalie Oostergo (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of Student Success at the University of Southern Queensland where she leads the implementation of strategies to support the diverse learning needs of domestic and international students. Natalie is an innovative and strategic thinker with over twenty years of experience in tertiary and vocational education.

Her career highlights include presenting at various conferences, receiving an Australian Award for University Teaching, becoming an IEAA Associate Fellow, and making lasting connections with students. Natalie lives and works on Jagera and Turrbal Country in Meanjin Brisbane and Giabal and Jarowair Country in Toowoomba.

About Siân:

LinkedIn

Siân Tooker (she/her/hers) is a human service professional based on Jagera and Turrbal Country in Magandjin Meanjin Brisbane.

Siân has worked in social and community services for nearly twenty years in frontline and leadership roles in intersecting fields of practice including family and domestic violence and reproductive justice.

Siân has a Lived and Living Experience (LLE) of working and studying with invisible disability, and she is looking forward to graduating with a Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) in June 2024 following the completion of 500 hours of workplace learning in the social work department of a major tertiary hospital in Queensland.

Siân hopes that providing an insight into her individual experience of invisible disability will encourage authentic and collaborative conversations within educational settings about accessibility and inclusion. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Third Party Arrangements: What is the real risk?

Category

Compliance

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

This session will look at the risk – perceived or real – of third-party arrangements, including the auspicing of VET delivered to secondary schools programs.

There will be discussion of the smaller and larger risks identified in third party arrangements, what these risks really look like, how to mitigate and manage compliance risk associated with this model, and what actions might be recommended to an RTO to reduce issues of non-compliance.

Sarah Pavy

Head of Partnerships (Previous Manager Compliance, Learning and Assessment), ReadCloud

Sarah began her career as a secondary school teacher of boys, undertaking research and completing a Masters in Education focused on engaging boys in learning.

Sarah has spent over 20 years consulting in a variety of areas relating to learning and teaching. Over the years, Sarah has worked with schools, teachers and VET trainers to design curriculum, programs and assessment, effectively implement differentiated teaching, support students with additional needs, build positive relationships in classrooms and increase engagement in schooling amongst young people.

In her role running her own RTO, Sarah supported the implementation of VET Certificate II and III in Applied Language across Australia in twelve different languages, including First Languages in remote indigenous communities.

Following acquisition of her RTO, Sarah shifted into a management role, overseeing all aspects of compliance, learning and assessment under third party arrangements across 3 RTOs and 50 qualifications. Sarah is currently Head of Partnerships at ReadCloud, supporting relationships with schools delivering a range of VET qualifications across Australia.

Sarah is passionate about supporting trainers to engage in reflective and current best practices, to enjoy their work in VET classrooms, Sarah works with schools to ensure positive and successful experiences and outcomes for students.

GenAI: Shaping tomorrow's workforce – opportunities and challenges for the VET sector

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Generative Artificial Intelligence, or GenAI, is already revolutionising the way we live, learn and work.

The increasing take-up of GenAI within the workplace to automate, augment or adapt job roles presents many opportunities and challenges for the Australian education and training system.  For instance, a survey by The Conference Board (2023) estimates that 56% of American workers are using GenAI in their jobs. LinkedIn data reveals that the adoption of AI skills was not just confined to tech jobs, being seen more broadly in industries such as financial services, retail, and education (Kimbrough, K et al. 2023). This implies a transformative change in roles and requisite skillsets.

Future Skills Organisation recently undertook research with Mandala Partners to examine the impact of GenAI on occupations and its subsequent impact on the training package qualifications for the finance, technology, and business sectors. 

This presentation will explore those findings in greater depth and discuss what they mean for the VET sector more generally and for VET teachers/trainers/assessors in particular.

Michelle Circelli and Lisa Bale

Research + Insights Lead and Director VET + Innovation, Future Skills Orgnanisation (FSO)

About Michelle:

Michelle Circelli is the Research and Insights Lead, Strategy + Planning at Future Skills Organisation. With two decades of experience in the VET research space, Michelle joined FSO after a long tenure at the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Her research interests span a wide spectrum, including adult language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy, workforce development issues, industry partnerships, and the learner's journey through VET. Michelle is currently expanding her expertise in VET research issues related to the finance, technology, and business sectors, and is relishing the challenge.

About Lisa:

Lisa is the Director VET + Innovation at Future Skills Organisation (FSO). She is a VET professional who has held executive and senior roles in the Australian and International VET sector. Making significant contributions in her roles as a teacher, head teacher, and director of learning, teaching, and quality at TAFE NSW and Federation University Australia.

Additionally, Lisa worked for the Human Services Skills Organisation, at a national level as a leading VET specialist, and now leads the VET + Innovation team at the FSO, one of ten national Jobs and Skills Council.

Developing a Neuro-Inclusive Learning Environment

Category

Student Support

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

This session will delve deeper into the realm of neurodiversity by focusing on the creation of neuro-inclusive learning environments.

Building upon last year’s discussion on understanding neurodiversity and available supports, this session will explore practical strategies for fostering inclusivity within educational settings.

Key topics to be covered include establishing processes for neuro-inclusion within learning organizations, leveraging technology to support neurodiverse students, optimizing support mechanisms for neurodivergent learners, and outlining actionable steps to initiate the journey towards becoming a neuro-inclusive learning institution. Additionally, I will delve into the importance of developing individualized student neurodiversity support plans and highlight the various resources and support networks available to organizations committed to promoting neurodiversity and inclusion.

Through this presentation, attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to create learning environments that celebrate and accommodate the diverse needs and strengths of all students, regardless of neurodiversity.

Will Wheeler

Founder - Neurodiversity Academy

Will Wheeler is a social entrepreneur and founder of Neurodiversity Academy. He has been transforming education since 2010. With a decade in the VET sector, he noticed gaps in supporting neurodivergent students in higher learning. Will’s mission is clear: make education neuro-inclusive and guide neurodivergent students toward successful careers.

As the business world shifts, he’s ahead of the curve. By 2027, 25% of Fortune 500 companies will actively hire neurodivergent individuals (Gartner, 2020). Will emphasizes the urgency of understanding neurodiversity in higher education. It’s not just about social responsibility; it’s a strategic move to meet future workforce demands.

Join Will in reshaping education and employment. His Neurodiversity Academy isn’t just about today; it’s about creating a future where diversity isn’t a buzzword but a catalyst for success. Will Wheeler is turning a vision into reality, one neuro-inclusive step at a time.

Leadership Conversations that Build Engagement and Performance

Category

Management / Leadership

Location

M3 (First Floor)

Quality Inputs = Remarkable Outcomes.... this is also true for Leadership.

What we now know from decades of data from Engagement Surveys is that engagement (quality input) is directly correlated with performance (remarkable outcomes).

In 'organisation land' we spend a lot of time talking about outcomes – KPI’s, deadlines, plans, strategies, the next project etc.

In this session we explore the value of shifting the focus of your Leadership to conversations to inputs – conversations that build engagement in your team and conversations about how your team is showing up and working together. You might be surprised by where these conversations go and the remarkable results they produce.

Rod Matthews

Director, Rod Matthews Pty Ltd

Rod Matthews has developed a reputation nationally and internationally as a leading expert on change and human performance.

He has worked with organisations across the commercial and the not-for-profit sectors for over 20 years. His experience, enthusiasm and natural curiosity have allowed him to build an encyclopaedic knowledge of tips, tools and techniques.

Rod is a voracious reader of many books and an author of 5.

In a world that faces a frightening volume and complexity of issues Rod believes that our hope lies in our ability to think, create, and evolve.

For more information: www.rodmatthews.com

Best Practice: What we’ve learned from listening to learners

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Amongst all the noise and mixed messages about what represents good teaching practice in the modern age, we’re all due for some simplified clarity.

During this much-anticipated presentation, you’ll hear three recurring themes that have emerged from listening to thousands of learners, running hundreds of trials, and observing thousands of learning outcomes to identify what represents best-practice training.

You don’t want to miss these practical takeaways from our favourite award-winning researcher, Dr Deniese Cox.

Dr Deniese Cox

Founder, TeachingOnline.com.au

Deniese is the go-to source for exceptional online VET strategies that really are effective. Every strategy presented by Deniese has been proven to work in a variety of settings, and has been found by trainers and students alike to improve the online experience.

Having been teaching online since 2013, Deniese knows what it’s like to navigate demanding workloads while learning new strategies for online. Notably, her Masters degree in online learning was completed wholly online – so she’s seen both sides of what works and what doesn’t. Better still, Deniese’s PhD research was all about online VET, and her ongoing research with RTOs in this space means she’s the ideal person to bring us the most up-to-date insights. In short, Deniese helps educators cut through noise around online VET.

Investment in PD = Staff Engagement + Enhanced Student Experience

Category

Research / Case Studies

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

Do you remember a teacher who inspired you into your chosen field with their workplace stories and current skills? My inspiration came from my food technology teacher in school, who inspired me to enter into hospitality and become a chef. This inspiration continued throughout my apprenticeship and throughout my career in kitchens across the globe.

I continued working as a chef even as I embarked on my career as a trainer to maintain currency, but most importantly, to share these stories and skills with my students. In my workplace at William Angliss, we see professional development for our trainers and staff as a priority. We offer dedicated weeks offsite for return to industry, internal and external training courses, shadowing and more. We see the many benefits it brings from staff engagement, enhanced student experience and overall business improvement. Ingraining professional development in our organisation has been, and continues to be, a journey.

I want to share this story with you, including the practices implemented, challenges experienced and lessons learned. In this interactive session, we also want to showcase some of our recent successful PD sessions, which involve interacting with spices and Lego.

Josh Michel

Head of Campus, William Angliss Institute Sydney

Josh has been with William Angliss institute for close to 12 years. Through this journey, he started as a part time cookery teacher, became education manager and for the past few years as head of campus for NSW.

Josh is a chef by trade with close to 30 years’ experience in some of Sydney's (and the world’s) best restaurants. He still works in the industry and strongly believe in maintaining currency, as he can see how this benefits staff and students.

Throughout his personal journey, Josh continues to bring back a variety of innovative ideas and techniques. He is a strong believer in encouraging staff to undertake as many professional development opportunities as possible, and in turn, return these to the team.

As with all things in hospitality the most successful dishes involve finding that right mix of ingredients such as engagement, empathy, and passion. All of these help to create a strong and supportive culture, and in turn, have a positive effect on staff wellbeing.

Josh’s unique mix of storytelling and thinking outside the box will provide another engaging session this year full of tips and techniques which will continue to support the growth and success of our amazing VET system.

Lunch & Networking

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Assuring your Self-Assuring Practices: Strengthening your ring of confidence

Category

Compliance

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Self-assuring your RTO should not be a time consuming ‘add-on’. With the right strategies in place, self-assuring practices can quickly offer a deeper insight into your student and stakeholder’s needs to ensure your RTO stays ‘ahead of the pack’. With ASQA’s heightened priority on ensuring RTOs undertake their own self-assurance practices, this session will highlight how self-assuring enables a more effective student experience.

Suggested practices, hands-on examples, and sample templates will be presented against a checklist of activities for immediate application across your day-to-day operations.

This session will also highlight the revised Standards for RTOs through a self-assuring lens and suggest activities that could be introduced to ensure the changes are addressed.

Maria Langwell

Principal Consultant, Maria Langwell Consulting P/L

Maria Langwell has worked within the VET sector for close to 40 years, commencing with TAFE NSW.

On her relocation to Melbourne, Maria managed several government priority VET and employment service programs within the VIC public service, including contract managing SkillsFirst funding for VIC’s independent RTO sector.

Maria transferred into service delivery, working at AMES prior to heading up Spectrum Education and Training (SET), where in recognition of the leadership and vision for servicing the most disadvantaged community members across VIC’s northern corridor, SET was awarded the 2010 Small Training Provider of the Year.

Maria moved to ACPET where she supported compliance and quality across ACPET’s membership base as well as the wider VET community, through her initiation of ACPET’s professional development program and health check compliance services.

Since 2015, Maria has established her successful boutique Consultancy, offering compliance and other services, including business planning and professional tender application activities to the VET sector. Maria holds an Executive Master in Public Administration and Management, a Master in Education (Administration and Management), a Diploma in Teaching and a Diploma in Quality Auditing.

VET Practitioners and JSCs Making an Impact!

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

JSCs (Jobs and Skills Councils) are more than just a new acronym! This session will explore how VET Educators can get involved with Jobs and Skills Councils to benefit learners, support industry, and create change.

AUSMASA is the Jobs and Skills Council, funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to work with stakeholders in the mining and automotive industries. We work with both sectors to develop workforce strategies and training products that meet the skills demands now and into the future.

AUSMASA and all JSCs have a remit that is expanded beyond that of our predecessors, creating exciting opportunities for those who are passionate about the VET sector to get involved and help inform innovative strategies and resources in addition to maintaining and updating training products.

Simon Hester

Manager VET Implementation & Pathways

Simon is a VET professional with 17 years of experience in leadership, quality and compliance, teaching and curriculum development. His background as a Carpenter makes him a practical and pragmatic leader who can relate to a wide range of people and take a solution-focused approach to complex problems.

His current role at the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance sees him taking the lead in engagement with RTOs, VET educators, and State and Territory governments. A key focus of his role is ensuring that training products and other resources developed are fit for purpose and can be implemented effectively by RTOs.

A New Wave of Creativity with Canva Magic Studio

Category

Digital / Tech / AI

Location

M3 (First Floor)

Canva revolutionised the accessibility of self-desktop publishing with attractive templates and resources that are all in one place. Many educators use Canva to create presentations, handouts, and learner guides. However, Canva has released Magic Studio, taking the power of this tool to the next level and waiting for educators to experience a new wave of creativity in creating their resources, no matter how obscure the topic!

In this session, Kerri will take you through:

Overview of the Top Canva Magic Studio Tools
Fast resource creation with custom imagery
Video creation for learning and marketing
Canva Apps

Learn how Canva Magic Studio can level up your learning content and marketing materials.

Kerri Buttery

Founder, Digital Literacy Licence

Digital Literacy Licence (DLL) is the brainchild of Kerri Buttery, who founded the company in 2021 after a rewarding, decades-long career in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Kerri's first foray into education saw her delivering VET in Schools (VETiS) programs in Queensland as a qualified secondary school teacher. This evolved into working as an auditor in the VET sector, then as a consultant assisting RTOs in maintaining compliance and delivering quality eLearning solutions

Kerri is also the founder of VETNexus. An Organisation that works alongside education providers to strengthen the relationship between compliance, technology and innovation.

Agile Education: Leaders + Learners

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Agile methods can assist educators and students alike to develop critical thinking, problem solving strategies, creative solutions, and the flexibility and knowledge to respond to industry needs in an ever-changing environment. This session can support an approach for equipping life-ready skills through introducing Agile - in education.

The four (4) core pillars of the Agile methodology are pivotal for teaching teams within organisations to support the learning environment at both staff and student levels:

Collaboration is more important than negotiation
Responding to change is more important than simply following a plan
Individuals (learners) and interactions are more important than processes and tools
Working software (and the learning experience) is more important than comprehensive documentation

Explore the educational synergies of this globally acclaimed project-management framework and discover how the pillars and underpinning principles create both effective and affective results in educational success.

Educators will discover adaptive strategies to apply learning in their own lives, teams, and in the lives of students to improve classes or cohorts towards effective learning relationships, more consistent outcomes, better use of feedback, planning, and leadership skills.

John Blake

Director of Online Learning - Eastern College Australia

John is passionate about the opportunity to inspire educators and management to excel in shaping the future workforce through the empowerment of quality training. John has 20 years’ teaching experience in EAL/Foundation Skills, Hospitality, and Education and leadership training.

He has employed his practical experience in supporting international teams and classes across 20 countries using creative delivery approaches and contextualised assessments to support, engage and enable learners to apply their learning in becoming workforce ready.

The Top 5 Do's and Don'ts of Running a Successful VETDSS Program

Category

VETDSS

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

Unlock the secrets to a thriving VETDSS program! Join us for an informative session on "The Top 5 Dos and Don'ts of Running a Successful VETDSS Program," where you'll gain actionable insights, hear inspiring real-life success stories from leading schools, and learn proven strategies to elevate your VETDSS initiatives. Walk away with practical tools, fresh ideas, and a renewed vision to transform your program and set your VETDSS program up for ultimate success.

Casey Helman

General Manager of Education, IVET

Casey Helman is a dedicated Vocational Education and Training (VET) specialist with over 15 years of experience in the education sector. With a passion for empowering students through practical, industry-relevant learning experiences, Casey has become a leading advocate for VET in secondary schools across Australia.

Casey has developed deep expertise in RTO quality, compliance and operations through holding multiple roles in the sector. She has been an educator, an RTO owner, a consultant, in-house and regulatory auditor. This unique perspective gives Casey the ability to look at RTO quality, compliance and operations from every perspective.

ASQA’s 2024-2025 Regulatory Risk Priorities

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

A central component of ASQA’s risk-based approach is the annual environmental scan (e-scan). This year, ASQA consulted closely with key stakeholder groups to identify the key risks, both ongoing and emerging, to the VET sector. The e-scan categorises these identified risks into themes, describing a pattern of challenges, behaviours or concerns that have the potential to impact the sector’s reputation, integrity, market health or student educational outcomes.

Kai Rottmann

Director, Education and Engagement, ASQA

Kai Rottmann joined ASQA in August 2021, having led engagement and compliance functions for federal and state regulatory agencies for over two decades.

Kai leads a team of education and service professionals dedicated to serving ASQA’s vision of becoming a best-practice regulator. His chief strength is working collaboratively with regulated entities and stakeholders to identify and respond to the opportunities and threats of risks and shape new regulatory practices. Kai is passionate about stakeholder engagement and spearheading innovation through data, qualitative insights and human-centred design techniques. Kai holds qualifications in Behavioural Science and Human Centred Design.

Introduction to Trauma-Aware Education: Fostering inclusion and resilience in the classroom

Category

Student Support

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

As educators, we hold the incredible power to create safe and nurturing environments that enable all students to thrive, regardless of their background or experiences. In this session, I aim to delve into the critical aspects of trauma-aware education, exploring how educators can embrace diversity and build a positive teaching team culture by integrating trauma-informed practices. This session will equip educators with the knowledge and practical skills that enable them to implement strategies that demonstrably improve student learning and teaching proficiency. By fostering trauma-aware interactions, we enhance our teaching practices and empower students to engage with their learning, transforming their educational experiences.

Feren Yen

Director, Australian Trauma Education Centre

Feren Yen has worked in the VET industry since 2015. She is a lifelong learner and over the years has worked for a variety of higher education providers in a range of roles including trainer assessor, lecturer, coordinator and education designer.

In 2017, Feren completed a Fellowship with the International Specialised Skills Institute on the topic of engaging and supporting disadvantaged students in adult. In 2023 she was awarded an Associate Fellow by the Higher Education Academy (Indigenous Knowledge) and is completing studies towards an Ed.D with a focus on trauma-aware education for adult learners. Currently, she is the Director of the Australian Trauma Education Centre and a Senior Learning and Teaching Specialist at RMIT University.

Outside of higher education, she runs mentoring programs as a Trauma Center - Trauma Sensitive Yoga Trainer and is actively looks to improve teaching practice.

Creating Powerful Learning Environments. Be the master of your training environment, not its victim!

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M3 (First Floor)

There are a lot of things that affect the flow of a lesson – both online and in person. In this session you will learn ways to: generate curiosity in the learner; create a stimulating adult learning space, and have time work for you with tricks that work like magic.

Use group dynamics to achieve your outcomes. Never let difficult behaviours flatten your enthusiasm.

Join Laurie Kelly from Brain Friendly Training to help you really feel that you have plenty of ideas to help build your confidence in managing the ‘non-content’ aspects of training. These are all important to utilize correctly to achieve your goal of an outstanding training session.

Laurie will show you how!

Laurie Kelly

Senior Trainer , Brain Friendly Training Pty Ltd

Laurie is a distinguished senior trainer with a global footprint, renowned for his expertise in leveraging contemporary insights into 'how the brain works' to optimize the impact of training and foster effective learning. Since 1992, he has earned the title of one of Australia's Master trainers, specializing in delivering skills-based professional training for adult educators. Laurie's hallmark is ensuring that learners not only acquire knowledge but retain it for the long term.

With a wealth of diverse life and corporate experiences, Laurie has collaborated with an extensive array of groups, ranging from QFES and Government Departments to the Banking Ombudsman's Office, Jockeys, H.R. Managers, CEO's, Railway Gangers, Students, and Nursing Educators. His influence extends to working closely with Medical Consultants and Registrars from major Australian Hospitals, as well as educators in both major and smaller Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) across Australia and the Pacific.

Laurie's commitment is grounded in action, promising to "walk the talk" with a no-nonsense approach that emphasizes practical skills over fluff. Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience where the principles of Brain-Friendly Training come to life, demonstrating their efficacy firsthand. These are the essential delivery skills sought by trainers and fervently desired by students. Prepare to witness the transformative impact of Laurie's approach, as he shares insights that transcend theory and deliver tangible results.

Meet and Play with Jane, Your Immersive AI Simulated Client

Category

Digital / Tech / AI

Location

M4 (First Floor)

This session will explore the use of AI in the development and delivery of immersive simulations. Using custom-built GPTs we will explore how AI can be used to design simulations. We will examine and exploit its versatility as a platform for experiencing simulations and formatively assessing student responses.

Through a step-by-step process, we will explain the components of configuring a custom GPT and how to create a persona that students can engage with, reducing the need for traditional conversational role plays. We will provide a demonstration of how this works and allow participants to directly engage with a fully developed custom persona as a student would whilst undertaking skill development.

We will also demonstrate a range of innovative, AI-enhanced applications currently in use globally and discuss what is on the horizon. Participants are encouraged to join in the process of a live build, creating their own personas to take away.

Sarah Phillips, Melissa Palmer & Kerri Neven

Pop Education

About Sarah:

LinkedIn

Sarah is the founder and Managing Director of Pop Education. Since 2005, she developed VET resources in the online and blended space. Sarah has developed assessments for over 300 unique units of competency and began her assessment career developing assessments for 12 months under the guidance of an ASQA auditor. Sarah’s previous background in e-learning has allowed her to combine her skills to be a thought leader in the niche space of online assessment and has designed models for validating online assessments and assessment methodology. She is highly regarded in the sector for her management of large projects and her personable approach to client needs, and delivers high quality materials and training, leading her team by example. With a Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, coupled with a Diploma of e-learning and qualifications in Auditing, Visual Arts and Project Management, Sarah knows all facets of resource development. More recently Sarah has embarked on a journey into the world of AI, working specifically with small language models and persona development.

About Melissa:

LinkedIn

Melissa joined Pop Education and become a Director alongside Sarah and Alex Phillips in 2019. Pre-Pop Melissa has 15 + years’ experience in the VET sector across a wide range of roles and training organisations both in the public and private sectors. Melissa’s career has seen her become a leading assessment specialist. With the past seven years specifically working in roles providing assessment specialist services in assessment development, assessment validation and training and mentoring. Melissa has worked in lead roles on many significant projects with Pop, including developing the simulated RTO for Pop Education’s and Blackwater Projects TAE suite of resources for online and blended delivery. Melissa loves working creatively and collaboratively, especially when exploring new avenues for education solutions.

About Kerri:

LinkedIn

Kerri Neven is a digital developer, education designer, UX/UI and graphic designer at Pop Education. She has amassed 27 years of experience as a multi-award-winning educator, leading both teachers and students through evolving digital landscapes. Coming from a family of coders her first post grad study in 1998 focussed on computers in education and concreted the foundations for her interest in the relationship between humans and technology. Since OpenAI hit the world she has supported numerous teams and organisations in the adoption and exploitation of ChatGPT, encouraging the construction of critical and creative mindsets. Always an explorer and early adopter, she is fascinated with the philosophies both behind and in front of AI, and focuses on best practice in utilising technology, keeping humans at the heart of education.

Pathways to Success - Engaging Students in Learning Support and Bespoke Approaches to the LLN Journey

Category

Research / Case Studies

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

The qualified staff in the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) at Central Queensland University (CQU) delivers contextualised learning support to rural, remote, and regional students from Certificates I to IV.

This session will detail the learning support journey and engagement of targeted students, including First Nations cohorts at the enrolment stage and outline quality approaches used to engage students via face-to-face, online, team teaching, themed LLN workshops and embedded content.

With this quality mindset and the objective of improving student retention and completion rates, this comprehensive approach to LLN has increased student satisfaction ratings and delivered positive outcomes.

During this presentation, you will also hear stories of success and testimonials from a sample of students.

Leonie Webster & Leonie Keating

Head of Course Academic Learning Centre and Leading Vocational Teacher in the Academic Learning Centre, Central Queensland University.

About Leonie Webster:

LinkedIn

Leonie is a dedicated and experienced language, literacy, numeracy teacher with a passion for empowering individuals through education.

In 2015, she joined CQUniversity (CQU), a reputable dual sector university, as a teacher within the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program where she was able to hone my skills in supporting diverse learners with language literacy and numeracy needs.

She holds the position of Head of Course within the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) at CQU, leading a strong team of language, literacy and numeracy educators who provide essential support to apprentices, trainees, specialised cohorts, and mainstream VET students.

In this role, she is committed to developing tailored learning plans, implementing differentiated instruction strategies, and fostering a collaborative learning environment that meets the unique needs of each student. Through her work, she not only strives to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences that enable individuals to reach their full potential and potentially exceed in their academic and professional endeavor, but also encourage and support the team to do the same.

Her team values the ‘VET Equation; Quality Inputs equals Remarkable Outcomes’.

About Leonie Keating:

Leonie Keating is a Leading Vocational Teacher in the Academic Learning Centre at Central Queensland University.

With 25 years’ teaching experience in Language, Literacy and Numeracy in the Adult Migrant English and SEE Programme, Leonie is dedicated to the delivery of quality contextualised learning support to engage the learner across blended delivery modes, including face to face sessions and online support.

Leonie assists rural and regional students across Certificate levels I to IV in the VET sector, with a focus on trainees, apprentices, and First Nations students across specialist cohorts, including BHP and Yuwi Corporation.

Morning Tea & Networking

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Motivational Speaker

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Lucy Bloom | Motivator, Innovator, Author, Conference Speaker

Lucy Bloom is the former Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Cambodia and the former CEO of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. She is now a full time speaker and author.

Welcome to Day 2

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Arrival at Venue (Registration)

Location

Main Foyer (Outside Great Hall 1)

Welcome Function

Location

Great Hall 3 & 4

The Revised Standards: ASQA’s expectations and what providers can be doing to prepare for implementation

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) has revised the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 (the Standards) with the aim of providing greater clarity for RTOs and regulators, strengthening the focus on quality outcomes for learners and employers, and allowing for more flexibility and innovation in training delivery. The revised Standards propose significant changes to the structure and content of the Standards, providing a clearer and more direct link between the requirements RTOs are expected to meet and the outcomes they are expected to deliver.

Melinda Cox

Director, Regulatory Policy and Engagement, ASQA

Melinda is the Director of Regulatory Policy and Standards Implementation at ASQA. She joined ASQA in 2023, continuing a 20+ year career in the employment and training services sectors. Melinda’s team is responsible for working with providers and government stakeholders to help ensure the regulatory policy settings in VET are fit-for-purpose, focussed on continuous improvement in terms of both quality and integrity across the sector, while still being sufficiently flexible to support provider innovation and excellence.

Engaging Diverse Learners: Using positive psychology and inclusion principles in VET

Category

Student Support

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

In this session, Kylie will share global perspectives and best practices for engaging diverse students in VET. Participants will explore strategies to enhance student engagement in VET by understanding diversity and inclusion and how to adopt positive psychology principles and culturally responsive practice in VET. Kylie will delve into how fostering psychological safety and inclusion can better support First Nation's students, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Kylie will explore how adopting positive psychology principles enhances the student learning experience and results in greater student engagement and completion.

This session will empower you with practical strategies, global perspectives, tools, and insights. By understanding the unique needs of culturally diverse learners and those with disabilities, attendees will learn to adapt their teaching methods to better engage all students.

Key topics:

Introduction to Culturally Responsive Training
Creating Psychological Safety
Supporting Diverse Learners:
Introduction to Positive Psychology in VET
Applying Positive Psychology in Practice

Kylie van Luyn

Founder/CEO, Elevated Coaching & Consulting Global

Kylie is an international speaker, best-selling author and experienced workforce development and human rights consultant. Kylie is an accredited psychotherapist, emotional intelligence coach, NLP Master Practitioner and a Founding Member of the International Strategic Psychotherapists Association.

Kylie is a Non-Profit Executive with over 15 years of international experience in vocational training and specialised Employment Services, supporting people from diverse backgrounds on their journey to sustainable employment. She is passionate about working with organisations to develop vocational and pre-employment programs that foster workplace inclusion and psychological safety and support individuals to reach their full potential.

Kylie has spent her career working to empower people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds through positive psychology, skills development and economic participation. Kylie has coached & consulted widely with clients and Governments across a variety of industries globally and has a passion for social justice and social impact.

Kylie was a 2019 Australian State Businesswomen’s Awards Finalist in the For Purpose & Social Enterprise category for her work supporting the inclusion and economic empowerment of women from refugee backgrounds across Australia. In 2023 Kylie was named one of the Top 10 Influential Female Entrepreneurs and a Women of Influence Global Awards Finalist. In 2022, her company Elevated Coaching & Consulting Global was an Australian State finalist in the Outstanding Start-Up category. In February 2024, Kylie was named the Human Rights Consultant of The Year by CEO Today Global Awards (USA).

How to Develop Effective and Compliant Assessments

Category

Assessment

Location

M3 (First Floor)

This session will explore how to create an assessment that not only meets the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence (as per Clause 1.8 of the National Standards for RTOs) but is user-friendly (for both the trainer and trainee), contextualised and reflects realistic workplace activities.

Together, we will unpack a Unit of Competency, learn how Performance Criteria relates to Performance Evidence, and how to weave Foundation Skills and Knowledge Evidence into a well-rounded assessment.

Kerri Wellington

Principal, Wellington Consulting

Kerri Wellington is a qualified and highly experienced training and development (VET) consultant with over 20 years of experience in the VET sector. Areas of specialisation include validation, instructional design, internal auditing, audit preparation, post-audit rectification, and training and assessing up to Advanced Diploma level.

Kerri is an engaging and energetic presenter who interacts with her audience and adapts her style as needed. She has a wealth of knowledge that she is keen to share with other VET professionals and she is a passionate advocate for lifting the quality of training and assessment across all industries.

Leading More Effective Group Discussions

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M4 (First Floor)

One of the key skills for a trainer is the ability to effectively lead group discussions. Discussions help learners to explore content in their own words, reflect upon other people's viewpoints and strengthen ideas, as well as enabling them to receive a 'best from the rest' perspective about the subject matter. However, validating everyone's comments while keeping the discussion relevant and productive can be challenging. This webinar preovides 10 strategies for leading more effective group discussions and wil provide specific advice on how to keep discussions meaningful and timely.

Key outcomes:

Examine the benefits and pitfalls of group discussions
Identify key challenges to leading effective group discussions and how to reduce them
Highlight 10 strategies for leading more effective group discussions
Help participants to manage group dynamics
Describe methods for keeping discussions meaningful and timely

Marc Ratcliffe

CEO & Founder, MRWED Training and Assessment

Marc Ratcliffe is a multi-award-winning trainer, author and education entrepreneur. He is the CEO and founder of MRWED Training and Assessment, a private RTO that specialises in Trainer Training. He is a strong advocate for "edu-tainment" and believes that learner involvement and fun are integral to student success. He continues to be an in demand conference speaker and workshop facilitator, having presented at more than 50 conferences in a dozen countries in the past decade and was recently named as the winner of the “Best Training and Development Leadership” Award for 2017 at the World Training and Development Congress in Mumbai.

Supporting Young Student Success in a VET Classroom

Category

VETDSS

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

In VET classrooms, we see a diversity of learners with varying abilities, motivation levels and engagement in learning, as well as additional needs and disabilities. This session will focus on how we can support this diverse range, work towards high levels of engagement, and aim for growth and success amongst our learners.

There will be a discussion of strategies for support, differentiating approaches in order to engage learners in different ways, tips for behaviour management and tools to encourage active participation and involvement in a young person’s own learning.

This session aims to support trainers of young vocational learners (approximately aged 15 to 18).

Sarah Pavy

Head of Partnerships, ReadCloud

Sarah began her career as a secondary school teacher of boys, undertaking research and completing a Masters in Education focused on engaging boys in learning. Sarah has spent over 20 years consulting in a variety of areas relating to learning and teaching. Over the years, Sarah has worked with schools, teachers and VET trainers to design curriculum, programs and assessment, effectively implement differentiated teaching, support students with additional needs, build positive relationships in classrooms and increase engagement in schooling amongst young people. In her role running her own RTO, Sarah supported the implementation of VET Certificate II and III in Applied Language across Australia in twelve different languages, including First Languages in remote indigenous communities. Following acquisition of her RTO, Sarah shifted into a management role, overseeing all aspects of compliance, learning and assessment under third party arrangements across 3 RTOs and 50 qualifications. Sarah is currently Head of Partnerships at ReadCloud, supporting relationships with schools delivering a range of VET qualifications across Australia. Sarah is passionate about supporting trainers to engage in reflective and current best practices, to enjoy their work in VET classrooms, Sarah works with schools to ensure positive and successful experiences and outcomes for students.

Afternoon Tea & Networking

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Quality Reforms Update

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Australian Governments are committed to supporting high-quality training in the VET system. While the quality of training is affected by many variables, registered training organisations (RTOs) have a critical role in ensuring training delivery on the ground is high-quality and meets the diverse range of learner and employer needs. Significant work has been progressed in consultation with the states and territories and sector stakeholders to revise the Standards for RTOs 2015 (the Standards) and develop a Blueprint for the VET Workforce to support, grow and retain a quality VET workforce.

Join Katerina Lawler, Assistant Secretary, VET Quality and Regulation Branch to get an update on the Quality Reforms.

Katerina Lawler

Assistant Secretary, VET Quality and Regulation Branch, DEWR

Katerina Lawler is currently Assistant Secretary of the VET Policy and Regulation Branch in the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The Branch is responsible for VET strategic policy, VET student and regulatory policy and development and implementation of quality reforms.

Ms Lawler has worked in higher education policy and program roles for fifteen years, and has worked on a range of major policy initiatives including higher education policy and funding reviews and reforms.

Ms Lawler previously held positions in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and in the arts portfolio. Ms Lawler worked for five years in the housing portfolios in the ACT, New South Wales and Australian Governments.

Ms Lawler holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the Flinders University of South Australia.

Understanding Evidence Based Teaching Strategies - Overcoming Neuromyths

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

Is labelling people with a learning style and then teaching accordingly harmful? Is the left Brain Right Brain Teaching Technique a neuromyth? Since the ultimate criterion is pragmatic and not evidential, and if it works in the classroom, does it really matter if the teaching technique is scientifically untenable?

According to scientific research, the answer to all these questions is a resounding…Yes! Neuromyths are distortions, oversimplifications, misconceptions and misunderstandings about brain function. Research shows that using neuromyths like Learning Styles or left Brain Right Brain undermines effective education. There are potential adverse effects of neuromyth beliefs on teaching practices.

This session will introduce participants to a variety of brain myths and statements that are commonly believed to be true about the brain and learning processes. It will present current research findings on why using neuromyths is harmful and present ways to incorporate research truths into their teaching. Come along to find out the latest strategies emerging from Educational Neuroscience for up-to-date educators to consider.

Dr. Sven Erlic

Senior Education Consultant, Anaximander Academy of Training & Development

Sven is an Educator, Learning Designer & Learning Strategist. He is an expert in the field of education as well as business and management, originally from a business background and later becoming the managing director of a national retail chain store. He facilitates nationally accredited courses in vocational education and Professional Development and has decades of practical experience designing and developing courses.

He has undertaken empirical research in ethics and critical thinking. He has delivered a number of papers at academic conferences around Australia, New Zealand and Canada. He has a Master’s Degree in History from Macquarie University, a Graduate Diploma of Adult and Vocational Education from Sturt University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Newcastle University.

He is a passionate, engaging and focused trainer and teacher. He particularly structures programs to provide students with skills in problem-solving, critical and strategic thinking by actively and frequently seeking out to implemented modern, engaging and effective teaching methods and activities.

Rapid Fire Tech Tools for Trainers

Category

Digital / Tech / AI

Location

M3 (First Floor)

In this session, Kerri will run through a rapid-fire delivery of curated AI content creation platforms that enable educators to elevate their teaching, create engaging learning experiences, and unlock new possibilities in the training room.

Text generation tools
Dynamic video and audio production tools
Image creation
Examining the workflows to crossover each tool

The examples provided will show how these tools can be used in RTOs to enhance the student experience and streamline educator workload.

Kerri Buttery

Founder, Digital Literacy Licence

Digital Literacy Licence (DLL) is the brainchild of Kerri Buttery, who founded the company in 2021 after a rewarding, decades-long career in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Kerri's first foray into education saw her delivering VET in Schools (VETiS) programs in Queensland as a qualified secondary school teacher. This evolved into working as an auditor in the VET sector, then as a consultant assisting RTOs in maintaining compliance and delivering quality eLearning solutions

Kerri is also the founder of VETNexus. An Organisation that works alongside education providers to strengthen the relationship between compliance, technology and innovation.

Connecting and Empowering New Educators in our Organisations

Category

Management / Leadership

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Kay has partnered with new educators in varying settings for over 30 years. She has also researched extensively to produce an ISSI Fellowship Report for the Victorian Skills Authority which indicates that: Intentionally connecting new educators to their organisation, teaching teams, leaders and students is paramount.

Kay will share the need for targeted Professional Learning which meets the immediate needs of our newest educators. She will also endorse intentional approaches such as mentoring/ coaching and working collegially with experienced educators as a means to keep our new practitioners present, productive and positive in our organisations.

This session will be valuable to leaders and educators who wish to empower and maintain their new educators.

This session will explore:

The sectorial context
The new educator experience: the real story
Shared expertise: the research
Intentionally connecting new educators
Targeted, Timely Professional Learning
Leadership skills for empowerment
Mentoring/Coaching as a support trellis
Reflective Practice

Kay Schlesinger

Director, KGed Consulting

Kay Schlesinger has worked in numerous educational sectors, including a position as a Deputy Principal where she took responsibility for the professional Development of educators and supported new leaders in the sector. In the last 20 years Kay has worked in VET, Higher Education and as an Educational Consultant.

Kay has received awards for Teaching and Adult learning in the VET sector. She has continually demonstrated innovative approaches to teaching a diverse range of students. This was exemplified in 2018 when she presented at the AVETRA conference around Interactive Teaching and Learning Strategies.

In 2020 Kay was awarded an International Specialised Skills Institute fellowship by the Department of Education and Training for her work with new teachers. Kay is currently mentoring organisations around empowering new educators for organisational improvement.

Kay has also designed programs around Industry mentoring and was one of the keynote speakers at the 2021 VDC Annual Conference where she addressed: 10 Ways to Empower New Teachers for Success. A pathway for organisational success. Kay has also been a speaker at TAFE Director’s Australia and spoke at TAFE Queensland/ Holmesglen annual conferences. Kay is currently working with The Department of Education in a consulting role.

Developing the capability of educators has been Kay’s passion for many years. She is focussed on partnering with educators to create interesting, interactive learning experiences.

CRICOS Implications of the Change to the Standards

Category

CRICOS / International

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

This session is specifically for CRICOS providers and will explore any implications the new Standards for RTOs (intended to come into full regulatory effect from 1 July 2025) will have, as well as other regulatory and policy changes that have recently impacted the overseas student market.

Join David Garner to find out what you need to know and explore the key considerations CRICOS providers should be aware of.

David Garner

Principal Consultant, [consult dg]

David Garner is the Principal Consultant at [consult dg] and provides advice, development and research to the VET sector. He has worked in a variety of compliance related roles for over 15 years. He also currently works in staff roles for two RTOs delivering a range of courses to overseas students in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Most recently, as the General Manager Regulatory Operations for the Australian Skills Quality Authority, David was responsible for implementing ASQA’s regulatory strategy nationally.

David was also Director, Training Quality, in the Queensland Department of Education and Training. Prior to joining the Queensland department in 2005, David worked in and managed training providers for many years. David also has been active in sports administration for over 30 years

The Most Important (Yet Overlooked) Glue that Makes Learning Stick

Category

Student Support

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Research and experience consistently show that we learn (and perform) best when we feel safe. Regardless of the delivery mode, feeling safe matters for learning. It is the glue that makes learning stick. We simply cannot expect training to succeed without it.

Yet, as we educators focus on staying up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies for training, it can be easy for us to lose sight of learner psychological safety. We have all said, 'No question is a silly question,’ but establishing and maintaining psychologically safe learning involves so much more than that.

Join Chemène for this interactive session which is packed full of practical insights and easy-to-implement strategies to help you establish and maintain a psychologically safe learning environment that enhances student experiences and improves outcomes.

Chemène Sinson

Chemène is a freelance learning and performance specialist who helps individuals and organisations design, develop and deliver learning and assessment experiences that lead to improved performance.

She draws on her diverse experiences as an elite athlete and coach, school teacher, writer, facilitator and presenter, to mentor and support experienced facilitators and assessors with their ongoing development. In VET, Chemène specialises in TAE and has written TAE resources used by more than 150 organisations to date. She is a regular speaker at conferences and special events.

Factors Contributing to the Adoption of AI as a Learning Tool in the VET Sector: An exploratory study

Category

Research / Case Studies

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational practices has witnessed a significant paradigm shift in recent years. This exploratory study delves into the factors influencing the adoption of ChatGPT, an AI-powered conversational model, as a learning tool within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. By leveraging qualitative research methods, including interviews and surveys, this study aims to identify the key drivers and barriers shaping educators' and learners' perceptions and behaviours toward incorporating ChatGPT and other AI tools into vocational learning environments.

As a part of this research, we intend to conduct a small exploratory study to ascertain the major factors that may contribute to the adoption of ChatGPT for learning purposes in VET. The target audience for this study will be employees from the NSW local government training sector and teachers of CQUniversity. The research will investigate various dimensions, including technological readiness, perceived usefulness, ease of use, pedagogical alignment, institutional support, and individual motivations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the collected data, the study seeks to unveil insights into the multifaceted dynamics surrounding the adoption of AI tools in VET settings.

The findings of this study are anticipated to contribute to the existing literature on AI in VET and provide valuable implications for VET stakeholders, including educators, management teams and practitioners. Understanding the factors influencing the adoption of ChatGPT and other AI tools as a learning mechanism can facilitate the design of effective strategies to promote its integration into vocational training programs, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in the VET sector.

Dr. Shweta Singh & Niv Roy

Director - Maneeraj Education | Head of Training, NSW Local Government Procurement

About Dr. Shweta

LinkedIn

Meet Dr. Shweta Singh, the visionary Director of Maneeraj Education. With over two decades of experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education sector, Dr. Singh has been instrumental in developing and designing education programs with innovative technologies both nationally and globally.

Dr. Singh is not just an educational leader but also a distinguished scholar and researcher. Her extensive background in project management, sustainable development, and tertiary education underscores her commitment to advancing the education sector and promoting lifelong learning. Her dedication has earned her prestigious Training Awards , invitations to speak at prestigious conferences, including the UNESCO conference on Entrepreneurial Education and was the nominated representative of Australia in making of global statement on AI in VET for WFCP(World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics)

Dr. Shweta Singh’s leadership and innovative approach continue to shape the future of education, making her a pivotal figure in the field.

About Niv

LinkedIn

Niv Roy has proven expertise in a wide array of management functions, She has a keen desire to excel further as a Learning and Development professional. In an extensive career spanning more than twenty years as an educator, corporate trainer, consultant and senior manager, she has managed diverse functions around training activities. For more than ten years in a higher middle management position, she has utilized planning and organizational skills to successfully set up and lead several new initiatives and business units.

Validation: The good, the bad, and the remarkable

Category

Compliance

Location

M3 (First Floor)

This session will look at everything related to validation. We will look at how to create a schedule that takes into account the relative risk of the training product, preparing for validation, participating in validation, leading validation and writing amazing reports which are able to be used to improve assessment tools and learning resources.

Kevin will provide some real-life examples of good, bad and remarkable validation practices. This session will cover the requirements of both the current Standards for RTOs 2015 and the proposed New Standards.

This will be a hands-on session, where participants will design and develop a validation schedule and participate in a validation activity where they will review assessment tools and learner files.

Learning outcomes:

Understand and apply the fundamentals in designing and developing a validation schedule that will meet both the existing and new Standards.
Evaluate inherent risks associated with training products and apply a risk-based model to designing a validation schedule.
Identify the key documents and steps to take to prepare for a validation workshop.
Understand and apply the principles of assessment and rules of evidence in assessment validation.
Understand the importance of validating learning resources.
Apply best practice in developing a validation report.
Understand the importance of leading a highly qualified validation team.

This session will require participants to interact with the presenter through slido, and they will also be required to interact with other participants on their table.

Kevin Ekendahl

CEO & Principal Lead Auditor, Audit Express

Kevin is the CEO & Principal Lead Auditor at Audit Express. He has extensive experience working in senior management positions across the VET sector and as a board member on health regulation & community organisations. Having built and managed an RTO, Kevin understands the importance of ensuring there is the right balance between growth & compliance.

RPL: See it, hear it, speak it right

Category

Assessment

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Based on the extremely popular 2024 webinar series and your feedback, Angela McGregor will walk you through RPL, from the tools used to the process undertaken. Whether you’re an RPL Assessor, or the person responsible for developing the kits, this session will provide practical guidance that will assist your RTO in having a user-friendly RPL process in place.

Angela McGregor

Angela has worked as a consultant since 1999. During this time she also set up and managed RTO for 9 years. She particularly enjoys setting up new RTOs, assisting with course accreditation, professional development of RTO compliance staff and administrators and the development of assessment writers. A trainer by heart, Angela is committed to developing the skills of people within the VET sector.

Leading Change in a Changing Regulatory Environment

Category

Management / Leadership

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

There is some conventional wisdom out there – “People resist change.” And yet, this can’t be entirely true. If it were true, we would all be living in caves. Clearly, our species, above all others, is a species that is capable of creating and engaging with change.

True leadership is not just about presiding over business as usual. True leadership is about creating the space for others to find a way forward, moving people toward a higher quality, being calm in the eye of the storm and remaining resourceful and resilient.

In this session, we will explore the difference between change management and leading change and look at how we can help ourselves and help others through the change process.

Rod Matthews

Director, Rod Matthews Pty Ltd

LinkedIn

Rod Matthews has developed a reputation nationally and internationally as a leading expert on change and human performance.

He has worked with organisations across the commercial and the not-for-profit sectors for over 20 years. His experience, enthusiasm and natural curiosity have allowed him to build an encyclopaedic knowledge of tips, tools and techniques.

Rod is a voracious reader of many books and an author of 5.

In a world that faces a frightening volume and complexity of issues Rod believes that our hope lies in our ability to think, create, and evolve.

For more information:
www.rodmatthews.com

Lunch & Networking

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Getting Ready for 2025: Implications of the new Standards and instruments

Category

Compliance

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Join David Garner for this 90-min session that will walk through the new Standards for RTOs and other legislative instruments that are intended to come into full regulatory effect from 1 July 2025.

To help you get ready for 2025, this must-see session will break down the information you need to know in real-world terms and explore the most important things you'll need to think about when putting your RTO’s transition into place.

David Garner

Principal Consultant, [consult dg]

David Garner is the Principal Consultant at [consult dg] and provides advice, development and research to the VET sector. He has worked in a variety of compliance related roles for over 15 years. He also currently works in staff roles for two RTOs delivering a range of courses to overseas students in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Most recently, as the General Manager Regulatory Operations for the Australian Skills Quality Authority, David was responsible for implementing ASQA’s regulatory strategy nationally.

David was also Director, Training Quality, in the Queensland Department of Education and Training. Prior to joining the Queensland department in 2005, David worked in and managed training providers for many years. David also has been active in sports administration for over 30 years.

Jobs & Skills Council Collaboration Panel

Category

Regulator / Government

Location

M1 & 2 (First Floor)

Jobs and Skill Council (JSC) representatives will share and discuss the role and function of JSCs, provide an update on current projects and allow for Q&A.

Explore:

How JSCs develop their Workforce Plans & connect with Industry Stakeholders
JSC led Qualification Reform projects
How JSC are supporting growth in VET capability, and
How RTOs can be involved with JSCs

Helen Tinney, Alison Wall, Vicki Gottardo, Natalie Turmine & Rosalie Staggard

Helen Tinney | Executive Director Training Products & Implementation, AUSMASA |

Helen is an experienced executive and has extensive knowledge and understanding of the vocational education and training sector having worked in TAFE NSW and within the TAFE sector in Victoria. She is driven to create innovative, student-centred learning that delivers high-quality education and training programs and products that make a difference to learners and an empowered workforce. Helen is accountable for driving the execution of, and leading the development of innovative, contemporary fit for purpose VET training products, supporting collaboration between industry and training providers to improve training and assessment practice. Her team aligns efforts across the mining and automotive industries to improve system responsiveness, build stakeholder confidence and drive high-quality outcomes for the VET sector, learners and business.

Alison Wall | Chief of Staff and Director VET, Future Skills Organisation |

Alison has over twenty years of experience in the VET sector. Through her work with numerous training institutions and government agencies, she has gained significant expertise in training and assessment, program implementation, and qualification packaging. Committed to building skills within industry she has also led state and national initiatives to increase capability and address workforce shortages, at both NBN Co and Major Road Projects Victoria.

Alison served as a member and Deputy Chair of the ICT Industry Reference Committee, responsible for advising the Australian Industry Skills Committee on the skill requirements for various sectors of the ICT industry and ensuring the incorporation of industry skill into national training packages. As Chief of Staff at Future Skills Organisation (FSO), Alison has led the FSO's transition to become one of ten national Jobs and Skills Councils and integrates the work of the FSO to advance transferable and industry-specific skills in the finance, technology and business sectors.

Vicki Gottardo | General Manager, Strategy and Delivery, Powering Skills Organisation |

Vicki Gottardo's background is deep within the education strategy field where she has worked across secondary schools, universities in both pre-vocational settings and vocational education settings.

Vicki has worked with junior doctors in hospitals and has used education as a means of reducing clinical risk for the Royal Flying Doctors Service Queensland. She has used this experience in the Energy Industry for the past 7 years in long term capability development for Energy Queensland and now the Powering Skills Organisation.

Natalie Turmine | CEO, Service and Creative Skills Australia |

LinkedIn

Natalie has over 28 years’ experience leading employment, disability, Indigenous, community, apprenticeship, workforce development, philanthropic, social enterprise, labour hire and training services across Australia for both not-for-profit and for-profit organisations.

Natalie has been the CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) for 8 months. SaCSA is one of the newly formed and Federally funded Jobs and Skills Councils. SaCSA is responsible for working with Industry, Unions, Federal and State Governments to identify skills and workforce planning nationally for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality Industries.

Previously, Natalie was the CEO of Campbell Page for 6 years, COO of VERTO for 4 years and the Executive General Manager with Angus Knight/Jobfind for 15 years.

Natalie is also currently:

State Councilor – Business NSW playing an active and important role in the governance of the company and supporting the promotion of policy positions.
Chair of the Board - Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) which manages Sydney Motorsport Park and the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct (Centre of Excellence for STEM workforce development and Motorsport workforce technology)
Non-Executive Director - Hydrogen House Australia, promoting hydrogen for the production and storage of renewable energy Natalie also currently plays a workforce development advisory role on committees including:
Business NSW, NSW Workforce Skills Policy Committee, to develop/promote the policy positions of Business NSW on workforce skills issues to government, industry.
Global Advisory Panel for Institute on Science for Global Policy “Pathways to a Hydrogen Energy Future” program advising on workforce development needs of the emerging industry globally and nationally.

Rosalie Staggard | Director of Training & Product Development, HumanAbility |

LinkedIn

Rosalie is an innovative vocational education and training senior executive with strong management and marketing background. She has extensive experience focused on developing strategy, building operations and achieving results. She also has a demonstrated track record with international experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement, government relationships and contract management.

Kirsty Waugh | Director Training Product Development, Public Skills Australia|

LinkedIn

Kirsty Waugh is an accomplished education specialist with more than 15 years’ experience leading the design of diverse learning programs within schools and VET. Her experience spans the private, not-for-profit and public safety sectors. Kirsty’s unique blend of project management, stakeholder engagement and learning design experience set her apart as a dynamic leader in the field of education. She is a driving force behind the innovative solutions that empower learners across Public Skills Australia’s industry-sectors.

Rules of Engagement: Evidence-based techniques to drive learner engagement in any classroom setting.

Category

Training / Facilitation

Location

M3 (First Floor)

Good trainers, educators and facilitators know the value that learner engagement brings to the classroom. An engaged learner is more creative, learns faster and is easier to educate. But what is learner engagement and how can trainers promote engagement in a holistic way?

In this session, we will explore several evidence-based techniques that will drive engagement in any classroom setting, face to face or online. We will focus on two key dimensions of learner engagement and provide examples of how they can be promoted.

Specifically, we will look at the necessary conditions for creating positive emotional states as well as practices to promote cognitive engagement with your content.

In Tony’s typical interactive style, this session will provide live worked examples of each technique, so you can experience them yourself. You will leave with a range of specific actions as well as a set of principles which you can apply to any training setting.

Bring your internet-enabled device and an optimistic state of mind to get the most out of this session.

A note from Tony: As you can guess, learner engagement is an expansive topic and there is only so much I can cover in 90 minutes. So. we will explore some techniques in greater detail than others.

Tony Kirton

Senior Instructional Designer and Facilitator, Engage Learning & Development

Tony Kirton is a facilitator and instructional designer with more than a 15 years’ experience in organisational learning and development and VET education.

Known for his engaging and evidence-based approach to online and face to face learning, Tony delivers workshops, webinars and conference presentations with a wide range of public and private sector organisations.

As a facilitator, Tony primarily teaches educators and trainers how to design and deliver engaging and meaningful learning. In the past two years Tony has spent most of his facilitation time working with trainers, managers and senior leaders to improve their facilitation and presentation skills.

As an instructional designer, Tony has overseen and personally designed hundreds of training programs and more than one thousand assessment resources from more than 30 different vocational qualifications.

He holds a Master in Business and Commerce (spec. HR & IR) and two Diplomas in Vocational Training and Learning Design.

Continuing his passion for the education sector, Tony currently sits on the Board of Directors at a Rudolf Steiner School located in the Northeast of NSW.

Connect with Tony via:

Email: tony@engageld.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkirton/

Web: https://engagelearninganddevelopment.com/

Navigating the Future: AI and emerging technologies in education

Category

Digital / Tech / AI

Location

M4 (First Floor)

Step into an engaging session where we'll navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, fueled by AI and emerging technologies. Drawing from insights gathered over the past two years since the release of ChatGPT, we'll explore the latest research findings, peer into the future, and speculate on what lies ahead.

Join us as we unpack practical tips, tricks, and tools designed to optimise your educational journey with AI. Whether you're an educator, student, or industry enthusiast, this session promises to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly transforming educational environment. Embrace this opportunity to steer your path towards a future where AI and education converge to spark innovation and empowerment.

Toby Jones

Founder, Knowello

Toby George Jones is a rising talent in the field of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on their transformative potential across various industries. For the past 15 years, he has been tracking the evolution of technology globally, working closely with educators and institutions to harness the power of cutting-edge innovations.

As a passionate advocate for the integration of technologies like Ai, blockchain, and the metaverse, Toby draws from his experience, offers accessible insights, practical applications, and real-world examples that inspire and empower attendees to embrace the evolving technological landscape.

He is the founder of Knowello.

VET Teacher Supervision Arrangements: Building a framework for success

Category

VETDSS

Location

P1 & 2 (Second Floor)

The early changes to the current Standards and the New Standards allow for a greater number of people to deliver training under supervision. This includes people who have education qualifications that allow them to be registered as teachers for secondary school students.

VET delivered to secondary school students and other RTOs that rely on supervision require robust supervision arrangements in place. This session, led by Kevin Ekendahl, Principal Lead Auditor at Audit Express, will explore how to establish a robust framework to determine the nature and extent required for supervision and apply appropriate restrictions to ensure the integrity of the training and assessment is maintained.

This hands-on session will involve participants working together to build a framework for effective supervision of vocational education and training.

Learning outcomes

Identify and understand the changes to the Standards that permit a broader range of individuals to deliver training under supervision.
Establish and articulate the requirements for robust supervision arrangements in VET delivery to secondary students and other RTOs.
Develop a framework for determining the necessary scope and level of supervision to ensure the integrity of training and assessment.

Kevin Ekendahl & Matthew Dale

CEO & Principal Lead Auditor | Co-Founder and CCO, Audit Express

About Kevin:

LinkedIn

Kevin is the CEO & Principal Lead Auditor at Audit Express. He has extensive experience working in senior management positions across the VET sector and as a board member on health regulation & community organisations. Having built and managed an RTO, Kevin understands the importance of ensuring there is the right balance between growth & compliance.

About Matthew:

LinkedIn

Matthew Dale is an experienced professional. in the Vocational Education and Training sector, with over 18 years of experience in various capacities, starting out as a hospitality trainer, Matthew continued to learn and grow into to coordination, management and executive roles in a range of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). As Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Audit Express, he has utilised his extensive background, including his tenure as policy advisor to the Victorian Minister of Skills & Training, to profoundly influence the VET landscape through his commitment to quality and compliance.

Matthew's entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Audit Express and Educonomy, a consultancy poised at the forefront of educational innovation. Through Audit Express, he drives client success and innovation in educational audit services. His vision for Educonomy, founded in 2017, was to establish and grow a forward-thinking consultancy that collaborates with stakeholders across industry, government and also at a provider level, to drive the future of education, with a focus on finding innovative solutions for complex problems. A relentless advocate for excellence and the transformative power of education, Matthew's leadership is characterised by a deep-seated belief in progress and a consistent record of enhancing educational outcomes.

Morning Tea & Networking

Location

Exhibition Hall 2

Housekeeping & Platinum Sponsor Address

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

ASQA Update

Location

Great Hall 1 & 2

Saxon Rice, Chief Executive Officer at Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)

Saxon Rice has extensive experience across the VET and employment services sectors as well as the public policy process. Ms Rice previously held a range of senior government, VET and management positions.

She was Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education in the former Queensland Government from 2012 to 2015, and Chair of the then Ministerial Industry Commission responsible for industry engagement.

Ms Rice is a former Director of Global Business Development for an Australian employment services company and was responsible for significant growth into new countries in the European and Asian markets.

Ms Rice commenced as a Commissioner of ASQA on 16 April 2018, before being appointed as Chief Commissioner and CEO (initially Acting) on 7 October 2019.

With effect from 1 January 2021, Ms Rice was appointed CEO for a period of five years.

Program

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Friday, 1 November 2024

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2025 National VET Conference

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Program

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Friday, 1 November 2024

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Afternoon Tea

Location

Regulatory Changes in a VET Landscape

Category

Location

Peter Doukas OAM

Managing Director, Denison Toyer Education Lawyers

The New Power Generation: Challenges and opportunities within Australia's energy sector

Category

Location

Vicki Gottardo

General Manager, Strategy and Delivery - Powering Skills Organisation

AI and Assessment

Category

Location

Stuart Rimmington

Cookery Lecturer/Principal Lecturer Specialist for Teaching and Learning, TAFE SA

Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities

Category

Location

Natalie Oostergo and Siân Tooker

Associate Director, Student Success Advising, USQ and Human Service Professional

Third Party Arrangements: What is the real risk?

Category

Location

Sarah Pavy

Head of Partnerships (Previous Manager Compliance, Learning and Assessment), ReadCloud

GenAI: Shaping tomorrow's workforce – opportunities and challenges for the VET sector

Category

Location

Michelle Circelli and Lisa Bale

Research + Insights Lead and Director VET + Innovation, Future Skills Orgnanisation (FSO)

Developing a Neuro-Inclusive Learning Environment

Category

Location

Will Wheeler

Founder - Neurodiversity Academy

Leadership Conversations that Build Engagement and Performance

Category

Location

Rod Matthews

Director, Rod Matthews Pty Ltd

Best Practice: What we’ve learned from listening to learners

Category

Location

Dr Deniese Cox

Founder, TeachingOnline.com.au

Investment in PD = Staff Engagement + Enhanced Student Experience

Category

Location

Josh Michel

Head of Campus, William Angliss Institute Sydney

Lunch & Networking

Location

Assuring your Self-Assuring Practices: Strengthening your ring of confidence

Category

Location

Maria Langwell

Principal Consultant, Maria Langwell Consulting P/L

VET Practitioners and JSCs Making an Impact!

Category

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Simon Hester

Manager VET Implementation & Pathways

A New Wave of Creativity with Canva Magic Studio

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