27 April 2023 – Recap of the AVETRA 2023 Conference
The AVETRA 2023 Conference brought together experts, educators, and policymakers to discuss Australia’s current state and future of vocational education and training (VET). Among the keynote speakers was The Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, who highlighted the critical role of VET in building a skilled and innovative workforce and announced the Commonwealth government’s commitment to invest an additional $4.1 billion towards a 5-year National Skills Agreement.
In his address, Minister O’Connor emphasised the need for evidence-based decision-making in the VET sector and acknowledged the invaluable insights and contributions of VET researchers and experts. He highlighted the acute skill shortages, cost of living pressures, and declining productivity growth, and emphasised the strategic importance of investing in VET to address these challenges. He outlined the Commonwealth government’s proposed National Skills Agreement, which would boost the overall investment in VET to $12.8 billion and include a new collaborative decision-making process between the Commonwealth and states to marshal VET investment towards agreed national priorities and reforms.
The proposed agreement also includes a commitment to deliver 300,000 additional Fee Free TAFE and vocational education places, put TAFE at the heart of the VET sector by directing at least 70 percent of Commonwealth funding for VET to TAFE, establish new centres of excellence in TAFEs in partnership with industry, universities, and students, and introduce a landmark foundation skills commitment to ensure every Australian who needs it can access language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.
Read our blog on the $3.7 Billion investment in TAFE and VET by the Albanese Government here.
Minister O’Connor also highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering a step change in how we approach skills development for First Nations Australians, in line with the government’s commitment to the Voice and Closing the Gap. He highlighted the critical role of research and evaluation in the success of the proposed National Skills Agreement, stating that evidence will inform planning, priority setting, and reforms.
In conclusion, Minister O’Connor recognised the ambitious nature of the proposed National Skills Agreement but stressed its essential nature for lifting the opportunities available to all Australians. He hoped the agreement would enable more Australians, especially those excluded and under-represented in the workforce, to gain the skills needed for secure and well-paid work. The Minister’s address underscored the importance of VET research and expertise in driving evidence-based policy and investment in the sector and the crucial role of collaboration and partnership in achieving our national VET goals.
AVETRA 2023 Conference
The Australasian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) 2023 Conference, set on 27 to 28 April 2023 in Melbourne, will be an excellent opportunity for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to stay ahead in the VET sector.
The upcoming AVETRA 2023 conference will unite a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders, to explore and exchange cutting-edge research findings and best practices in vocational education and training (VET) within the Australian and New Zealand contexts.
The AVETRA 2023 conference theme, “VET + Challenging times, Challenges of our time and Challenges that lie ahead,” will delve into the current and future challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in the ever-changing VET landscape.
AVETRA 2023 Conference Keynote Speakers
Attendees will have access to a range of keynote speakers, presentations, and workshops, covering topics such as the impact of economic and social disruptions on VET, social inclusion and identity challenges facing VET, and the challenges facing VET over the next decade.
The AVETRA 2023 Conference will feature a half-day pre-conference workshop on 26 April, followed by a welcome reception.
Notable keynote speakers include:
Professor Peter Dawkins
- Interim Director of Jobs and Skills Australia
- Over 40 years of extensive experience in economics and labour market research
- Currently serving as an Emeritus Professor of Economics at Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy
- Previously held senior positions in the Victorian Public Service
- Awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2017 for outstanding contributions to tertiary education, applied economic and social research, professional organisations, and public administration
Dr Peter Hurley
- Mitchell Institute Director at Victoria University
- Has extensive experience in both vocational and higher education sectors in various research and management roles
- Advocates for equitable policy solutions
Professor Pi-Shen Seet
- A distinguished Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- holds a degree in PPE from Oxford University and a PhD in Business from the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School
- Published extensively on entrepreneurship, innovation, and management in the Asia-Pacific region
- Recipient of competitive research grants, including Australian Category (1, 2, 3, and 4)
Professor Rae Cooper
- Serves as a faculty member in the prestigious University of Sydney Business School’s Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies (WOS)
- Serves as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow and director of the Gender Equality in Working Life (GEWL) Research Initiative
- A prominent researcher in the field of work and employment
- Focuses research on gender and work, the future of work, and women’s career development
Dr Geethani Nair
- Currently serving as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Digital Skills Organisation, with a focus on providing digital skills to the Australian workforce and addressing the shortage of digital skills
- Possesses over 25 years of experience in leadership, education, technology, and training
- Has a background in diverse fields such as engineering and information technology
- Developed innovative pedagogical models to enhance training and education
- Received the prestigious AVETRA Conference Paper of the Year award in 2017
Why RTOs Must Join AVETRA 2023 Conference
For RTOs like you, attending industry-organised events like the AVETRA 2023 Conference brings many benefits:
Access to Industry Experts:
The conference will feature top-notch keynote speakers and presenters who are experts in their respective fields. You can learn from their insights and experiences and gain new perspectives on the latest vocational education and training trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Networking Opportunities:
The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand. Consider utilising this occasion to expand your professional network by connecting with peers, colleagues, and potential collaborators. This can facilitate idea-sharing and open new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
Professional Development:
The conference will feature presentations, workshops, and discussions covering various VET-related topics. You can attend these sessions to learn new skills, gain knowledge, and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
Insights into VET Challenges:
The conference will focus on the challenges facing VET today and in the future. RTOs can gain insights into the impact of recent economic and social disruptions on VET, identity and social inclusion challenges facing VET, and the challenges facing VET over the next decade. This knowledge can help RTOs develop strategies to address these challenges and improve their operations.
Register For The AVETRA 2023 Conference Now
Registration for the AVETRA 2023 Conference is now open. Consider this chance to expand your knowledge on the complex issues that vocational education and training (VET) is currently facing and explore practical approaches for addressing them.
Stay tuned for more VET updates, trends, and developments.
