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OctoberVET and Holmesglen Research Collaborations: present and future
2026 marks a decade since the foundation of Holmesglen’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (the Centre). During that time, we have offered a range of research-based projects in AVETRA’s OctoberVET calendar. This has provided an opportunity for Holmesglen researchers to share their research, contribute to the improvement of teaching and learning, and provide the groundwork for further research and innovation.
Rather than cover our considerable achievements of the past ten years, the Centre has decided to conduct a programme that looks forward with the aptly titled ‘New Directions in Applied Research: the Holmesglen Experience.’
Session 1 - 22nd October
Research Collaborations: present and future This session explores Holmesglen’s role as a research and innovation partner through collaborative projects with industry, universities, and community organisations. Highlights include Holmesglen’s partnership with Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the Care Economy Centre of Excellence, and the Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) program. The session will showcase projects delivered, demonstrating how applied research can solve real-world industry problems. In addition, findings from a joint research project between Holmesglen and Charles Darwin University (CDU) will be presented, examining recent VET qualification reforms and the costs associated with training package churn.
Biography: Dr. Henry Pook is the Director of Holmesglen Institute’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. He has had over 30 years' experience in vocational education, including 15 years as the Dean of Building Construction and Engineering at Holmesglen Institute. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, specialising in employment relations and industrial relations change in the building construction industry. His publications include studies on work, and work and technology in Australian society.
We look forward to having you there online!
AVETRA
Thought Leadership Series: Teacher Capability Uplift - Building Capability Across the Teaching Journey
As VET providers face increasing challenges in attracting, developing and retaining educators, there is growing recognition that professional learning must move beyond compliance and become an integrated approach to workforce capability development. This webinar explores how organisations can build capability across the teaching journey, particularly for educators transitioning from industry into teaching.
Drawing on Bendigo Kangan Institute's Teacher Capability approach, this session highlights how a structured professional pathway can support educators from entry into teaching through to advanced practice. The framework aligns professional learning with organisational priorities, regulatory requirements and workforce capability planning, creating a coherent system for developing and sustaining teaching excellence.
Recognising that many VET educators begin their teaching careers with deep industry expertise but limited teaching experience, the model supports progressive capability development through foundational learning, reflective practice, peer learning, feedback and ongoing professional growth. Rather than viewing professional development as a series of isolated training events, the approach positions learning as a continuous and evolving journey embedded in everyday practice.
The webinar also showcases how professional learning can be integrated with capability recognition, workforce planning and organisational development strategies. Underpinned by evidence-informed approaches to professional learning and capability development, the model values diverse forms of learning while supporting measurable growth in teaching practice.
By moving beyond compliance-focused professional development and embedding structured pathways for growth, organisations can develop a teaching workforce that is confident, adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of learners, industry and the VET sector.
We look forward to seeing you there online! REGISTER HERE Zoom link available at time of registration
2026 ISS Institute Applied International VET Research Forum
Join the ISS Institute and our International VET Practitioner Fellows for an engaging online forum showcasing applied research across the VET sector. Fellows will share insights from their international Fellowships, research findings and practical learnings, exploring how their work can translate into meaningful, tangible change within the VET sector. Presenters :
Paul Hrasko - Creating an International Best Practice Culture for Gender Equity in Vocational Education
Kerri Ledingham - More Than Maths Phobia: Supporting Dyscalculic Students in Vocational Education
Candace Van Der Krogt - Learning from Tradition to Teach Tomorrow: Preserving the craft of upholstery through VET and equipping the industry for a circular future
Freyja Dixon - Neighbourhood Houses as Social Infrastructure: Local Practice, Global Relevance
Registration Link
OctoberVET and Holmesglen VET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET
Session 2 : - 5th NovemberVET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET
This session showcases practitioner research undertaken across the Institute, with a focus on innovation and improvement in VET practice and pedagogy. Presentations will explore AI and inclusivity, sustainability, and modern methods of construction: these draw upon both published and ongoing research with practical applications for VET educators. The session will be of particular interest to VET practitioners looking for research-informed ideas and approaches that can be adapted to strengthen teaching practice and enhance learner engagement.
We look forward to seeing you there online!
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