2026 Program of Events

PLA/RPL: A Strategic Lever for Workforce Development and Transformation

10th September, Delivered by Prior Learning Inside Out

Each session will explore

• How RPL can be a strategic force in shaping human resource development and sustainable labour markets
• RPL's evolving role in workforce development - from equity and inclusion, to organisational practice, to policy and systemic change.
• RPL and workforce policies and practices occurring across the globe

Hosted by PLAIO the only international journal exclusively devoted to skills recognition.

We are more than pleased to introduce our 3 amazing panelists who have generously agreed to share their on-the-ground experiences in a thought-provoking panel session that interrogates the real-life application of RPL.

Australasian session (APAC/North America/Canada). Moderated by Deb Carr

• Geertrui Lanneau International Organization for Migration Thailand
• Dr Asheley Jones Chartered Practicing Accountants Australia
• Anthony Chan BuildSkills Jobs and Skills Council Australia

‘New Directions in Applied Research : The Holmesglen Experience'

Session 1 - 22nd October, Session 2 - 5th November, delivered by Holmesglen

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.’

We will be holding two events on Thursday 22nd October and Thursday 5th November.

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.

Session 2 : 5th November

VET 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.

Presenter BIO - Dr Henry Pook

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.

Thought Leadership Series: Teach Capability Uplift - Building Capacity Across 
the Teaching Journey

23rd October, 12.30 - 1.15pm AEDT, Online

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.

ISS Institute Applied International VET Research Forum

29th October, Delivered by ISS | Online

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

ACDEVEG Conference - Leading Learning at the Frontiers of Change: The Essential Role of the VET Teaching Workforce

3rd - 4th December, $195, In person, delivered by Federation University

The conference will feature:

• An opening address from the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles
• Distinguished keynote speaker Vikki Smith from the United Kingdom's Further Education sector
• Presentations from Jobs and Skills Australia, six Jobs and Skills Councils, and the Victorian Government on workforce development initiatives supporting the VET Workforce Blueprint
• An expert panel of VET leaders
• A panel discussion featuring VET teachers and students
• More than 30 workshops and research presentations from delegates across Australia and overseas
• An optional historical walking tour of the SMB Campus following the close of Day One
• An optional conference dinner at Prospects Training Restaurant, featuring a musical interlude from Federation University's Arts Academy

This conference provides a valuable opportunity for educators, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and VET practitioners to engage in critical discussions about the future of vocational education and training and the evolving role of the VET teaching workforce.