OctoberVET is a season of presentations, discussions and workshops coordinated by AVETRA. The goal is to showcase, disseminate and debate vocational, adult and technical education research.

OCTOBERVET 2025 

VDC Vocational Degrees Symposium 
 

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 | Hybrid: In-Person & Online.
Presented by the VET Development Centre. $180 (inclusive of GST) 

Join the conversation shaping the future of tertiary education in Australia.

The Vocational Degrees Symposium is your opportunity to connect with leading educators, policymakers, and industry experts as we explore the transformative potential of vocationally delivered undergraduate degrees (AQF Level 7). Discover how these qualifications - developed in close partnership with industry - are expanding access, driving innovation, and building a future-ready workforce.

What to Expect:

·         Inspiring Keynotes

·         Interactive Roundtables & Group Discussions

·         Real-world Insights from Industry-Aligned Programs

Featured Speakers:

·         Dr Steven Hodge (Griffith University): Degrees of Difference – Opportunities and Pitfalls of Vocational Degrees

·         Donna Dejkovski & Marilyn Connell (AUSMASA): Vocational Degrees and the Future of Work

·         Kevin Ekendahl (Audit Express): Compliance and Quality in Vocational Degrees

As part of AVETRA’s OctoberVET, this symposium offers timely insights into how vocational degrees are reshaping Australia’s skills landscape.

Secure your spot today and be part of the movement redefining tertiary education.

REGISTER NOW to attend either in-person (Melbourne) or Online.

OctoberVET :  Applied Research Forum

ILLUMINATE 2025

OctoberVET Applied Research Forum

Sharing knowledge and enhancing VET through international insights

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by International Specialised Skills Institute and AVETRA

Featuring International Fellowship Insights:

Dr Gabrielle Koutoukidis
Digitalisation in Health – Times they are a changing…
Exploring how health informatics and technology is taught in nursing and healthcare curricula

Lisa Piller
Circular by Design: Global stories for a regenerative textile future
Discovering global pathways to sustainable textile practices in the world’s highest textile-consuming country

Tammy Casselson
Mindful Performance: Enhancing VET Resilience and Results
Implementing mindfulness-based wellbeing to improve education outcomes

Dr Ross Digby
Education & Training collaborations with Mega projects
Strategies for aligning VET with Victoria’s Big Build infrastructure initiatives

Kerri Ledingham
More Than Maths Phobia: Supporting Dyscalculics in Vocational Education
Evidence-based approaches to support learners with dyscalculia

Plus, additional Fellows to be confirmed
Stay tuned for more international insights and innovative approaches

Join us to:

• Discover international best practices in VET
• Network with industry leaders and researchers
• Gain practical insights to enhance your teaching and training
• Explore innovative approaches to vocational education

REGISTER NOW