UPlearning with Online Students

The lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 meant that students were expected to learn at home essentially using resources better suited to a classroom environment.    

What if homework and even classroom facilitated learning was offered in a more fun and engaging way? 

What if students could immerse themselves in a cartoon-like simulation of a business in their industry of interest?    

Up Learn is an online platform considered by some students as the educational equivalent to Nexflix. Up Learn uses AI and cognitive sciences to boost student interactivity and success.   

In this session, Donna will demonstrate how Blueprint Career Development use the Up Learn system to "help make it real" for students.

Ensuring Fit and Proper Persons

A registered training organization must ensure the integrity of those in governance positions . 

What does this mean for your organisation and what ASQA is expecting of registered training organisations? 

This session will go through expectations under the NVETR Act. 

Find out what is required and this means for what ASQA is expecting from you. Join ASQA for this session to gain further regulatory awareness, and consider practical strategies for good governance and compliance.

Professional Development for Trainers in Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD): A Case Study.

In 2022 Turning Point, Australia’s leading national centre for AOD treatment, research and education and training was funded by the Department of Health (Vic) to deliver a train the trainer program, to provide professional development to TAFE teachers who deliver AOD units and qualifications.

The purpose of this session is to showcase and outline a new pilot train the trainer program, and show how industry can be directly involved in upskilling trainers.

This new professional development model could potentially be replicated by other sectors and this session could provide you with an innovative perspective and some new ideas.

Reasonable Adjustment: What is Reasonable, What is Not?

RTOs are obligated to provide reasonable adjustment under legislation. The Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 also include requirements to provide support services to individual learners, and ensure assessment is fair by providing reasonable adjustment where appropriate. 

This session aims to provide RTOs and assessors with clarity around what types of adjustments are reasonable, and what are not. 

The session will explore the following topics: 

• RTO obligations around reasonable adjustment (what is considered reasonable or unjustifiable in terms of costs) 
• Determining learner needs and program suitability prior to enrolment. 
• What if the program is not suitable? What if the learner wants to enrol anyway? 
• Types and examples of reasonable adjustments to support learners 
• Reasonable adjustment and assessment - What is reasonable, what is not?  

The presenter has identified this session as suitable for trainers, assessors and RTO staff who are involved in enrolling and supporting students.

A Self-assessment Tool to Help Plan, Implement and Review VET Programs in Schools

The VET self-assessment tool helps schools plan, implement and review VET programs that offer nationally recognised qualifications from industry-developed training packages or accredited courses.

The self-assessment tool is for:

• experienced VET practitioners
• those new to delivering VET.

Using the tool will help schools to:

• evaluate and improve the quality of VET delivery in individual programs or as part of a whole school approach
• identify areas of improvement
• implement new VET programs
• provides guidance on good practice in addition to supporting information and resources based on responses against each section
• recognise that VET undertaken at school is the same as all other VET.

Afternoon Tea and Networking

Is it Compliant or Not?

During this interactive session delivered by Angela McGregor and co-presented by Kerri Buttery, we will be looking at examples of audit evidence and asking the question is it compliant or not? The examples presented will cover the standards most commonly found to be non-compliant. We will show and discuss examples of both good and poor practice by examining a range of audit evidence to highlight the common and often avoidable compliance mistakes. You will be able to walk away from this session and apply your knowledge in your RTO.

Examples presented during this session are based on common non-compliances according to ASQA reports and observations from independent audits conducted by Angela.

The session provides:

• An opportunity to view and discuss compliant and non-compliant practices
• Examples of good practice that you can use in your RTO
• Information and examples based on ASQA performance assessments and independent audits

Beyond the Standard: Motivators of high-performing RTOs

RTO quality remains a topic of great interest to VET users and governments as the sector adapts to skill Australia’s current and future workforce. All RTOs must adhere to minimum quality standards, but some deliver above and beyond those standards. This presentation will share the results of research that interrogated what motivates such RTOs to pursue high performance.

High performing RTOs, those that deliver outstanding outcomes for students and/or industry, were invited to participate in interviews to explore: their understanding of high performance, what motivates them to pursue high performance, how that is embedded into business practices and how they determine if they are high performers.

Four motivational themes were found, operationalised through the use of a transformational leadership style and guided by training and delivery values that place students at the centre of learning. Encouraging RTOs to adopt performance promoting values and building RTO leadership skills may provide policymakers and VET stakeholders another mechanism through which to secure quality and consistency in VET training and delivery.

10 Digital Resources That Add WOW to Your Training!

Whether you a looking to create more dynamic learning experiences or improve the look and feel of your courseware, digital resources play an important role in organising content, capturing attention, and reinforcing your messages. This session will explore 10 digital resource sites that add that wow factor to your training and raise the engagement levels of learners. 

This will include collaboration tools, content creators, video makers, as well as sites that unlock the power of AI to fast-track image creation, slide development and online learning resource development. Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate each of the 10 digital resources and consider how they could be used to support their own training and assessment practice.

Key Outcomes:

• Identify where to source digital resources to support training and facilitation
• Explain how to use digital resources to enhance delivery and courseware
• Identify the benefits of using these digital resources.

Constellation Practices: Lighting Up Your People

The intention of this session is to introduce the innovative concept of Constellation Practices to leaders/managers. 

The session will refocus ways of working with educational teams to optimise achievement, involvement and intentional connectivity. 

We will explore 6 areas for enhanced leadership practices to empower connected educational teams to work effectively using a collaborative approach which celebrates achievement:

• Investigating Constellation practices 
• Constellation practices : a style of empowered leadership 
• Intentionally knowing your constellation
• Improving conversations using a dialogue approach 
• Connecting your constellation: the benefits are huge 
• Building a spirit of Celebration with your people

Aligning Overseas Qualifications with Australian Standards for Global Recognition

The presentation will showcase the collaborative research work between VETASSESS and its international partner, the Chinese Testing, Inspection and Certification Education Association (CTICEA) on qualification mapping involving selected Chinese and Australian qualifications.

Several process-based activities were carried out to gather and validate information. The information gathered served as the basis for the creation of a mapping document that compared the qualifications in relation to parameters such as course quality assurance, student entry and teacher trainer requirements, list of modules/subjects, program structure, and learning and occupational outcomes for graduates.  

From the comparison, the Chinese qualifications revealed some gaps in practical learning and teacher competency requirements which should be addressed to bring them up to the Australian standard.

So, what were the gaps? And what recommendations were made to address these?

This session will explore a process-based framework was developed for mapping the Chinese qualifications against the Australian standard, one that   can be used to compare other Chinese and Australian qualifications in similar fields of study and graduate outcomes.

Lunch and Networking

The Simple Formula for Easy, Compliant and Contextualised Assessments That Trainers Won't Hate.

This session is designed to support trainers, curriculum developers and compliance managers by providing guidance on how to avoid the pitfalls of insufficient, invalid assessment, overassessment and poor assessment. 

Rather than arguing over too many tickboxes, unclear instructions and poor quality comments about context, we will focus on some simple techniques that we have designed and applied across more than 100 units and a dozen training packages that make assessment simple, contextualised and compliant.

Join me for a range of really practical tips and examples including some live assessment design examples.

Changing the Landscape of RTO Compliance With Self-Assurance

Intention - Understanding how self-assurance promotes compliance. The session will unpack self-assurance and provide examples of how a simple model of self-assurance can be developed that integrates all systems and practices into a singular framework of quality systems leading to compliant outcomes.

The session will:

• develop guidance and support with relevant examples and support tools
• clarify how this model links in with PDCA - continuous improvement of outcomes
• engage with providers and course owners/developers about areas of risk and share insights
• take a practical and holistic approach to the model of self-assurance where integration is key
• promote the cultural change to successfully achieve the shift to self-assurance and advocate the building of strong partnerships and relationships of mutual trust and respect necessary to achieve this shift.

Practical, Research-backed Strategies for Online Teaching Success

As more and more learners demand more and more online content, and as technology evolves, it’s important that we draw on current, proven strategies to meet learner needs.

Yes, there’s lots of tech available to us, but what tech do learners actually value? And what technology-enhanced strategies should we be implementing to deliver a great learning experience in online and blended settings?

During this incredibly informative, highly interactive session, you’ll learn a range of practical insights that are relevant for all VET educators. Every element in this session is research-driven and includes enough variety so there’s something for everyone.

What are the Cyber Security Governance Principles Every RTO Decision Maker Needs to Know?

The intention of the presentation is to inform the audience about about the importance of Cyber Security Governance Principles and their  impact and implications for RTOs beyond simple compliance.

As the Hon Clare O’Neil MP Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security has pointed out since the first cyber security breach with Optus, and then soon after Medibank pointed out: “Directors have a critical role to play and must seek to lift their own cyber literacy levels, recognising that this is a key risk that can never be eliminated but can be effectively managed.”  

The purpose of the session, is to have the audience walk away with an understanding of their responsibilities and some  very specific strategies they can implement in their business to reduce their risk threats and improve their business continuity.

Successfully Training Up-and-Coming Generations in a Post-Pandemic World

How can we successfully train the up-and-coming generations in nowadays’ ever-changing world, providing them the feelings of belonging, inclusion, purpose and collaboration they desire?

Drawing on the VUCA model, multi-award-winning coach, consultant and trainer Marianne Bateup will guide you on how building trusting environments and relationships will help you transforming your students' experiences.

The Trust Equation will be explored with Marianne honing in on its components as well as aspects of EQ and We-Q, enabling the environment in which your students can thrive.

With the key focus on training and engaging school students (Marianne has experiences working with school students as mentor with the Young Leaders of Change Program), this session will explore how feelings of belonging, inclusion, purpose and collaboration can be maximised, leading to better outcomes for your school students, and increasing the value placed on the VET sector.

The session will include practical activities, where you can share your thoughts and experiences with other attendees and learn from one another, as well as action item setting for self, in addition to the content.

The Learner Profile: How Digital Credentials Are Reshaping the Future of Education

Join us as we explore the power of digital credentials and their potential to transform the educational landscape. Our speakers, representatives from Learning Vault and Year 13, will guide us through their innovative partnership, which is revolutionising the way students recognise and share their achievements in helping to train the nation.

Through their partnership, Learning Vault and Year 13 are addressing global issues and trends towards the need for a digital Learner Profile that allows students to recognise their achievements holistically and share them with talent pools, education providers, future employers, and more. By leveraging digital credentials, this profile provides a verifiable, tamper-proof means of recognising the attainment of skills and knowledge, both in and outside of the classroom.

In this session, our speakers will explore the practical applications of digital credentials and their potential to enhance the educational experience. With real-world examples and case studies, they will demonstrate how this innovative approach is transforming the way we recognize and reward achievement. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or student, this presentation offers valuable insights into the future of education and the role of digital credentials in shaping it.

Digital Literacy Needs, Tools, and Experiences

Bringing together two powerhouse, expert presenters, this is not a session to be missed!

There’s a good reason digital literacy is a hot topic right now – we’re all seeing it affect learner experiences, outcomes, and future opportunities. Let’s face it, digital literacy also affects educator workload!

During this essential session, you’ll hear insights that are absolutely critical for all providers. We’ll unpack key insights from current research (supported by the Digital Skills Organisation). Importantly, you’ll also get to hear the voice of learners and educators who have navigated these waters.

This session will help make sense of contemporary digital literacy issues and tools, and we’ll provide recommendations for how you can utilise these insights within your own context.

Amplifying Learning Using C.O.R.E.

This session includes 16 activities new to the National VET Conference!

Participants will have an opportunity to be involved with a selection of these and invited to consider variations for their own training practice.

Involvement and interaction are at the heart of effective training. When the learning is participant-centred, students retain more and are more likely to enjoy their learning experience. This session focuses on how to integrate participant-centred learning using C.O.R.E. (Closers, Openers, Revisiters, Energisers).

It will demonstrate how to add impact to your training with applicable openers and closers, support the revisiting of content in new and fresh ways and will outline how to engage your participants with fast, yet effective energisers.  A range of additional support materials will also be provided to assist in putting C.O.R.E. into practice.

Key Outcomes:

• Outline the benefits of participant-centred training
• Explain the importance of C.O.R.E.
• Identify which C.O.R.E to use and when
• Select appropriate Closers, Openers, Revisiters and Energisers to put into practice.

Interactive workshop: Using Technology to Design Engaging Digital Learning Content.

Can Artificial Intelligence and Education Technology replace the role of educators?

Over many decades the apparent shortage of instructional designers in education has been well documented and reported on. With the needs of industry changing and technology advancing at a pace faster than ever before, it is becoming increasingly more difficult and challenging for educational institutes and educators themselves to keep up with the pace and rate of change and technological advancements.

This interactive session will be led by Matthew Dale, the co-founder of Educonomy, with the support of the team from Educonomy. This session will explore the challenges being faced by educational institutes and educators in relation to instructional design, and will seek to answer the following two questions:

1. Can Artificial Intelligence and education technology replace the role of educators?
2. Can Artificial Intelligence and Education Technology create a short and engaging digital course in a one-hour conference workshop?

The hands on session will be delivered in an interactive style, which is activity-based and participant-led, providing participants with the opportunity to design a short training program and to create engaging digital learning content using a range of emerging content creation tools and platforms.

We will begin with a brief introduction to the principles for designing an engaging training program, before moving on to explore and use a range of design tools and platforms available for creating digital learning content.

During the session, Matthew and the team from Educonomy will work with delegatesto select a topic for a short training program. Together, we will define the key learning objectives, the target audience, and the most effective delivery methods for the program. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and to contribute their thoughts and ideas throughout the workshop.

We will also explore a range of Artificial Intelegence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) tools, and a range of design tools and platforms to create digital learning content.

Participants will then break off into smaller working groups to create the digital learning content and interactive learning experiences that will engage and motivate learners. Matthew and the team of supporting facilitators will lead the smaller working groups through the content creation process, designing the course elements and digital content. The session attendees will then come back together to pull the digital learning content that they have created together into an online course.

By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to design a short training program and create engaging digital learning content. They will have had the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in a hands-on and collaborative way, and they will leave the session feeling confident and inspired.

How to Properly Support Neurodistinct Students in Training and Education

The intention of this Showcase session is to help highlight the importance of understanding neurodistinct (ND) students and to help RTOs learn more about how to support them.

The session will provide ideas to help organisations understand some of the areas where they might be able to improve their support opportunities and how minor changes can help them be a more inclusive learning institution.

Topic to be explored during the session:

1. What is neurodiversity any why it’s such a hot topic?
2. What most neurodistinct students experience during the learning and assessment journey.
3. How neurodistinct students are sometimes discriminated against by learning institutions.
4. What can happen due to the lack of understanding of someone’s ND.
5. What processes from sign up to start and finish, a learning institution should follow during the ND students learning journey.
6. The importance of providing the right technology for ND people.
7. Tips to help the ND students learning journey to be a great experience for both the student and teacher.
8. Some ND students may never be able to meet certain competency standards.

Morning Tea and Networking

Motivational Speaker

A businessman and elite sportsman, Michael is at the forefront of today’s new generation of inspirational speakers and is one the most in demand and highly respected speakers in Australia. After releasing his first ‘tell all’ autobiography in 2016, he is now a number 1 bestselling author across 6 different countries. 

Raw, real and truly life changing, Michael’s story will  teach the keys to success, the importance of embracing change and the mindset needed to achieve your goals. 

Once you hear him speak, you will have a renewed perspective on life (and you’ll discover that you have little to complain about ever again).

Welcome to Day 2

Arrival Tea and Coffee

WELCOME FUNCTION

Empowering Trainers & Assessors Through Digital Literacy

Technology is used in many industries to streamline the workloads of employees, so why not utilise technology to assist trainers and assessors? How do we do this? 

Firstly, we need to improve the baseline digital literacy for trainers and assessors across the board. This will allow for efficiencies to be gained as well as model and support good tech practices with learners, regardless of the industry they are entering. Next, RTOs need to support trainers in exploring how technology can add efficiencies to their daily tasks, allowing them more time to be hands-on with learners.

This session will explore the areas that RTOs can focus on to help streamline the workload of their staff which is more than just moving training online. Come along to be challenged in the way the operations of the RTO can be optimised to empower your trainers and assessors to take charge of their own learning journey with digital literacy.

Quality Reforms Update

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. Reforms are currently underway to better support RTOs to achieve this.

These reforms include revising the Standards for RTOs 2015 (the Standards) to ensure they are clear and outcome-focused and developing 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 for this must-see session to get an update on the current status of the Quality Reforms.

Unpacking Evidence to Determine Compliance

This hands on session will delve into the world of compliance.  With real life examples presented with evidence against standards, participants will work in groups to explore and determine if the evidence they are presented meets the Standards for RTOs 2015.

The workshop will have a half hour rotating aspect where individuals and groups can move around, discuss, debate, and undertake a mini audit on multiple 'evidence packs' which will then be unpacked together allowing discussion and exemplification of authentic data to demonstrate key compliance points.

An Engaged Trainer = An Engaged Student: The Recipe for Success

A trainer who shares, shows a student they care.

In this interactive Showcase session we will unpack some of the key ingredients I have found are required in an engaging training session. 

Join me as I share these insights with you through my passion for Indigenous ingredients as an example of what you might be able to do in creating your own engaging sessions.

We will explore:

• Indigenous Ingredients that currently form part of our curriculum.
• Engaging lessons through a menu based learning approach.
•  How the art of storytelling solidifies learning
•  How trainers maintaining industry currency builds trust and rapport
• The growth of our work experience program - strengthening relationships between schools and RTOs
• How yarning circles develop connections in theory classrooms.

This session will involve personal stories and some interactive activities involving spices and native ingredients to ensure the audience leaves engaged but, also with additional knowledge of Indigenous cuisine.

Authentic Leadership - The Practice

Being an Authentic Leader is essential when training your students and engaging with stakeholders and staff. The more you are comfortable, confident and certain about who you are as a person, the more effectively you will be able to connect, assist and engage with your staff and learners.

Learning outcomes are as follows.

•  Understanding what is Authentic Leadership when training and mentoring students and staff
•  Benefits of being an Authentic Leader in business and training
•  How to develop yourself first, so you can be of service to others
•  Tips and practices to get you started in being an Authentic Leader and Trainer

Afternoon Tea and Networking

Sector Risk Priorities

Join ASQA for this session which will explore risks to quality and integrity of VET. ASQA uses data and engagement with stakeholders to identify risks to quality and compliance. 

ASQA’s sector wide risk priorities are a key focus of ASQA’s regulation and are published to support providers to comply with their obligations and to have mechanisms in place to ensure that they are meeting relevant standards at all times, and not just when they are interacting with the regulator. This is a core part of a provider’s best business practice and is central to maintaining and improving quality VET . 

Find out more about sector regulatory risk priorities, what information is available to support you to identify and respond to risk in your services, and ASQA’s expectations of registered training providers.

Transforming Your RTO: A Practical Guide to Boosting Enrolments and Increasing Efficiencies through Automated Nurturing

Looking for ideas on how to build an automated nurturing and sales system that supports both students and teams? This presentation is an educational and inspiring session that will equip you with the knowledge you need to transform your RTO business.

We'll discuss the challenges RTO business owners face when it comes to growth and the importance of increasing enrolment numbers to solve this problem. By implementing the practical tips and insights shared in this presentation, you'll be able to attract and retain more students while saving time and money. Whether you're a business owner or a marketing manager, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge you need to transform the way you do business.

We will explore:

• Boosting Enrolments through Automated Nurturing: Discover how to create a more nurturing and efficient system that moves potential students through from enquiry to enrolment as well as the key elements of building an automated nurturing system that supports both students and teams.
• Streamlining Student Acquisition Process with Intelligent Business Tools: Learn how you can leverage intelligent business tools such as CRMs to streamline your student acquisition process, freeing up your team's time and removing psychological pressure from selling. Find out how to use automation to follow up with potential students, personalize communication and create a seamless enrolment experience.
• Making Data-Informed Decisions through Sales Pipeline Insights: Hear about some practical insights on how to make data-informed decisions by understanding your sales systems through pipelines. You'll learn how to identify bottlenecks in your student acquisition process, make decisions that will increase enrolment numbers, and transform your RTO business.

Engaging the Non-engaged... Teaching how THEY Learn

This highly practical workshop will rekindle both your passion for teaching and your student’s desire to learn.   Recapture your enthusiasm with techniques which will ensure your delivery is motivating, attention-grabbing and enjoyable both for you and your students.

We all learn in different ways and this workshop will ensure that your delivery reaches the widest audience possible. It will give you a large number of skills, tips and strategies to get your subject matter across -  be 100% effective and have fun doing it!  

Refresh and upgrade your skills and excite your students to learn…and keep on learning….It will stimulate and challenge your thinking about training and provide you with proven techniques that guarantee learning.

If you’re keen to sharpen your skills… to deliver more effective training… to be operating at the leading edge… this is the session you’ve been looking for!

Enterprise RTO Challenges and Pitfalls - Training Volunteer Emergency Services

In a world of constant change that is increasingly being affected by natural disasters, jurisdictional emergency response is more reliant on volunteers than any time in our history. In Australia the various State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Services mostly align their skills acquisition training to units of competency from the Public Safety training package. 

In this presentation, we will explore some of the challenges involved in volunteer emergency service training and lead discussions on approaches to resolve them.  Whilst this session showcases volunteers, the concepts are relevant to any Enterprise RTO who is looking for ideas on how to keep staff/students engaged.

Key challenges that will be covered include:

• Availability and support for volunteer trainers
• Engaging with volunteer audiences in the conduct of VET training
• Evidence collection in simulated emergency environments
• Maintaining skills currency for volunteers who are less active
• State and territory differences in skillsets and the challenges of meeting local requirements through RPL processes

School Career Development Practitioners and the Future of VET STEM Careers

Summary of my PhD(Education) thesis (due for submission in June 2023). Presentation of slides, findings from the research, and time for discussion.

Abstract:

This research focused on the role of the School Career Development Practitioner (SCDP) (Guidance Counsellor, Careers Advisor, Pathways Advisor) to provide career guidance to school students. 

When school students are planning their careers, their SCDP provides career guidance to enable the development of agency for the student. The academic literature and government policy have identified current and future skills shortages, and the requirement for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers have been identified as a priority. Undertaking trade qualifications in the vocational education and training (VET) sector is also a priority for students pursuing STEM careers where there is a skills shortage (Smith, 2022). 

The research participants’ (SCDP’s) own career adaptability was investigated to determine how the SCDP is equipped to provide career guidance, to investigate how their role can address the STEM career shortage. Australian SCDPs were recruited to participate in a survey to determine how their career adaptability influences the career guidance provided, and to support this quantitative data, interviews were conducted (n=9) to allow the SCDPs to provide a narrative for developing their personal career. In this convergent parallel mixed methods study, qualitative data was collected, determining the requirements for a SCDP position, and how their career adaptability influences the provision of career guidance. 

By focusing on the School Career Development Practitioner, their postgraduate training in Career Education and Development provides an employability-focused education to the students. SCDPs have a requirement to maintain their vocational currency and competency through maintaining contemporary labour market information, for example. By maintaining a current knowledge of the labour market, SCDPs provide targeted career guidance to students pursuing STEM careers through a VET pathway. The SCDPs’ links with industry provide for work-integrated learning for school students, and the identification of available non-educational supports.

The Future is Here: Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Education

The future we once read about is here, and with it an exciting world of emerging technologies. From the Metaverse to Cryptocurrency, Digital Credentials, NFTs, AI-driven talent pools, and ChatGPT, these trends have the potential to transform education. However, before diving into the specifics of these new technologies, it is important to establish their fundamentals and understand the problems they are designed to solve, in simple terms.

In this session, we will explore the basics of emerging technologies and their potential impact on education. We will examine how these technologies are already being used in the classroom today, evaluating their effectiveness and exploring how they can be optimised to meet the needs of students, educators, and institutions. With a focus on practical applications, we will delve into case studies, use-cases, and best practices.

Toby will guide you through the fascinating world of these emerging technologies, providing insights into how they can be leveraged to enhance the educational experience. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or student, this session offers valuable insights into the future of education and the tools that will shape it.

Artificial Intelligence: The Rise of AI and How VET is Responding

With the explosive rise of AI and Chat GPT, trainers and educators around the world are working out how to include or exclude this new tool in the classroom; ignoring the technology is not the answer. 

In this session, we will explore the capabilities, issues and challenges that Chat GPT and other AI technologies (such as voice and image simulators) present. Additionally, we will explore some good practices for introducing the technologies to classrooms, how to design assessment to mitigate risk and how to teach students how to use and not abuse the tools.

How to Document Observation Assessments Properly

All units of competency require the practical application of skills, and the observation of performance is foundational in terms of how competency is assessed.   

Despite the observation of performance being fundamental to VET assessment, often observation assessments are deemed not compliant at audit because there is insufficient evidence recorded by the assessor to provide valid evidence of the learner’s performance.  

This session will: 

• unpack the requirements for evidence-collection 
• identify the information that needs to be recorded to ensure valid and sufficient evidence is gathered.  
• discuss how both skills and knowledge should be documented 
• provide advice and examples of how to make notations and comments that will withstand scrutiny 

The content of this session is relevant to both simulated and workplace observations and is focussed on documentation of observation assessment.  The presenter has identified this session as suitable for both new and experienced assessors who are seeking to develop and improve assessment practice. It would also be useful for validators and assessment designers to help ensure assessment tools are designed and reviewed in a way that supports compliant evidence collection. 

Transforming STEM-based Youth Study Pathways from School into VET Engineering (Adv. Manufacturing)

This session will share some early practical and theoretical findings from doctoral research aimed at advancing STEM education pathways in VET Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing) through curriculum co-design for Victorian secondary students. 

Acknowledging Australia's significant STEM industry workforce demand and related educational policy imperatives, this presentation will engage the audience with provocations as to why STEM education and study/career pathways may not yet have been readily taken up by TAFE Institutes in Victoria (or Australia’s) VET sector.  

The presentation will highlight gaps, provide some prospective solutions and seek feedback from audience members with similar interests in beneficially transforming the youth study pathway from school into post-secondary VET careers in STEM industries.

The Critical Role Training Plays in the Development of Defence Capabilities

This session will focus on the following question: What lessons may be learned from the way the military applies the principles of VET when introducing new or enhanced equipment or systems?

Each year the government invests hundreds of millions of dollars in acquiring and maintaining equipment, tools and systems aimed at achieving one simple effect: The defence of this nation. But doing so means adopting a new and continually evolving approach to the way in which individuals and groups are trained to employ these capabilities to achieve this effect.

During this session participants will gain insights into and examples of how Defence capability groups design, structure and apply training that achieves outcomes critical to the defence of this country. Such an approach is often referred to as capability-based training and it can be applied in any organisation seeking greater return on investment for each dollar spent on developing their staff.

This presentation will showcase capability-based training as an approach to VET which goes beyond what has traditionally been applied over the past two decades and offers an alternative approach which builds on what participants already know but may have been unsure of how to apply to its best effects.

They will also learn how they may adopt these processes to their own needs. Using examples of where these processes have been so successful, participants will be challenged to reflect on their pre-conceptions of VET as an approach suited only to the gaining of qualifications.

Lunch and Networking

Let's Celebrate Training the Nation: Transforming Lives

Auditing your RTO: How to Conduct an Internal Audit & Understanding What Auditors are Looking For.

This hands-on session led by Kevin Ekendahl, Principal Lead Auditor at Audit Express, will look at how to conduct an audit for your RTO and give an insight into what auditors are looking for in an audit.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify the key steps involved in the audit process, including planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up.
• Evaluate the risks and internal controls of your RTO to determine the scope and focus of the audit.
• Applying best practices in conducting an audit, such as independence, objectivity, and ethics, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the audit findings.
• Identify the key components of a quality management system, including documentation, processes, procedures, and records, that should be audited to ensure compliance with the Standards.
• 
  

This will be a very hands-on session with participants undertaking an audit of a fictitious RTO.  So bring your laptop! Participants will be provided with a range of case studies and examples of policies, procedures, assessment instruments and trainer files and will be required to audit and report on their findings.

Leadership Metamorphosis - Transforming Yourself for Success

How we as Leaders have learned to lead has truly changed over the years, against the backdrop of the last two decades where autocratic leadership was often the norm, businesses enjoyed operating in a relatively stable world where change ensued at a much slower pace. Fast forward to the present, and we are now living in a post-pandemic world driven by unprecedented levels of technological and commercial disruption all whilst delivering Zoom meetings from the comfort of our own homes with our PJ bottoms on and a pressed blazer.

With change a constant, leaders must simply be attuned to a lesson of Leadership that as a singular has continued to stand the test of time: “To be an effective leader, one must be willing to adapt and evolve to the demands of an ever-changing world; The ability to embrace change and transform oneself is simply a non-negotiable in order to achieve ongoing success that will keep us relevant for years to come.”

To take you on this journey of Leadership Metamorphosis, The Maven Effect’s CEO and Founder Jason Blinman shall be your guide to transformation. Jason is an Executive Coach and Leadership Master who will take you on a spell binding journey in delivering on “walking the talk” of the modern day Leader by addressing some of the biggest inner-self challenges identified from business Leaders through The Maven Effect’s 3744 hours of Leadership Coaching from 2022. Jason will be sharing captivating business stories and profit driving strategies that will further your transformational development in:

• Understanding the vital importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence and how this translates to greater people performance.
• Championing adaption to rapidly changing business landscapes and defining ways in which we can stay ahead of the curve to alleviate operational pressures.
• Developing tactics and strategies to combat the every day stressors of managing an RTO.

Put simply, in order to Transform the Nation as an Industry, we too must be willing to transform ourselves into leaders who can navigate the new world of business with confidence and inspire our teams to do the same.

Are you ready to take the challenge?

Visual and Vocal Image: Communication Skills to Inspire, Engage and Increase Understanding.

Bringing this phenomenally popular webinar session to the #2023NVC!

What’s more important when presenting your specialist topic – the depth of your technical knowledge and skill or how you communicate that information?

The answer is both. Naturally, you need a balance between technical knowledge in the subject matter as well as an ability to communicate that information effectively.

But how your technical expertise is perceived, is strongly influenced by how you communicate. In short, if you can’t communicate effectively, your (perceived) technical expertise is diminished. You can be the greatest technical expert in the world, but unless you communicate in a way that engages your audience, your technical expertise will be overlooked.  

In this session, Tony will explore the communication behaviours that great trainers, presenters and facilitators use to engage, inspire and even entertain their audience.We will delve into the small behavioural changes that you can make to your presentation style that will make a BIG difference and make you stand out from the crowd. Simply knowing and applying the right techniques can dramatically change your communication style and see you regarded as one of the top 20% of trainers, presenters and facilitators in your industry.

In his typical interactive style, Tony will share with you some of the successful techniques he has picked up, applies and has continued to refine over the past 15 years as a presenter, trainer and facilitator.This session is for both beginner and experienced presenters, trainers and facilitators looking to improve their communication skills well beyond that of the average presenter. It extends and goes beyond the typical content taught in the Certificate 4 and both Diplomas from the Training and Education Training Package.

You will leave with specific behaviours that require only self-awareness and deliberate practise to integrate into your presentation style.

Simulation Sushi Train

When you hear the word simulation, do you picture a classroom role play or a cockpit with lots of controls? Do you ever wonder, how on earth you can incorporate a simulation into your training?

This session will take you through a sushi train of the different types of simulations you can use for training and assessment.  

These will include, the definition of a simulation, when it is required and how to select the right simulation for the desired outcome. We will explore the challenges to overcome when designing simulations, including their limitations, how to resource them and how to use the correct terminology and framing to ensure an authentic experience.

During the session, we will workshop the development process with an example for participants to plan and develop, identifying when to use simulations, which type to use, how to frame them and how to identify and address the details required.

Fostering Positive and Meaningful Partnerships with External Providers of VET in Schools

With Australia experiencing fundamental skill shortages in recent years, the requirement for schools to educate students with the skills and knowledge required, not only by industry, but also by their own students, have never been more prominent. With a range of flexible delivery and assessment opportunities that reflect the learning needs, personal growth, self-awareness and transferable skills of individual students, vocational education and training (VET) ultimately improves chances for student success both at school and beyond.

Over the years many schools have taken the bull by the horns and become Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in their own right. However, many schools, for whatever reason, see vocational education as something best delivered by external providers. Whilst handing our students and their learning outcomes over to organisations who we feel are better placed to provide this service, as schools we still have a duty of care to uphold and, as such, need to be extra vigilant of the services provided and our understanding of the education our students are engaging in.

This session will focus on the benefits of fostering positive partnerships with those external providers of VET in your school and looks at the arrangements and practices:

• applied by school RTOs who use external organisations to deliver qualifications, or parts of qualifications, that are on the school RTO’s scope of registration.
• for schools and school RTOs who engage external RTOs to enrol, deliver training and assessment, and issue certification.
• for schools and school RTOs who use their own teachers to deliver nationally recognised training to students but who engage external RTOs to enrol and issue certification in this regard.
• applied when monitoring the services provided by external partners and fostering positive partnerships for the benefit of the school's senior secondary learners.

This 90-minute session promises to delve into the fundamentals of the relationship between the school, the student and the external provider including the obligations and responsibilities of all parties. Whether you are a school RTO engaging providers to deliver part of your program, or a school who offers VET to its students through an arrangement with an external RTO, this session will be of benefit to you.

Morning Tea and Networking

Housekeeping

ASQA Update

Official Open

Registration