VET News

The National VET Conference – Back Better Than Ever!

We are so very pleased that our 15th annual National VET Conference, the #2022NVC, held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, proved to be a smashing event that rebuilt face-to-face attendance and mentoring opportunities in VET.

It was absolutely brilliant to see well over 750 people arrive on the glorious Gold Coast to take advantage of the spectacular November weather, the fantastic location, and the exciting range of presentations and activities.

Gathering together in the same place at the same time after such a long time was a real buzz, and the excitement was palpable.

Our theme for the event was "Building Your Roadmap." With upcoming changes in the VET sector, which were coincidentally brought to light by the announcement of the release of the Draft Standards for RTOs on the first day, the goal was to hold an event that helped all practitioners, no matter what role they played, make a plan, a roadmap, to their chosen destination.

Day one officially kicked off with an Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) update delivered by Christina Bolger, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.  Ms Bolger spoke about the celebration of a vibrant and vital sector, commending delegates for the resilience shown over the last two years and for the commitment to a shared vision which is the passion for a focus on quality education outcomes. “The regulator space is your space,” she said. “Regulation is a conversation."  She continued that conversation by describing the status of reforms to regulatory culture and practice, including some of the changes already made by ASQA and the journey forward that will support the positive culture of cooperation and innovation.

Across both days, the program’s elective sessions were designed to inform delegates’ paths to quality training, assessment, digital/online facilitation, student engagement, management, compliance and administration through sessions delivered by some of the most sought-after presenters in the sector.

On day two, the Honourable Brendan O'Connor MP - Minster for Skills and Training graciously delivered the Minister’s Address via video link. The Minister spoke of the nation's significant skills shortage and the urgent need for government to respond. He also told of a national "conversation," the establishment of Jobs and Skills Australia, and the government's ambitious agenda to put the skills and training sector back on the right path.

James Castrission, who holds two Guinness World Records and author of books on his world-first journeys, was a highlight of Day 2. Our motivational speaker shared his unbelievable stories of adventure kayaking from Australia to New Zealand and travelling unsupported to the South Pole. A pin could be heard dropping in the plenary room as he inspired us to set our goals of greatness.

Delegates could once again enjoy our favourite part of the NVC, the evening Welcome Function (themed Enchanted Wonderland). After the last couple of years of feeling like we've been down the rabbit hole, we were finally able to network and relax with good company, great food and drinks, live entertainment, a DJ, and plenty of chances to win some fantastic prizes. Delegates left the event with a sense of connection, wonderment, and whimsy!

As we wrap up the 2022 year, another NVC done and dusted, we start to work on the 2023 event, which will celebrate the fact that our sector is Training the Nation and Transforming Lives (the theme for next year).

We send out a huge thank you to all Sponsors, Exhibitors, Presenters, and delegates for making the #2022NVC a great success, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year!

Date posted Nov 17, 2022