Conference Purpose
Preparing Students for an AI-Enabled Workforce
We’ll translate current AI trends in industry into concrete implications for VET courses: what to teach, how to deliver, and how to assess—ethically, safely, and at scale.
Who Should Attend
- VET Coordinators
- Heads of Learning Areas
- Trainers/Assessors
- Career Practitioners
- RTO partners
- Industry & Government stakeholders
- EdTech leaders
Conference Purpose
Preparing Students for an AI-Enabled Workforce
We’ll translate current AI trends in industry into concrete implications for VET courses: what to teach, how to deliver, and how to assess—ethically, safely, and at scale.
Who Should Attend
- VET Coordinators
- Heads of Learning Areas
- Trainers/Assessors
- Career Practitioners
- RTO partners
- Industry & Government stakeholders
- EdTech leaders
Speakers
KEYNOTE Alex Jenkins
Director, WA Data Science Innovation Hub
Bio
Master of Ceremony Carmen Braidwood
Media Trainer, Speaker & Broadcaster Bio
PRESENTER Sandra Robinson
Founder, Skills Strategies International Bio
Emmanuel (Manny) Papadoulis
Deputy Chair, Tourism WA Bio
Melissa Harkins
Industry Development Manager, FutureNow Creative & Leisure Industries Training Council Bio
Tim Burt
Director, Strategy and Planning at Future Skills Organisation (FSO) Bio
James Sutherland
Director, Office Solutions IT (OSIT) Bio
Stuart Godin
Solutions Specialist, Office Solutions IT (OSIT) Bio
Simon Fittock
AI and Digital Literacy Specialist Bio
Milanna Heberle
Executive Director. Enterprise Governance & Partnerships, Department of Education Bio
Mandy Connor
Director Teaching & Learning (CEWA) Bio
Kathryn Paul
Director of Teaching and Learning AngliSchools Bio
Daniel Adams
Research Officer, Curtin HIVE, Senior Mentor Gen-AI Bootcamp Bio
Julie Goodburn
Content Developer/Workshop Facilitator Ariia Aged Care Bio
Andrea Burns
Senior Lecturer School of Arts and Humanities ECU Bio
Dr Steinar Ellingsen
Senior Lecturer School of Arts and Humanities ECU Bio
Tickets & Registration
Group rates available for schools and RTOs.
- Final ticket pricing (Standard, Group, Industry/Partner)
- Partners: $395
- Regular: $450
- Student Registration: $200
For special discounts on group bookings, contact 08 6143 2180.
Virtual attendance with live stream keynotes and video breakouts
Cancellation and substitution policy details
No cancellation refund but substitution allowed
Videos available for all participants.
Agenda
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 08:30Hrs – 09:00Hrs |
Registration and Networking |
| 09:00Hrs – 09:30Hrs |
Welcome and Introduction |
| 09:30Hrs -10:30Hrs |
Keynote Address Alex Jenkins – Director Data Science Innovation Hub Chair – Curtin University AI in Research Group |
| 10:30Hrs -11:00Hrs |
Morning Tea and Exhibitions |
| 11.00Hrs -11.15Hrs |
MC Interlude Breakout |
|
11.15Hrs – 12.15Hrs 11.15Hrs – 11.45Hrs 11.45Hrs - 12.15Hrs 11.15Hrs – 12.15Hrs |
Industry Breakout Sessions Round 1 Stream A – Creative and Media Industries Andrea Burns – Senior Lecturer School of Arts and Humanities ECU Dr Steinar Ellingsen – Senior Lecturer School of Arts and Humanities ECU Stream B – Business, IT and Finance James Sutherland – Director Office Solutions IT (OSIT) Stuart Godin – Solutions Specialist OSIT Tim Burt – Director, Strategy & Planning Future Skills Organisation (Virtual) Stream C – New Industry Expectations For School Leavers (Tourism, Hospitality, Travel, Events) Melissa Harkins – Industry Development Manager, |
| 12:15Hrs-13:00Hrs |
Lunch Break and Exhibitions |
|
13:00Hrs– 14:00Hrs 13:00Hrs– 13:30Hrs 13.30Hrs - 14.00Hrs 13:00Hrs– 14:00Hrs |
Industry Breakout Sessions Round 2 Stream D – Tourism, Hospitality, Events and Retail Emmanuel (Manny) Papadoulis – Deputy Chairman & Commissioner Tourism WA Founder-AI & Tourism Think Tank (Australia) Stream E – Education, Support and Community Services Stream F – Beyond the Bell: Aligning Schools, VET and Careers for Future-Ready Learners Kathryn Paul – Director of Teaching and Learning AngliSchools |
| 14:00Hrs – 14:15Hrs |
Afternoon Break & Exhibitions |
| 14:15Hrs – 15:15Hrs |
Panel Discussion Assessment Integrity, Ethics and Student Use of AI Milanna Heberle – Executive Director, Enterprise Governance & Partnerships Department of Education (DOE) Simon Fittock – Education Consultant, Curriculum Association of Independent Schools WA (AISWA) Mandy Connor – Director Teaching & Learning (CEWA) Kathryn Paul – Director of Teaching and Learning AngliSchools |
| 15:15Hrs-15:30Hrs |
Teacher Award Presentation |
| 15:30Hrs -15:45Hrs |
Conference Close and Next Steps |
Industry Partners
Meet employers, tech vendors and training providers demonstrating AI tools, simulators and workflows across sectors relevant to school‑based VET.
Gallery
Venue
Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre (PCEC)
21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth WA 6000
Getting Here | PCEC - Perth Convention And Exhibition Centre
- Elizabeth Quay Bus Station & Train Station within short walk
- Nearby parking at PCEC Car Park
- Accessible entrances and lifts available throughout the venue
Call for Proposals (CFP)
We welcome case studies, workshops, panels, and research‑to‑practice sessions focused on AI in VET in Schools.
- Submission deadline: 12 April 2026
- Formats: 20‑min talk, 45‑min session, 90‑min workshop
- Focus areas: Industry alignment, delivery models, assessment integrity, inclusion, safety
FAQs
Code of Conduct
We are committed to a respectful, inclusive event. Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated. Please alert staff if you need assistance.