17th National VET Research Conference (No Frills)

• About the conference
• Developing VET researchers for the future
• New Researcher Awards
• Invitation to present
• Key dates
• Conference costs
• When and where
• Keynotes and program
• Networking
• Travel and accommodation
• To register
• Conference flyer
• More information

University of Tasmania, Newham Campus, Launceston,  9-11 July 2008.

Sponsored jointly by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research and TAFE Tasmania

About the conference

The annual National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research conference, 'No Frills', is considered one of the best value events on the VET research calendar.

The conference aims to bring together staff involved or interested in education and training research from TAFE institutes, universities and private registered training organisations as well as consultants.

In keeping with the 'no frills' approach, the conference offers an ideal opportunity for participants to network and to share, discuss and present current and recently completed work in a relaxed and informal environment.

Developing VET researchers for the future

Building on from last year, the conference will again focus on developing research capacity in the VET sector by promoting the professional development of VET researchers. The conference program will include a stream of papers and workshops on skills development, research collaboration and mentoring.

We welcome papers from researchers to share their knowledge and expertise about what makes good VET research.

New Researcher Awards

To encourage new researchers—that is, established researchers new to the VET sector or new VET researchers—to present a paper at No Frills, NCVER is once again offering a limited number of New Researcher Awards. These awards will cover travel, accommodation and catering expenses to attend this year's No Frills conference.

To be eligible, new researchers must submit an abstract of the paper (max. 200 words), a two-page CV and contact details of two referees familiar with your work. For further details on award requirements, see the New Researcher Award submission form attached.

Invitation to present

NCVER invites participants to share their research and knowledge at No Frills.

The conference focuses on strategies, observations and proven practices that can influence an even better VET system in Australia. We seek papers that rely on sound evidence-based research rather than on descriptive or opinion-based work.

Presentations of research will be incorporated into the program under one of NCVER's five research themes: students and individuals; teaching and learning; industry and employers; VET system; and VET in context. For further information about the five NCVER research themes, go to http://www.ncver.edu.au/aboutncver/themes.html.

In addition, NCVER invites experienced researchers to submit a proposal to run a workshop which promotes the development of VET researchers for the future.

Be innovative! We encourage you to present your research in ways that allow interaction and time to share and learn from each other's experience.

The call for papers and workshop sessions closes 21 April 2008.

Key dates

28 April 2008 - The deadline for call for papers for 'No Frills' 2008 and New Researcher Award submissions has been extended to Monday 28 April

2 June 2008 - Closing date for registration to attend

Conference costs

There is no registration fee to attend No Frills 2008. However, participants must meet their own travel, meal and accommodation expenses.

When and where

Date: Wednesday, 9 July to Friday, 11 July 2008

Please note: This year the conference will commence at 11.00am on Wednesday, 9 July to allow participants to travel to Launceston on the morning of day 1. No Frills will conclude at lunch time on Friday, 11 July.

Venue: Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre, University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus, Launceston

Keynotes and program

Included in the program are three keynote presentations from:

• The Hon David Bartlett MP, Premier of Tasmania, Minister for Education and Skills, Minister for Planning and Workplace Relations, who will inform us about the 'Tasmania Tomorrow' initiative
  
•  Ms Oona Nielssen, Executive Director, Dusseldorp Skills Forum, who will speak about skills and environmental sustainability
  
•  Dr Rob Simons, Head of Research and Evaluation, The Smith Family, who will offer insights into skills and social inclusion.
  

Print preliminary program
  No Frills Launceston - Preliminary Program (193 KB PDF file)

Networking

As part of No Frills 2008, NCVER and TAFE Tasmania will host a cocktail reception on the evening of Wednesday, 9 July.

Delegates are also invited to attend the conference dinner on the evening of Thursday 10 July. This will be provided at a reasonable cost to participants.

Travel and accommodation

Launceston airport is serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways. It is located approximately 15km from the city centre and is serviced by shuttle bus, rental cars and taxis.

You can also travel toTasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania, with a nightly crossing from Melbourne to Devonport. Accommodation in Launceston ranges from quaint colonial cottages to sophisticated boutique and resort hotels.

Visit http://www.discovertasmania.com or http://www.ltvtasmania.com.au to assist with your travel and accommodation needs.

Launceston and the Tamar Valley is a popular tourist destination and we recommend booking your travel and accommodation as soon as possible.

To register

Important information

Due to a minor, ongoing technical problem at our internet service provider, we can no longer offer online registration for this conference.

If you wish to register, please complete the registration form on the conference flyer (attached below) and fax to June Ingham at NCVER.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Conference flyer

  No Frills 2008 flyer and registration form (575 KB PDF file)

More information