Leading social justice campaigner and founding director of the School and Choir of Hard Knocks, Dr Jonathon Welch AM, will reflect on his own early hardships and how music education transformed his life at NCVER’s National Research Forum Realising our potential: widening participation through education and training.
The forum, on Thursday 3 April at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, will examine the role of education and training in supporting learners to achieve their potential based on a comprehensive program of research by NCVER.
Multi award-winning singer, teacher, conductor, author and songwriter, Dr Welch quickly realised that music education and his passion for singing were the "life buoy" that not only transformed his own life, but could help many disadvantaged Australians to rebuild their lives.
In his keynote address he will share his vision as Founding Artistic Director for the School of Hard Knocks and how the arts can help build confidence, pathways, prevocational training and inclusivity for many disadvantaged and disengaged Australians.
“We’re delighted that Dr Welch is opening NCVER’s research forum. His presentation will inspire delegates and provide valuable personal insights into the transformative power of education and training”, said Rod Camm, NCVER’s Managing Director.
“As well as hearing from Dr Welch’s personal experience, delegates will also hear from leading researchers who’ll share their key findings from NCVER’s significant research.”
Presentations will focus on:
• Young people, their aspirations, post-school transitions and happiness
• Disadvantaged youth and students with diverse learning needs
• Indigenous students
• Migrant families’ experience
• Vocational education and training and labour market outcomes.
The forum has attracted an expert panel who will address Realising our potential: where to now? It will be chaired by Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor, University of Western Sydney, inaugural Chair of the Centre for Social Impact and Chair of the NCVER Board.
He will be joined by Dr Robert Simons, Principal Research Fellow, Australian Council for Educational Research and former Head of Research and Evaluation at The Smith Family; Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor and President, Victoria University; and Ms Kate Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Community Colleges Australia.
You can access further information at: http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events/realisingourpotential.html
This research forum is funded through the National VET Research Program by the Australian Government and state and territory governments, through the Department of Industry.
Media enquiries: Anna Payton, Media & Communications Officer, (08) 8230 8638