The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has today released the official discussion paper for the 34th National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Conference ‘No Frills’, setting the stage for exploring diverse voices across the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
The paper explores this year’s conference theme, Diverse voices in VET, examining how meaningful consultation and dialogue with the sector's varied stakeholders – including industry, registered training organisations (RTOs) and students – is essential for creating an effective, innovative and inclusive VET system.
NCVER Managing Director John King said, ‘The VET sector serves an incredibly diverse range of learners and industry needs. Our conference discussion paper demonstrates that when we truly listen to and incorporate diverse stakeholder voices, we are better equipped to develop solutions that work for everyone, from First Nations learners and students with a disability, to industry partners facing urgent skills shortages.’
The three-day ‘No Frills’ 2025 conference will feature 30 concurrent sessions, four pre-conference professional development workshops, and two discussion panels designed to cultivate a conversation from the discussion paper and this year’s theme.
Conference attendees will hear from two keynote speakers: Isaiah Dawe, Founder and CEO of ID. Know Yourself; and John Tucker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TAFE Queensland. The program also includes a Conference Dinner presentation by four-time Olympian and motivational speaker Steven Bradbury, as well as a special address from the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles.
‘Our conference aims to facilitate discussions that enable the development of innovative and inclusive approaches that ensure equitable access, enhance learning and employment outcomes, meet career aspirations and create a workforce well prepared to address skills gaps now and into the future.
‘The discussion paper serves as more than just conference preparation, it is a call to action for the sector to embrace consultation methods that ensure diverse voices are not just heard but actively shape policy and practice.
‘No matter your position within the VET sector, you will find valuable insights from this conference while connecting with industry leaders, researchers and practitioners who share a commitment to excellence in VET,’ said Mr King.
NCVER will be co-hosting ‘No Frills’ with TAFE Queensland at the Robina Campus on the Gold Coast from 9 to 11 July.
Download the discussion paper: Diverse voices in VET
Learn more about the conference: 34th National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Conference ‘No Frills’
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.