About

About 'No Frills'

Since 1992, NCVER’s National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Conference has been bringing together diverse perspectives in relation to policy and practice from across the VET sector to share, discuss and present on priority issues.

The 34th National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Conference ‘No Frills’ will be co-hosted with TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast on Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 July 2025. Major funding for this conference is provided by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

Who should attend?

The ‘No Frills’ Conference welcomes participation from professionals across all industries and backgrounds. It consistently attracts participants from a wide range of sectors, including:

Educators

Research organisations

Researchers

Employer groups

Industry bodies

Schools and universities

Private consultants

Registered training organisations

Not-for-profit and community associations

Commonwealth, state and territory education and training authorities

Keynotes, presentations, panels, and workshops will be delivered in person, and delegates will once again have the opportunity to network with colleagues face-to-face.


Why should you attend?

'No Frills' provides an opportunity for networking and ideas sharing in a friendly and informal atmosphere with a cross-section of industry representatives, practitioners, researchers and policymakers. The conference also contributes to building capacity and capability in VET research by providing opportunities for engagement and learnings for early-stage career researchers and more experienced researchers.

What you can expect from attending ‘No Frills’:

  • Thought-provoking workshops, presentations, keynote sessions, and panel discussions that spark insightful conversations and foster meaningful learning
  • Curated social events designed to promote networking, offering valuable opportunities to connect with delegates and build professional relationships
  • Personalised, one-on-one consultations with NCVER data experts at the dedicated drop-in Data Centre, providing tailored support for your data-related queries
  • A dynamic forum for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, bringing together thought leaders and industry experts
  • Access to presentation slides and papers, ensuring you can revisit key insights and resources post-conference
  • Opportunities to engage with exhibitors to discover new innovations and explore products and services relevant to the VET sector.


About the hosts

NCVER logo

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is the leading source of VET research and data in Australia.

NCVER provides the evidence that informs and strengthens Australia’s VET policy and practice.

NCVER’s areas of activity:

  • Undertaking a strategic program of education and training research, including the collection and analysis of national VET statistics and survey data.
  • Collecting and providing access to research findings on VET and tertiary education from across the world through the VOCEDplus research database.
  • Disseminating the results of integrated research and data analysis.
  • Building links with similar international organisations to foster comparative analysis and collaborate on issues of mutual interest.
  • Providing a professional research, analysis, and evaluation capability across Australia and internationally.

TAFE Queensland logo

TAFE Queensland is Queensland’s largest, most experienced training provider with a history of serving their state's industries and communities for more than 140 years.

They deliver training to students and apprentices on site, online, in the workplace, or on campus to give people the skills they need to enrich their communities, support their industries, and strengthen their local economies.

From entry-level certificates and apprenticeships to bachelor degrees, they deliver hands-on, practical training in around 400 qualifications both online and at more than 60 campus locations throughout Queensland, from Thursday Island in the North, to Coolangatta in the South East, and as far west as Mount Isa.

They understand the need for perpetual innovation and flexibility in both their training programs and their delivery practices and as the needs of their employers and industry change, so too does their training and delivery. Each year, they work closely with Government and local industry to ensure their training programs are tailored to their needs and that their students graduate confident, capable, and ready to help drive the success of their industries and communities.


Sustainability

NCVER is committed to supporting sustainability practice and reducing the impact of events on the environment.

Every little change we make as event planners and conference attendees is a step in the right direction. We encourage all attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and suppliers to also consider environmentally friendly options when attending a ‘No Frills’ conference.

Our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint include:

  • Printed materials are kept to a bare minimum. Attendees are encouraged to use electronic resources such as referring to the event app or conference website.
  • Sponsors and Exhibitors are encouraged to exercise environmental values and practices in their participation.
  • Provide exhibitors with trestle tables rather than booths.

What you can do:

  • If budget allows, when booking your flight, choose to offset your carbon footprint.
  • Choose to follow the waste separation instructions at the venue and at your accommodation.
  • Bring a reusable bag to carry your conference materials in.
  • Recycle where possible.
  • Go paperless where you can and make use of the event app.
  • Use a reusable water bottle and refill from dedicated water stations.

One of the reasons we have chosen to host the 2025 ‘No Frills’ conference at the Robina Events Centre is because of their strong sustainability focus. The Robina Events Centre takes pride in reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring that each event they host is eco-friendly. From utilising energy-efficient technologies to sourcing locally-sourced and sustainable products, they are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment.

To further their commitment to sustainability, they have taken various steps to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the environment. The Robina Events Centre is equipped with energy-efficient lighting, recycle and compost waste, and work with local suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability.


Conference contact

Nicki Davidson

Events and Marketing Officer

National Centre for Vocational Education Research

E: events@ncver.edu.au

P: 08 8230 8451