Abstracts

Call for abstracts

The conference theme, Diverse Voices in VET, highlights the importance of involving and amplifying the perspectives of a broad range of stakeholders within the vocational education and training sector. The theme seeks to foster dialogue around the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these diverse voices, including RTO’s, industry, students, policy makers, First Nations people, people with disability and more, to showcase how their contributions and experiences shape the future of the VET sector.

As we navigate a rapidly changing and increasingly complex landscape, it is crucial that the VET sector adapts to meet the diverse needs of students, industry, employers and other stakeholders. By centering the conference theme around diverse perspectives, we aim to explore innovative approaches to the VET sector that support inclusion, enhance outcomes, and drive a more resilient and adaptable workforce.

We invite presentations that align with this vision, particularly those that explore the value of diversity and inclusion in VET, share best practices in meeting the needs of diverse learners, address the evolving demands of a skilled workforce that reflects our diverse society and showcase strategies for creating sustainable, impactful change across the sector.

We value informative, relevant and thought-provoking presentations that:

• showcase quality research with a sound evidence base
• focus on findings and recommendations
• engage the audience.

Presentations can highlight research that is either in progress or complete. We strongly encourage both early career and established researchers (including those who are new to VET), as well as employers, industry, providers, and practitioners to present.

• Sessions run for 45 minutes, ideally consisting of a 30-minute presentation, 10 minutes for questions and 5 minutes for changeover.
• Microsoft PowerPoint is generally used for presentations and slides must be provided electronically to the conference organisers by no later than 25^th June 2025.
• Presentations will be scheduled on either Thursday 10^th or Friday 11^th July 2025 at the discretion of the conference organiser.

Abstract guidelines

• Only submissions made using the online form will be considered. No presentations outside of this online process will be accepted. The title must clearly reflect the content of the presentation and be no more than 140 characters.
• Abstracts must be no more than 2,500 characters (approximately 300 words) and should consist of a concise, self-contained description that clearly summarises the research.
• All presenters must register for the conference as a full paying delegate. Information on registration package fees will be available in April 2025.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Alignment to theme and topic
• Clarity and quality of abstract
• Audience appeal and ‘practical’ takeaways.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application from 24^th March 2025.

The Program Steering Group may request minor changes to your abstract (to enhance meaning, clarity or alignment with the conference theme) before accepting. If changes are required, you will receive a conditional acceptance notification with brief comments from the Group and a due date for changes.

Please note, your abstract will be listed in the 2025 'No Frills' conference event app and website.