Empowering Minds through Education and Industry Innovation
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus, 169 Macquarie Street Parramatta
Peter Shergold Building
Unite. Innovate. Transform.
Join a dynamic forum where STEM and Vocational Education converge with industry to shape the future of Australia. This high-impact event connects educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle emerging trends, challenges and opportunities head-on.
Be part of the conversation. Share insights. Drive change. Bridge the gap between education and workforce demands. We will advocate with leaders in government, industry and education in the same room. We won't just talk about the future at this event, we'll build it.
Forum Themes
Future-ready skills and workforce capability
Education–industry partnerships and innovation ecosystems
AI, data, and emerging technologies in learning
Equity, access, wellbeing, and lifelong pathways
Sustainability, STEM, and green skills for a net-zero future
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Price
$225 pp Members of the Teaching Profession
$355 pp Non-Members of the Teaching Profession
Click the speakers name to read their bio- coming soon
INNOVATION AND INDUSTRY FORUM AGENDA
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and Networking
9:00 AM |Welcome
9:05 AM - 9:35 AM | Opening Keynote Address
Topic: Future-Ready Skills: Industry Leadership in Shaping Australia’s Workforce
This keynote sets the strategic direction for the forum, examining how industry can move beyond responding to skills shortages and instead co-create education systems that foster adaptability, innovation, and inclusive growth.
9:40 AM - 10:10 AM | Keynote Address
Topic: From Curriculum to Capability: Designing Education for an AI-Enabled Economy
As artificial intelligence reshapes work and learning, this address explores how education systems must evolve from static curricula to capability-driven, AI-enabled learning models.
Parallel Breakout Sessions
10:20 AM - 11:00 AM | Panel Discussion: Redesigning Learning for the Future Workforce
What schools, universities, and VET must change now
A cross-sector discussion on how learning design, assessment, and pathways must evolve to meet emerging workforce needs.
10:20 AM - 11:00 AM | Panel Discussion: Career Pathways Beyond the Linear Model
Micro-credentials, stackable learning, and lifelong transitions
This session explores flexible, non-linear career pathways and the growing role of micro-credentials and lifelong learning
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM | MORNING TEA
Parallel Breakout Sessions
11:45 AM - 12:25 PM | Partnership Connections: Regional Innovation & Skills Ecosystems
How regional collaboration drives economic growth
Exploring place-based partnerships that connect education, industry, and government to strengthen regional skills pipelines.
11:45 AM - 12:25 PM | Panel Discussion: Reimaging Apprenticeships, Traineeships & Work Placements for the Next Decade
Modern models for a change labour market
A forward-looking discussion on flexible, technology-enabled work-integrated learning models.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Plenary Cross-Sectoral Discussion: Education Policy in an Era of Rapid Change
Aligning reform, funding, and future skills
Examining how policy can enable innovation, responsiveness, and equity across education systems.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Plenary Panel Discussion: Sustainability, STEM and Green Skills
Preparing learners for the net-zero transition
Highlighting the role of STEM education in preparing learners for sustainability-focused careers.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | LUNCH
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM | Plenary Session: Closing the Skills Gap at Scale
System-wide solutions for education, industry, and government
Exploring large-scale, collaborative approaches to workforce development.
Parallel Breakout Sessions
2:45 PM - 3:25 PM | Partnership Connection: AI, Data & Emerging Technologies
From experimentation to impact
Showcasing partnerships translating emerging technologies into scalable educational impact.
2:45 PM - 3:25 PM | Partnership Connections: Equity, Access & Social Mobility
Designing inclusive pathways for diverse learners
Focusing on inclusion, access, and social mobility across education and workforce systems.
3:25 PM - 4:00 PM | AFTERNOON TEA
Plenary Sessions
4:00 PM - 4:40 PM | Plenary Session: Wellbeing, Belonging & Retention in STEM Careers
Keeping talent engaged across the lifespan
Addressing wellbeing and belonging as critical enablers of long-term STEM participation.
4:45 PM - 5:25 PM | Plenary Session: Australia’s role – Competing, Collaborating, Leading
Positioning Australia in a global skills economy
A forward-looking discussion on Australia’s role in the global education and skills landscape.
5:30 PM Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks
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