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AI-Powered Socratic Tutors: A Game Changer for Personalised Learning in VET
Category
AI/OnlineLocation
Central Room AThis presentation explores AI-powered Socratic tutors, a new take on the Socratic Method. This classical technique was devised by the Greek philosopher Socrates to foster critical thinking and active learning. Now we are mixing this method with emerging technology provide interactive, conversational learning support.
Through real-world applications and practical insights, we will discuss the potential benefits of AI Socratic tutoring, including the ability to personalise learning, scale educational support and enhance student engagement. We will critically assess the challenges of integrating AI into vocational education, such as accuracy, ethics and alignment with accredited curricula.
To bring this concept to life, we will demonstrate a Socratic AI tutor in action on-screen, showcasing how it engages students in interactive learning. Participants will also receive hands-on guidance on how to build their own AI-powered Socratic tutor using ChatGPT, with step-by-step instructions. Participants will be provided with a ready-made AI tutor to take away and experiment with for adaptation to their own use-cases.
By the end of this session, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how AI-powered Socratic tutors can support - not replace - traditional teaching. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, practical experience, and a working AI tutor they can immediately explore and adapt for their students.
Sarah Phillips, Kerri Neven
Managing Director, Pop Education | Learning designer/Digital developer, POP Education
Sarah Phillips | Managing Director, Pop Education
Sarah is a leading expert in Vocational Education and Training (VET) with 20 years of experience, including 19 years dedicated to eLearning, digital education, and online assessment. As Managing Director of Pop Education, she specialises in innovative learning design, compliance, and AI-powered simulations for practitioner training.
Sarah has worked with a range of clients including TAFE, higher education, secondary education, private, industry and community training organisations. She has also led several governments sponsored projects to develop resources to statewide distribution.
Sarah continues to drive advancements in online learning, digital accessibility, and immersive education through cutting-edge technology and pedagogical design, and her passion for quality education has led her to see possibilities that AI can bring to learners, always looking for the next way to improve student learning and assessment experiences.
Kerri Neven | Learning designer/Digital developer, POP Education
Kerri Neven is a digital developer, education designer, UX/UI and graphic designer at Pop Education.
She has amassed 27 years of experience as a multi-award-winning educator, leading both teachers and students through evolving digital landscapes.
Coming from a family of coders her first post grad study in 1998 focussed on computers in education and concreted the foundations for her interest in the relationship between humans and technology.
Since OpenAI hit the world she has supported numerous teams and organisations in the adoption and exploitation of ChatGPT, encouraging the construction of critical and creative mindsets.
Always an explorer and early adopter, she is fascinated with the philosophies both behind and in front of AI, and focuses on best practice in utilising technology, keeping humans at the heart of education.
Mapping the Learning and Organisational Development Ecosystem that Enables Delivery of VET
Category
Jobs & Skills CouncilsLocation
Arena 1AIn this session, attendees will learn about Public Skills Australia (PSA)’s approach to developing a comprehensive understanding of the training, education and assessment ecosystem for Government and Public Safety industry-sectors, and an overview of pilot projects being undertaken within some of these workforces to address challenges and opportunities uncovered through the research so far.
Akin to the metaphor of a canvass with a diverse colour palette, PSA’s ecosystem mapping approach recognises that delivery of VET and the task of attempting to improve it requires a big picture view and inquiry of cultural and systemic factors, industry practices, and roles, functions and critical enablers that support effective delivery of VET.
Projects Portfolio Team
Public Skills Australia
The Projects Portfolio team at Public Skills Australia (PSA) works on an exciting research project commissioned by the Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) exploring how to transform, improve and streamline the VET Workforce model.
PSA is a Jobs and Skills Council appointed to work with Public Safety, Government and Corrections industry-sectors.
Ben Mallinson | Research Officer, Projects Portfolio, Public Skills Australia
Milan Orgad | Director, Projects Portfolio team, Public Skills Austalia
The Future of Inclusive VET: Strategies for Supporting Diverse Learners
Category
Student SupportLocation
Arena 1AAs the VET sector continues to evolve, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) must ensure that their training and assessment practices reflect the needs of an increasingly diverse learner base. For learners who are neurodiverse, culturally and linguistically marginalised (CALM), First Nations, LGBTQIA+, or living with disabilities, inclusive education is no longer optional—it is essential.
With the introduction of the new Outcome Standards for RTOs, there is a stronger imperative than ever to embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles throughout all aspects of vocational education and training. These Standards place a clear focus on learner outcomes, equitable access, and inclusive learning environments - requiring providers to move beyond compliance and towards truly transformative practice.
This interactive session brings together experts to explore practical strategies for fostering inclusion in VET, improving learner engagement, boosting completion rates, and supporting better workforce outcomes. Through real-world case studies, we will explore how RTOs can implement flexible learning pathways, culturally responsive teaching, inclusive assessment methods, and targeted learner support services - all while aligning with DEI principles and the new regulatory expectations.
Designed for RTO leaders, trainers, assessors, compliance managers, and student support staff, this session will provide actionable tools and insights to help create more accessible, equitable, and successful VET programs - ensuring every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key barriers faced by diverse learner groups in the VET sector and explore strategies to overcome them.
- Apply inclusive teaching, assessment, and support practices that improve engagement and completion rates.
- Develop flexible and culturally responsive learning pathways aligned with the needs of neurodiverse, CALM, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, and disabled learners.
- Align inclusive education practices with the new Outcome Standards for RTOs to ensure compliance and quality outcomes.
Aimee Yow, Julie Van Belkom, Kevin Ekendahl
Aimee Yow | Quality Consultant & Auditor (DEI & Education), Audit Express
Aimee Yow is a highly experienced quality consultant and auditor with over a decade of expertise in compliance, quality assurance, and inclusive workforce practices. With a strong foundation in ISO 9001, regulatory compliance, and organisational governance, Aimee has led multidisciplinary teams and managed contractors and technical staff across sectors including Defence, IT, Telecommunications, Utilities, and Retail. Her leadership in training, recruitment, and workforce development is underpinned by a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive workplace culture, ensuring quality systems not only meet regulatory standards but also reflect contemporary DEI principles.
Aimee’s broad experience across project management, resource management, quality systems, and HSE has enabled her to design and implement auditable frameworks that support diverse teams, enhance equitable outcomes, and embed inclusive practices into organisational operations. Passionate about shaping workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and high-performing, Aimee brings a DEI lens to every audit, project, and quality system she reviews.
Julie Van Belkom | Quality Consultant & Auditor (DEI & Education), Audit Express
LinkedIn
Julie van Belkom is a highly experienced leader in education management, RTO compliance, governance, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With over 20 years in the education sector, Julie has held pivotal roles at reputable institutions, honing expertise in operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and inclusive leadership. A strong advocate for equity in education, Julie has played a key role in embedding DEI principles into training frameworks, governance structures, and organisational culture, ensuring that education providers create inclusive and accessible learning environments for all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Julie’s strategic mindset, ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, and talent for motivating and inspiring teams have contributed to sustained organisational success. With a deep understanding of policy, risk, and compliance in education, Julie continues to drive transformative change, fostering learning environments that prioritise diversity, accessibility, and equity while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory adherence and governance.
Kevin Ekendahl | Chief Executive Officer, Audit Express
Kevin Ekendahl stands at the forefront of tertiary education and compliance, bringing over a decade of specialised experience in audit and educational quality assurance. As the CEO of Audit Express, Kevin has been instrumental in pioneering advancements in audit methodologies and practices within the vocational and higher education sector. His extensive background encompasses a broad spectrum of expertise, from leading intricate compliance audits to advising on regulatory frameworks and standards.
Kevin’s deep-seated knowledge and forward-thinking leadership have not only steered Audit Express to industry prominence but also made significant contributions to shaping the landscape of vocational education and training. His commitment to excellence in education is matched by his passion for sharing knowledge, making him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and authority on tertiary education compliance and quality assurance. With Kevin’s guidance, RTOs across the nation have navigated the complexities of regulatory compliance, transforming challenges into benchmarks of educational distinction.
Build-a-bot Workshop (BYOD Session)
Category
AI/OnlineLocation
Central Room ARevisit your student services with custom AI bots in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to create bots that answer repetitive administrative questions, help students navigate handbooks, policies, and procedures, and free up your time for more meaningful student interactions.
What you'll learn:
- Understanding AI bots: capabilities, possibilities, and limitations
- Creating effective knowledge bases for your bots
- Navigating natural language processing and avoiding hallucinations
- Implementing data security best practices
- Step-by-step bot creation using Zapier
To participate in this session, you will require:
- A laptop able to connect to wifi and an up-to-date web browser.
- A Zapier account - on 31st October 2025, sign up for a free 14-day trial at Zapier.com (this will ensure you have access to all the advanced features in time for the session, without paying a cent! You only need a valid email address - no card details needed).
- Or bring a friend with all of the above!
Toby Jones, Kerri Buttery, Paul Pellier
Toby Jones | Founder, Knowello
Toby George Jones is a rising talent in the field of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on their transformative potential across various industries.
He is the founder of Knowello, and for the past 15 years, he has been tracking the evolution of technology globally, working closely with educators and institutions to harness the power of cutting-edge innovations.
As a passionate advocate for the integration of technologies like Ai, blockchain, and the metaverse, Toby draws from his experience, offers accessible insights, practical applications, and real-world examples that inspire and empower attendees to embrace the evolving technological landscape.
As a speaker, Toby sidesteps the hype that often surrounds technology trends, directing attention to the real-world advantages these innovations can provide.
Kerri Buttery | Founder, Digital Literacy Licence
Kerri Buttery has worked in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector for two decades as a Trainer/Assessor, RTO Manager and also as a Senior Lead Auditor for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Kerri has worked as a consultant for a range of organisations in the areas of establishing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), conducting internal audits, consulting on VQF compliance, developing accredited courses, convening conferences and events, developing training and assessment materials, conducting professional development workshops and delivering Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
As the former Director of Content and Strategy for Velg Training, Kerri has extensive experience in providing advice and assistance to Registered Training Organisations in managing compliance, developing assessments and delivering training in line with the VET Quality Framework. She also specialises in eLearning consulting, with a particular focus on the Canvas LMS by Instructure.
Kerri now provides professional development services on everything related to VQF compliance for an RTO through webinars, face-to-face workshops (public and on-demand) as well as presenting at conferences and other events.
Paul Pellier | Founder and Managing Director, Accellier Education
Paul is an energetic and engaging public speaker and a highly experienced VET professional, having held roles such as Quality Manager for a large national RTO. He is passionate about high-quality, modern, flexible education and loves to share ideas and connect with others to build a first-class Australian VET sector.
Paul is the founder and Managing Director of Accellier Education, an RTO with over a decade of service to and success in Australia's VET sector, including the delivery of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Accellier education provides a variety of services to a range of industries, government and defence sectors.
Paul is a self-confessed nerd with a software and digital media background. He loves crafting streamlined, highly automated business systems using tech, freeing his RTO team to do what they do best: serve clients with a delightful course experience.
Proven Practice: Research-Backed Strategies That Actually Work
Category
AI/OnlineLocation
Central Room B&CReal trainers. Real learners. Real results. While some research never leaves the laboratory, Dr Deniese Cox's award-winning work transforms vocational and workplace training. Through hands-on implementation and rigorous measurement, she's uncovered what actually works!
And she knows how to share it – as our highest-rated presenter in 2024, Deniese is known for sessions that are engaging and packed with practical takeaways.
In this unique session, you'll hear not only from Deniese but also from a highly experienced learning designer and trainer, who has implemented her research-informed strategies. The always energetic Shaun Radford will share his authentic experiences, concrete outcomes, and, most importantly, practical techniques you can apply in your classroom tomorrow.
Join us to bridge the gap between research and reality – and get ready to transform your teaching practice.
Dr. Deniese Cox, Shaun Radford
Founder, TeachingOnline.com.au | QA Manager for NextGen Group
Dr. Deniese Cox | Founder, TeachingOnline.com.au
Dr Deniese Cox is one of Australia’s leading authorities on effective online teaching strategies. Her journey began as an online trainer who wanted to ensure her own practice was truly effective, and that continued focus has made her the go-to source for proven, actionable online teaching strategies.
Every strategy presented by Deniese in her webinars and workshops has been extensively trialled, refined, and proven to work by diverse educators and learners in a variety of vocational and workplace training contexts. Her commitment to rigorous research sets her apart, and her ability to translate those findings into practical, actionable insights makes her one of the highest rated presenters at conferences and events around Australia.
Shaun Radford | QA Manager for NextGen Group
With over 15 years in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, Shaun has dedicated his career to enhancing learner engagement and achieving high-quality outcomes. As the Quality Assurance Manager for the Domestic arm of the NextEd group, he combines his extensive background in fitness education with a passion for innovative learning strategies. Shaun is committed to transforming educational approaches to ensure upskilling and lifelong learning become integral habits for all learners.
He actively collaborates with learning designers and regulators to create systems that not only meet compliance standards but also foster genuine learner development.
Using Workplace Documents to Meet Compliance with RTO Standards
Category
ComplianceLocation
Room 8Whilst designed for Enterprise RTOs, tthis session will benefit all RTOs.
ERTOA is a peak body and, unlike other peak bodies, all involved in ERTOA are actively working in industry. This gives us insights into how to implement items in businesses which draw, as much as possible, from the business.
ERTOA will have a User Guide for how ERTOs can meet compliance with the RTO Standards that provides options of workplace documentation that can be used to meet compliance, in lieu of creating RTO documentation to "meet compliance", but will in effect never be used.
In this session, we will work through the key components of the User Guide and include some examples/case studies of how these items have been implemented in the real world.
Gabrielle Deschamps, Pamela Simon
Executive Officer - ERTOA | ERTOA President / Surf Life Saving Australia - National Learning and Development Manager
Gabrielle Deschamps | Executive Officer - ERTOA
Gabrielle Deschamps has been a leading voice in vocational education and training in Australia for more than 20 years, establishing Roubaix Consulting over 16 years ago.
Over those 20 years, Gabrielle has provided leadership to RTOs, and especially Enterprise RTOs through strategic advice on management and compliance. Key to Gabrielle’s work is aligning the Standards for RTOs to each business, rather than aligning business practices to the Standards for RTOs. Whilst that doesn’t sound like a big distinction, it’s HUGE! In addition, Gabrielle has provided support to broader Learning and Development functions for her clients.
Gabrielle has worked for a variety of RTOs across many industries working either within their state or across Australia. Industries include retail, electrical distribution, drilling, transport and logistics and movement, finance, safety, childcare, water management, surf lifesaving, construction, painting, fire and emergency services.
As Vice President (2008-2016) and Executive Officer (2016-present) of the Enterprise Registered Training Association (ERTOA), Gabrielle has been responsible for representing more than 60 Enterprise RTOs to Federal and State Government, developing standards and providing compliance advice.
Pamela Simon | ERTOA President / Surf Life Saving Australia - National Learning and Development Manager
Pamela is the Learning and Development Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia, having joined the national team in January 2014. The role continues her long association with the Surf Life Saving movement following six years as the Academy Education Manager for the NSW state office.
Her current role includes setting the Surf Life Saving learning, development and participation strategy and ensuring the alignment of education products and services across all portfolios – lifesaving, sport, member development and youth. The role also incorporates the management of the SLSA RTO and responsibility for the Participation portfolio, taking in diversity and inclusion and volunteer recognition and retention.
Pamela was appointed a member of the Rescue Commission for the International Life Saving Federation in 2012 and continues to represent SLSA on the Commission and the Education Committee within this. She was named in 2017 as one of the top 36 most influential women in drowning prevention!
Pamela has a Masters in Adult Education and a number of qualifications in VET. She has worked for not-for-profits since 2003 and been employed in the VET system in a variety of roles for more than two decades. She has previously worked in the hospitality industry, both in Australia and abroad.
Am I an RTO Outlaw?
Category
ComplianceLocation
Arena 1BIs it a violation of the law to operate a non-compliant RTO?
Have you ever considered the potential legal ramifications for CEOs, compliance personnel, and training/assessing staff?
These are some of the questions being asked in RTOs everyday.
Join Angela McGregor (RTO Consultant) and Peter Doukas (Lawyer Specialising in RTOs) in this interactive session as Angela presents Peter with a range of plausible scenarios that are happening across RTOs every day, and explores the potential legal consequences in each case.
Peter will draw upon real life, cases of law and situations that have occurred in relation to the scenarios discussed. We will also look at what constitutes ‘non-compliance’ and how it creates a series of legal, ethical and specific obligations to anyone running an RTO.
Angela McGregor, Peter Doukas
Angela McGregor | Owner and Principal Consultant, RTO Consulting
Angela McGregor is the owner and principal consultant of RTO Consulting who has been offering consulting services throughout Australia, providing guidance, coaching and assistance to businesses wanting to become a RTO, existing RTOs and businesses wanting to develop nationally accredited courses and those looking to establish systems and processes to ensure compliance.
As a practitioner dedicated to sharing knowledge, Angela has consulted through many forums pertaining to compliance issues and improvement strategies for training and assessment services. Angela is known for her current industry, knowledge and success in developing accredited courses and track record in setting up RTOs and assisting RTOs with compliance against the VET Quality Framework.
Peter Doukas | Managing Director, Denison Toyer Education Lawyers
Peter owns and operates the education law firm Denison Toyer.
Working in the field of Education Law and Corporate Governance since 2007 Peter has acted for over one hundred Registered Training Organisations and Higher Education Providers in various stages of the education management cycle. He routinely acts for colleges in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and provides extensive advice to RTO Management, Higher Education providers, Educational Conglomerates and Universities. His professional practice also includes providing legal and governance advice to listed and unlisted company boards. He has acted in some of the largest cases involving ASQA in the AAT.
Peter is also active in the multicultural space and acts as a volunteer director on various boards. He is the current chair of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW.
He also works providing pro-bono legal assistance to new and emerging communities, particularly in the establishment of associations and governance structures within NSW.
In Australia Day 2020, Peter was awarded Honour of Member of the Order of Australia for services to Multiculturalism.
Vocational Degrees: A New Pathway in Vocational Education and Training
Category
Jobs & Skills CouncilsLocation
Central Room ASession overview coming soon!
Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance Representatives
Helen Tinney | Executive Director Training Products, Projects & Implementation
Helen is an experienced executive and has extensive knowledge and understanding of the vocational education and training sector having worked in TAFE NSW and within the TAFE sector in Victoria.
She is driven to create innovative, student-centred learning that delivers high-quality education and training programs and products that make a difference to learners and an empowered workforce.
Helen is accountable for driving the execution of, and leading the development of innovative, contemporary fit for purpose VET training products, supporting collaboration between industry and training providers to improve training and assessment practice.
Her team aligns efforts across the mining and automotive industries to improve system responsiveness, build stakeholder confidence and drive high-quality outcomes for the VET sector, learners and business.
Simon Hester | Senior Manager, VET Implementation
Simon is a VET professional with 17 years of experience in leadership, quality and compliance, teaching and curriculum development. His background as a Carpenter makes him a practical and pragmatic leader who can relate to a wide range of people and take a solution-focused approach to complex problems.
His current role at the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance sees him taking the lead in engagement with RTOs, VET educators, and State and Territory governments. A key focus of his role is ensuring that training products and other resources developed are fit for purpose and can be implemented effectively by RTOs.
Bridging the Skills Gap: Advancing Training Product Design and Skill Progression Pathways through the Service Skills Framework
Category
Jobs & Skills CouncilsLocation
Central Room B&CTo meet the evolving needs of industry—both now and in the future—qualifications must be designed to align with learners' aspirations for occupational mobility. This includes supporting the continued development of skills within a single sector as well as fostering transferable capabilities that enable adaptability across industries.
To address this, Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA created the Shaping Service Skills Framework to empower individuals to reimagine lifelong education and training, offering flexible pathways that support career progression while meeting the diverse and dynamic needs of industry.
In this presentation, SaCSA will explore the shifting landscape of the creative and services industries, outline strategies to better align Vocational Education and Training (VET) outcomes with industry demands and introduce the application of Shaping Services Skills Framework in future training product design and development.
Aaron Hines and Katrina Higham
Executive Director, Products & Projects | Service and Creative Skills Australia
Aaron Hines is the Executive Director, Products & Projects at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA). Aaron has over 15 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit Vocational Education and Training sector and has successfully led registered training organisations across various industries.
Since joining SaCSA, Aaron has led the design and development of Training Products and Industry Projects. He is responsible for managing their development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring while also overseeing stakeholder consultation and engagement in education and training.
Aaron previously held leadership roles including Director at ARA Retail Institute, Owner/CEO of Fluent Education, General Manager at Builders Academy Australia, and Regional Manager at Navitas Professional. He has also contributed to industry governance as Chair of the Industry Reference Committee (Retail/Wholesale) and as a member of NSW WRAPS IRC, VIC Services IAG, QLD Retail IAG, and various other education and industry committees.
General Manager, Product Design & Development | Service and Creative Skills Australia
Katrina Higham is the General Manager of Product Design & Development at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), bringing over a decade of experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
Her career spans a broad range of roles, including managing Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), working with Skills Service Organisations (SSOs), collaborating with Industry Associations, and leading auditing and compliance efforts nationwide. Katrina has held senior leadership roles across the VET and hospitality sectors, including Commercial Operations Manager at Australian Training Products, Head of Training and Education at the Restaurant and Catering Association, and Chief Operating Officer at Audit Express and Educonomy.
She has spearheaded several nationally recognised initiatives, such as launching Australia’s first hospitality micro-credential academy, developing the award-winning EDUCATE framework with her team, and creating the country’s first COVID-19 training for the hospitality industry. A recipient of the Training Initiative award, Katrina also brings hands-on industry insight from owning and operating an award-winning cafe —experience that continues to inform her work in shaping industry-relevant training solutions.
At SaCSA, Katrina leads the organisation’s Activity Projects portfolio that are helping shape the future of skills and training. This includes major qualification reviews across the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality sectors.
An Awesome Foursome's Guide to PD that Sticks
Category
Interactive / Hands onLocation
Arena 1AThis session aligns with / support Standards 3.1 & 3.2 (Continuing professional development)
They’re known as an Awesome Foursome and are four of our highest-rated NVC presenters. They’re here to share proven strategies to make professional development truly stick!
In this dynamic session, they’ll tackle the common frustration of "PD Amnesia" and reveal practical techniques that transform one-off learning into lasting practice.
Delegates will discover how to select, absorb, and implement professional development that actually enhances their training toolkit.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or a new educator, you'll walk away with actionable approaches to ensure your own professional growth translates into meaningful impact.
Come ready to participate, reflect, and revolutionise your approach to professional development!
Dr. Deniese Cox, Kerri Buttery, Chemène Sinson, Kay Schlesinger
Dr. Deniese Cox | Founder, TeachingOnline.com.au
Dr Deniese Cox is one of Australia’s leading authorities on effective online teaching strategies. Her journey began as an online trainer who wanted to ensure her own practice was truly effective, and that continued focus has made her the go-to source for proven, actionable online teaching strategies.
Every strategy presented by Deniese in her webinars and workshops has been extensively trialled, refined, and proven to work by diverse educators and learners in a variety of vocational and workplace training contexts. Her commitment to rigorous research sets her apart, and her ability to translate those findings into practical, actionable insights makes her one of the highest rated presenters at conferences and events around Australia.
Kerri Buttery | Founder, Digital Literacy Licence
LinkedIn
Kerri Buttery, the founder of VETNexus and Digital Literacy Licence, has worked in the Australian education sector since the 1990s. With a background as a Business and Technology teacher in Queensland schools, Kerri is passionate about the use of technology in education and how this can be used to engage learners and streamline the role of the educator.
With post-graduate university degrees in information technology and eLearning, Kerri has been positioned as an early adopter of artificial intelligence in education. Kerri has presented at numerous conferences on the topic of generative AI and written courses specifically for teachers on how to make use of this technology in the classroom and beyond.
Kerri was named on The Educator’s Top 50 Hot List in 2023 and achieved the Consumer Strength Champion Highly Commended award from Women in Technology.
Chemène Sinson | Principal, Chemène Sinson L&D Advisory
Chemène is a freelance learning and performance specialist who helps individuals and organisations design, develop and deliver learning and assessment experiences that lead to improved performance.
She draws on her diverse experiences as an elite athlete and coach, school teacher, writer, facilitator and presenter, to mentor and support experienced facilitators and assessors with their ongoing development. In VET, Chemène specialises in TAE and has written TAE resources used by more than 150 organisations to date. She is a regular speaker at conferences and special events.
Kay Schlesinger | Director, KGed Consulting
Developing the capability of educators has been Kay Schlesinger’s passion and central to her professional work for the past 30 years.
Kay has worked in numerous educational sectors, including schools, VET, Higher Education and Industry. In 2024 Kay partnered with 15 TAFES/ HE organisations across Australia delivering Professional Learning and sharing insights at numerous conferences. Kay believes that engaging educational experiences transform lives and educators play a big part in the transformation of learners. Kay works continually to actively engage educators and model exemplary practice by using innovative teaching and learning strategies that can easily be adapted to varied settings.
In 2020 Kay was awarded an International Specialised Skills Institute (ISSI) Fellowship by the Department of Education for her innovative work with new educators. Her research encompassed visits to both Canada and the USA to share ideas and programs. Kay has been published in VELG Editorial VET eZine in November 2022: New educators: present, productive, and positive in our organisations. She works with organisations, leaders and new educators to increase the positive experiences of beginning teachers. As part of her current portfolio Kay works as a Program Manager for ISSI, leading other Fellows. She has presented to various forums including TAFE Directors Australia and has recently advised the Department of Education around initial teacher qualifications.
Outside the Lines: Celebrating Neurodivergent Strengths
Category
Student SupportLocation
Central Room B&CThis session will focus on creating a neuro-inclusive learning environment in VET, exploring why neurodivergent students may struggle to speak up and the crucial role of advocacy in fostering open communication.
The panel of presenters will discuss the importance of diagnosis and self-identification for understanding one’s learning strengths and challenges, as well as the extended development time neurodivergent individuals may need, which challenges the idea that adults are solely responsible for their own learning.
VET educators will gain practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners, along with insights into how senior leaders can drive positive change through advocacy.
Real-life case studies will highlight effective support methods, emphasizing that teaching is adaptable, and different approaches can lead to successful outcomes. Sensory-friendly elements, such as dimmed lighting, calming music, and fidget toys, will be included to ensure an inclusive environment.
The session will also allow time for audience questions and discussions on neurodiversity advocacy.
Will Wheeler, Dr Natasha Arthars, Gemma Mclean, Josh Michel
Will Wheeler | Founder/Director Neurodiversity Academy
Will Wheeler is the founder and director of Neurodiversity Academy, a social impact organisation dedicated to fostering neuro-inclusive education and workplaces. As a neurodivergent individual with dyslexia and ADHD, Will has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by neurodivergent students, including discrimination, bullying, and a lack of appropriate support within tertiary education.
With over 16 years of experience in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, Will has witnessed the gaps in understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners. This has fuelled his mission to create systemic change by advocating for neuro-inclusive practices that empower both educators and students.
Through Neurodiversity Academy, Will and his team work to raise awareness, provide training, and drive meaningful change in learning environments. His ultimate goal is to connect neurodivergent students with organisations that embrace neuro-inclusion, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive academically and professionally.
Passionate about creating accessible learning pathways and fostering positive student experiences, Will is committed to equipping neurodivergent individuals with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. His work is helping to shape a future where education is truly inclusive, empowering every learner to reach their full potential.
Dr Natasha Arthars | Postdoctoral Researcher at QUT
LinkedIn
Dr Natasha Arthars is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology with a strong commitment to enhancing the student experience in VET and higher education. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Sydney, a Master of Learning Sciences and Technology, a Master of Business, and a Bachelor of Training and Development, along with multiple VET qualifications, including a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Natasha began working in the VET sector in 2008, managing and delivering training while developing an understanding of the challenges students encounter, particularly in online learning environments. She currently serves as an advisory board member for the Neurodiversity Academy, is an executive committee member of the Australasian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA), and the Queensland representative for the Australian Council of Deans Vocational Education Group (ACDEVEG).
Her research is centred on leveraging technology and participatory design to create student-centred learning environments that support learning and engagement for all students, including those who are neurodiverse. Natasha has authored over 20 publications and received national recognition for her contributions to student learning. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a neurodiverse student, educator, and researcher.
Gemma (Gems) Mclean | Regional Director K12 – APAC - Instructure
Gemma McLean is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in the technology sector, particularly in SaaS and educational technology. With extensive leadership experience, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and creating environments where innovation and diverse perspectives thrive. Gemma believes in the power of diverse voices and strives to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and succeed in the tech world.
Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Gemma embraces her neurodiversity as a superpower, rather than a setback. Instead of focusing on the challenges, she celebrates her achievements and leverages her unique strengths. Her creativity, interpersonal intuition, energetic enthusiasm, and rapid problem-solving skills have fueled her career, allowing her to break barriers in the industry. She proves that success is not about having a “perfect” brain but about using one’s distinct qualities to make a meaningful impact.
Through her work, Gemma is committed to making technology more accessible and impactful for all. She actively mentors others, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. By sharing her journey and embracing her individuality, she inspires others to recognize their strengths and pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.
Gemma's mission is to build a more inclusive, innovative tech industry where diverse talents and perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Her leadership continues to inspire others to harness their unique abilities and contribute to a more equitable future in tech.
Josh Michel | Head of Campus, William Angliss Institute of Sydney
I have been with William Angliss Institute since 2012, and through this journey, I have moved from a part-time cookery teacher, through to education manager and for the past few years as Head of Campus for NSW. I am a chef by trade with close to 30 years' experience in some of Sydney's and the world's best restaurants. I still work in the industry and strongly believe in leading by example by maintaining currency through my own lifelong learning journey, and I can see how this benefits our staff and our students.
Over the years I have seen the value of embracing diversity in our workplaces and the positive benefits it has on our student's journey.
My unique mix of storytelling and thinking outside the box will provide another engaging session, full of tips and techniques, which will continue to support the growth and success of our amazing VET system.