EVENTVENUE
NEW VENUE FOR 2025
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney – 11 Jamison St Sydney
Tuesday 24th June 2025
10
Sessions
18
Total Speakers
2
Events
11
Skill Conference Years
PROGRAM
Pre Conference Networking Event
On the back of a successful event in the last three years, we will be holding a pre-conference networking event at The Amora Hotel Jamison. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with other industry colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere before the conference. This 2-hour event includes all food and drinks. The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT will host the event.
"Sharing the Knowledge" - Welcome to Country & Opening Remarks
Jason Sultana – Executive Officer – Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT Libby Ford – Deputy Chairperson – Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT
NSW Ministerial Keynote
The Minister Keynote session at the Skills Conference, delivered by The Hon. Steve Whan, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, a compelling insight into the future of skills, training, and workforce development in Australia. As a key government leader, Minister Whan will discuss policy priorities, industry challenges, and opportunities to strengthen the skills sector. Attendees will gain a firsthand perspective on government initiatives shaping education, training, and employment pathways.
Sharing Insights on the State of the Economy - The Economic Update
The Economic Update session at the Skills Conference, presented by AustralianSuper, offers valuable insights into the latest economic trends shaping Australia’s workforce and industries. Experts will analyze key economic indicators, market conditions, and future projections, helping attendees navigate challenges and opportunities in the evolving job market. This session provides practical knowledge for businesses, educators, and policymakers to make informed decisions about workforce planning and skills development. Attendees will better understand economic shifts and how they impact employment, wages, and superannuation, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. Session to be presented by AustralianSuper
Sharing the National Skills Development - Jobs and Skills Australia Update
Join Professor Barney Glover, AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia, for his highly anticipated annual update on the organisation’s progress, initiatives, and future direction. In this session, Professor Glover will provide key insights into the latest workforce trends, policy developments, and strategies shaping Australia’s skills and employment landscape. Gain a deeper understanding of how Jobs and Skills Australia addresses workforce challenges, supports industry needs and drives national skills development.
Sharing the future direction of Skills & Vocational Education
With rapid shifts in industry needs, technological advancements, and evolving workforce demands, the future of Skills and Vocational Education has never been more critical. As Australia navigates these changes, how will national & state policy shape the skills landscape in the years ahead? This session delves into the future direction of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities. We’ll examine the impact of the recent Federal Election on workforce development policies and what it means for our industry. Join leading experts as we discuss the role of VET in driving economic growth, ensuring workforce readiness, and fostering lifelong learning. This session is hosted by Lauren Conceicao – Director, Conceicao Consulting and will be joined by Dr Nigel Palmer – Senior Policy Manager, Skills & Education, Business NSW and Matthew Hick, CEO, MEGT
Sharing the ability to build an inclusive apprenticeship & traineeship workforce
In today’s evolving labour market, securing apprenticeships and traineeships can be a challenge—particularly for individuals with disabilities. How can we break down barriers and create more inclusive pathways into skilled careers? This session explores innovative programs and partnerships that successfully expand opportunities for people with disabilities, showcasing real-world examples of inclusive workforce development. Our expert speakers will share insights on best practices, challenges, and the tangible impact of these initiatives on individuals, businesses, and industries. Beyond highlighting success stories, we’ll spark a forward-thinking conversation on what more can be done to build a truly inclusive apprenticeship and traineeship landscape. This session will be hosted by Dr Peta Skujins – Project Officer, Future Skills Organisation with panel members Lorraine Salloum – CEO, Ability Advocates Australia and Julia Phillips, Disability Inclusion Program Officer, Inner West Council.
Sharing the insights to recruit smarter in the Australian Labour Market
Join us for an insightful session with Ryan Montgomery and Callam Pickering from Indeed. They will provide a deep dive into the current state of the Australian labour market. Using Indeed’s latest data and trends, this session will uncover key insights into apprenticeship and traineeship recruitment, helping providers refine their strategies for attracting and retaining talent. Discover how labour market shifts, employer demands, and candidate behaviours shape the apprenticeship landscape. Focusing on practical, data-driven approaches, this presentation will equip you with the essential knowledge and tools needed to enhance recruitment outcomes and build a stronger workforce pipeline.
Sharing the Careers and Pathways success stories
The transition from school to the workforce is a critical milestone, shaping the career pathways and futures of young people. In this session, we take a deep dive into the strategies, programs, and policies that have effectively supported students in NSW and the ACT in making this transition successfully. Join us as we explore real-world case studies of initiatives that have equipped students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to thrive in the workforce. Our expert panel will share key learnings, challenges, and the impact of these programs on both students and employers. We’ll also look ahead to emerging trends and innovations in school-to-work initiatives, examining how education and industry collaboration can evolve to meet future workforce needs. This session is hosted by Peter Gilchrist, Executive Director, Apprenticeship Support Australia, with our Panel Members Robyn Pemberton – Director, Careers & Pathways Programs, Skills & Workforce Programs, NSW Department of Education and Kirstin De Montis – Assistant Director, Student Pathways Coordinator, ACT Education Directorate
Keynote Presentation - "Sharing the Knowledge" - Helping you address the challenges with apprentices and trainees in Australia
In this exciting Keynote Presentation to end the conference, we tap into the experienced CEO and Clinical Psychotherapist Katharine McLennan to discuss and address the challenges we all face with apprentices and trainees. In the presentation, Katharine will cover areas including: The neuroscience of the brain, especially understanding the current generation of school leavers. Recruitment, assessment and management of talent. Mental Health and AI impact, mainly when dealing with the unknown around skills.
EVENT SPEAKERS
The Apprentice Employment Network is pleased to confirm the following speakers for the 2025 Skills Conference. For further information on each speaker, click on their image to view their profile.
Jason Sultana
Executive Officer @ APPRENTICE EMPLOYMENT NETWORK NSW ACTJason Sultana
Executive Officer @ APPRENTICE EMPLOYMENT NETWORK NSW ACT
Libby Ford
Operations Manager @ Zeal FuturesLibby Ford
Operations Manager @ Zeal Futures
The Hon. Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education @ NSW GOVERMENTThe Hon. Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education @ NSW GOVERMENT
Ryan Montgomery
Director, Enterprise & Government Indeed AustraliaRyan Montgomery
Director, Enterprise & Government Indeed Australia
Callam Pickering
Senior Economist, Indeed Hiring LabCallam Pickering
Senior Economist, Indeed Hiring Lab
Katharine McLennan
Keynote Speaker, CEOKatharine McLennan
Keynote Speaker, CEO
Professor Barney Glover AO
Commissioner - Jobs & Skills AustraliaProfessor Barney Glover AO
Commissioner - Jobs & Skills Australia
Lauren Conceicao
Director, Conceicao ConsultingLauren Conceicao
Director, Conceicao Consulting
Dr Peta Skujins
Project Manager - Future Skills OrganisationDr Peta Skujins
Project Manager - Future Skills Organisation
Lorraine Salloum
CEO, Ability Advocates AustraliaLorraine Salloum
CEO, Ability Advocates Australia
Kirstin De Montis
Assistant Director, ACT Education DirectorateKirstin De Montis
Assistant Director, ACT Education Directorate
Robyn Pemberton
Director, Careers & Pathways Programs, Skills & Workforce Programs - NSW Dept of EducationRobyn Pemberton
Director, Careers & Pathways Programs, Skills & Workforce Programs - NSW Dept of Education
Dr Nigel Palmer
Senior Policy Manager - Skills & Education, Business NSWDr Nigel Palmer
Senior Policy Manager - Skills & Education, Business NSW
Peter Gilchrist
Executive Director, Apprenticeship Support AustraliaPeter Gilchrist
Executive Director, Apprenticeship Support Australia
Matthew Hick
CEO, MEGTMatthew Hick
CEO, MEGT
Julia Phillips
Disability Inclusion Programs Officer - Inner West CouncilJulia Phillips
Disability Inclusion Programs Officer - Inner West CouncilREGISTRATION
For all registration enquiries, please get in touch with the Conference Secretariat via email skillsconference@conceptevents.com.au
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.
AEN Members will require a discount code for the members rate.
Early Bird rates ends Sunday 25th May 2025.
Pre-conference Networking Event
Guest Speaker – To be announced
Join us for a Pre-conference Networking Event – If you are staying in the city the night before or would like the opportunity to meet with other industry colleagues before the conference, this new full catered event aims to provide a social atmosphere to get together.
Time: 6.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Date: Monday 23rd June June 2025
Location: NEW VENUE – The Amora Hotel Jamison
Dress Smart Casual
Includes all food and drinks
AEN NSW & ACT Member
Early Bird
$475 – AEN MEMBER EARLY BIRD RATE.
Member discount code must be used for this reduced price. A discount code will be required during the registration payment process.
** Note – Ticket for Pre Conference Networking Event must be purchased separately and can be done as part of your registration to the Skills Conference.**
FOR GROUP REGISTRATIONS (3 OR MORE) PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK
AEN NSW & ACT Member
$530 – AEN MEMBER FULL RATE POST EARLY BIRD SALE
Member discount code must be used for this reduced price. A discount code will be required during the registration payment process.
** Note – Ticket for Pre Conference Networking Event must be purchased separately and can be done as part of your registration to the Skills Conference.**
FOR GROUP REGISTRATIONS (3 OR MORE) PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK
Non-Member (Delegate)
Early Bird
$530 – NON AEN MEMBER EARLY BIRD RATE
** Note – Ticket for Pre Conference Networking Event must be purchased separately and can be done as part of your registration to the Skills Conference.**
FOR GROUP REGISTRATIONS (3 OR MORE) PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK
Non-Member (Delegate)
$580 NON AEN MEMBER RATE POST EARLY BIRD SALE
** Note – Ticket for Pre Conference Networking Event must be purchased separately and can be done as part of your registration to the Skills Conference.**
FOR GROUP REGISTRATIONS (3 OR MORE) PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK
EVENT PARTNERS
Opportunities are now available to become a partner of the Skills Conference. To view options available click here or the prospectus to the right. For more information please contact Jason Sultana from the Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT on 0419 466 584 or jason@aennswact.com.au
The Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT would like to acknowledge and thank our 2025 event partners:
ACCOMODATION & TRANSPORT OPTIONS
The Conference Secretariat has secured rooms with favourable rates and flexible terms and conditions exclusively for conference attendees. Please ensure you read the terms and conditions before making your selection.
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Event Location
Address: 11 Jamison Street Sydney
Phone: (02) 96962500
Conference rate: Standard
$309 per night single occupancy. Rate with breakfast $339 per night single occupancy
Check in: 3.00pm
Check out: 11.00am unless otherwise confirmed by the hotel.
If rooms are required later an additional fee will apply.
Internet: Complimentary WIFI available in guest rooms.
Novotel City Centre
Nearby accommodation
Address: 7/9 York St Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 7255 2300
Conference rate: Standard
$229 per night single occupancy. Room Only
Check in: 3.00pm
Check out: 11.00am unless otherwise confirmed by the hotel.
If rooms are required later an additional fee will apply.
Internet: Complimentary WIFI available in guest rooms.
Accomodation Terms & Conditions
Accommodation rates listed will be provided to delegates who book through the Conference Secretariat and will not be honoured if booking directly with the hotel.
To book accommodation please do so when you register for the conference. Select your check-in and check-out dates and the available accommodation options will appear.
If you do not require accommodation, please select ‘No Accommodation Required’ at the registration stage.
Accommodation Terms and Conditions
The hotels require that all bookings include credit card details. These credit card details will be forwarded to your selected hotel/apartment as a guarantee.
Amora Hotel Jamison
A requirement of the hotels is that all bookings include credit card details. These credit card details will be forwarded to your selected hotel/apartment and charged 30 days prior to the booking commencement. You will be responsible for paying any incidentals incurred and any remaining nights directly to the hotel on check-in or check-out from the selected property. Any credit card payments will incur a 1.5% surcharge. Accommodation rates listed will be provided to delegates who book through the Conference Secretariat and will not be honoured if booking directly with the hotel. Cancellation of accommodation must be submitted in writing to the Conference Secretariat before 4pm Thursday 22nd May 2025. Any cancellation received after 4pm Thursday 22nd May 2025 will incur up to 100% cancellation penalty. To avoid cancellation charges please ensure the accommodation dates are correct in the confirmation email.
Failure to show at the hotel on appointed date will be regarded as cancellation and appropriate charges will apply.
Novotel City Centre
A requirement of the hotels is that all bookings include credit card details. These credit card details will be forwarded to your selected hotel/apartment and charged 30 days prior to the booking commencement. You will be responsible for paying any incidentals incurred and any remaining nights directly to the hotel on check-in or check-out from the selected property. Any credit card payments will incur a 1.4% surcharge. Accommodation rates listed will be provided to delegates who book through the Conference Secretariat and will not be honoured if booking directly with the hotel. Cancellation of accommodation must be submitted in writing to the Conference Secretariat before 4pm Thursday 22nd May 2025. Any cancellation received after 4pm Thursday 22nd May 2025 will incur up to 100% cancellation penalty. To avoid cancellation charges please ensure the accommodation dates are correct in the confirmation email.
Failure to show at the hotel on appointed date will be regarded as cancellation and appropriate charges will apply.
Accommodation Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of accommodation must be submitted in writing to the Conference Secretariat before 4pm Friday 9th May 2025. Any cancellation received after 4pm Friday 9th May 2025 will incur up to 100% cancellation penalty.
To avoid cancellation charges please ensure the accommodation dates are correct in the confirmation email.
Failure to show at the hotel on appointed date will be regarded as cancellation and appropriate charges will apply.
Please note accommodation is only available through this online booking form for the nights of 23rd, 24th and 25th of June 2025. If you would like to organise accommodation beyond these nights, please contact the Conference Secretariat directly at skillsconference@conceptevents.com.au or on +61 (2) 9696 2500 to request.
