Universities Australia Conference 2024 Highlights

Posted: 05/03/2024

Last week two of our DVE colleagues attended the Universities Australia Solution Summit 2024.  We are happy to share some highlights from the event. There were some wonderful speakers and insightful panel discussions that left us inspired and motivated.

One of the highlights was the panel on ‘The Future Workforce and Skills’, including the Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP,  alongside Jenny Dodd (CEO TAFE Directors Australia), Kate Pounder (Ex CEO Tech Council), Andy Keough (Managing Director Saab Australia) .

The panel covered topics such as the Accord recommendations and the divide between HE and VET and how to bridge it. They all agreed there is a huge need for training and education for the future workforce in Australia. We need 32,000 new electricians and 145,000 new care workers by 2030. It’s a huge challenge. Accessibility, technology change and resources are all important factors to consider. Twenty TAFE Centres of Excellence are being established, with six centres to be set up quite quickly.

The Right Hon Baroness Valerie Amos CH PC Master of College, Oxford University presented insights into the challenges for students everywhere if they come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her keynote address was based on a fascinating career pathway.

One insightful moment was when she stated there will be general elections in 64 countries in 2024, allowing 49% of the global population to vote!

If you want to read more about the UA conference, check our LinkedIn post.