The VET National Teaching & Learning Conference 2023 held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 and 18 August lived up to its promise of being the biggest in-person VDC conference. Over 2 days there was an abundance of professional learning opportunities with a focus on VET practitioners, as well as a stream of sessions featuring VET applied research for other VET Sector professionals.

- Keynote presentations
- Expert Panels
- Teaching & Learning Workshops
- Applied Research Sessions
- Guided Tours of the WorldSkills Australia National Championships
- Networking function

For the first time, VDC’s VET National Teaching & Learning Conference was held in conjunction with the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. VDC partnered with WorldSkills Australia to provide VDC conference delegates with access to international WorldSkills guests and participate in bespoke guided tours of the championships at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Skill competitions are an opportunity for Australia’s trainees and apprentices to test their skills and knowledge in their chosen field against their peers. Held every two years, the National Championships are the biggest trades and skills competition in the country and this year consisted of more than 50 competitions and loads of Try’aSkill booths where delegates were able to try their hand at different trades and skills.

This year’s conference theme “From Competence to Excellence” was all about understanding why it’s essential for learners to be aware of what the highest level of performance looks like in their chosen field and how to take the next steps. The VET National Teaching & Learning Conference was designed for educators to be embodied and empowered to reflect on their own practices and encourage learners to make their journey from Competence to Excellence!

The 2023 VET National Teaching & Learning Conference provided the perfect opportunity to reflect, learn and expand on your role as an educator and network with colleagues from across Australia. Delegates heard from high-profile keynote speakers, engaged in a range of presentations and panel discussions, and attended concurrent interactive workshops, research sessions, or the National Championships of their choice.