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OctoberVET and Holmesglen Research Collaborations: present and future
2026 marks a decade since the foundation of Holmesglen’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (the Centre). During that time, we have offered a range of research-based projects in AVETRA’s OctoberVET calendar. This has provided an opportunity for Holmesglen researchers to share their research, contribute to the improvement of teaching and learning, and provide the groundwork for further research and innovation.
Rather than cover our considerable achievements of the past ten years, the Centre has decided to conduct a programme that looks forward with the aptly titled ‘New Directions in Applied Research: the Holmesglen Experience.’
Session 1 - 22nd October
Research Collaborations: present and future This session explores Holmesglen’s role as a research and innovation partner through collaborative projects with industry, universities, and community organisations. Highlights include Holmesglen’s partnership with Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), the Care Economy Centre of Excellence, and the Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) program. The session will showcase projects delivered, demonstrating how applied research can solve real-world industry problems. In addition, findings from a joint research project between Holmesglen and Charles Darwin University (CDU) will be presented, examining recent VET qualification reforms and the costs associated with training package churn.
We look forward to having you there online!
AVETRA
Vocational education systems and challenges across Asia
AVETRA OctoberVET Webinar Chaired by Steven Hodge (Griffith University, Australia) and Junmin-Li (Osnabrueck University, Germany)
VET/TVET systems are increasingly important across the Asian region for improving economic and social outcomes. These systems are taken by policy makers and the public as key to boosting productivity and competitiveness and a means for increasing participation by diverse groups and enhancing social cohesion. At the same time, such aspirations require a sound evidence base and a VET/TVET research community able to create the data and interpretations capable of informing effective policy and practice.
In this OctoberVET Research Symposium, researchers from Thailand, China, Malaysia and Singapore join a panel to review the systems and challenges of VET/TVET across the region. Each panellist will briefly describe their VET/TVET system, and then consider the expectations and challenges. They will then offer an assessment of VET/TVET research capability within their national context and ways that researchers might collaborate to address research needs.
Panellists:
Pakornkiat Sawetmethikul (Rajamangala University of Technology, Thailand)
Weiping Shi (East China Normal University)
Lai Chee Sern (Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia)
Shamim Akhtar (Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore)
Thought Leadership Series: Teacher Capability Uplift - Building Capability Across the Teaching Journey
As VET providers face increasing challenges in attracting, developing and retaining educators, there is growing recognition that professional learning must move beyond compliance and become an integrated approach to workforce capability development. This webinar explores how organisations can build capability across the teaching journey, particularly for educators transitioning from industry into teaching.
Drawing on Bendigo Kangan Institute's Teacher Capability approach, this session highlights how a structured professional pathway can support educators from entry into teaching through to advanced practice. The framework aligns professional learning with organisational priorities, regulatory requirements and workforce capability planning, creating a coherent system for developing and sustaining teaching excellence.
Recognising that many VET educators begin their teaching careers with deep industry expertise but limited teaching experience, the model supports progressive capability development through foundational learning, reflective practice, peer learning, feedback and ongoing professional growth. Rather than viewing professional development as a series of isolated training events, the approach positions learning as a continuous and evolving journey embedded in everyday practice.
The webinar also showcases how professional learning can be integrated with capability recognition, workforce planning and organisational development strategies. Underpinned by evidence-informed approaches to professional learning and capability development, the model values diverse forms of learning while supporting measurable growth in teaching practice.
By moving beyond compliance-focused professional development and embedding structured pathways for growth, organisations can develop a teaching workforce that is confident, adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of learners, industry and the VET sector.
We look forward to seeing you there online! REGISTER HERE Zoom link available at time of registration
2026 ISS Institute Applied International VET Research Forum
Join the ISS Institute and our International VET Practitioner Fellows for an engaging online forum showcasing applied research across the VET sector. Fellows will share insights from their international Fellowships, research findings and practical learnings, exploring how their work can translate into meaningful, tangible change within the VET sector. Presenters :
Paul Hrasko - Creating an International Best Practice Culture for Gender Equity in Vocational Education
Kerri Ledingham - More Than Maths Phobia: Supporting Dyscalculic Students in Vocational Education
Candace Van Der Krogt - Learning from Tradition to Teach Tomorrow: Preserving the craft of upholstery through VET and equipping the industry for a circular future
Freyja Dixon - Neighbourhood Houses as Social Infrastructure: Local Practice, Global Relevance
Registration Link
Convened by Dr Karen O'Reilly-Briggs and Dr Warren Guest, Box Hill Institute
4:00‒4:10
Welcome
About the Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education and applied research unit at Box Hill Institute
Dr Karen O’Reilly-Briggs | Box Hill Institute
4:10‒4:25
Is there a case for a blended self-paced and lock step (teacher directed) training delivery?
Rod St Clair
4:25‒4:40
What evidence-based strategies are most effective for reducing obstacles and enhancing student engagement during the first week of study in VET EAL?
Heidi Haywood
4:40‒4:55
Implementing Trauma-Informed Principles in Competency-Based VET Teaching and Assessment
Kristine Walsh
4:55‒5:10
Will using dedicated simulation rooms support workplace readiness for Certificate III VET (SBES) students?
Kristen Geros
5:10‒5:25
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for language learning models of support for students in the construction trades sector.
Oliver Hawkins
5:25‒5:40
What evidence exists regarding the influence of structured interactive facilitation strategies on adult learner engagement in synchronous online VET education?
Nicole Fifis
5:40‒5:55
How would implementing Cognitive Load Theory principles affect teaching practice in healthcare education?
Sultana Razia
5:55‒6:00
Finish
OctoberVET and Holmesglen VET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET
Session 2 : - 5th NovemberVET Futures: research, knowledge transfer, and VET
This session showcases practitioner research undertaken across the Institute, with a focus on innovation and improvement in VET practice and pedagogy. Presentations will explore the overall topic of AI, staff capability and student engagement; these draw upon both published and ongoing research with practical applications for VET educators.
The session will be of particular interest to VET practitioners looking for research-informed ideas and approaches that can be adapted to strengthen teaching practice and enhance learner engagement.
Biography: Dr. Henry Pook is the Director of Holmesglen Institute’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation. He has had over 30 years' experience in vocational education, including 15 years as the Dean of Building Construction and Engineering at Holmesglen Institute. He holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, specialising in employment relations and industrial relations change in the building construction industry. His publications include studies on work, and work and technology in Australian society.
We look forward to seeing you there online!
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