ACCE Conference Back to the Future Copy

Sessions available to all conference Day 1 package holders

Session 1: Translating career education theory into practical outcomes

👤 Melbourne University Executive Director and Enterprise Professor, Melbourne Assessment, Sandra Milligan & Director Research and Practice Partnerships Angela Pollock

Traditional assessment and learning recognition methods are no longer fit for purpose, defining education success too narrowly and limiting pathway and career discussions. Melbourne Metrics works in partnerships with schools and school systems to assess the vital foundational learning competencies (like collaboration, active citizenship, agency in learning) that students need to thrive within school and beyond, in an uncertain world. Research-based transformative assessment tools and credentials, including learner profiles, are influencing national discussions on the role of assessment in senior secondary (what might be beyond the ATAR?) and how new metrics might contribute to careers education and school-to-beyond transitions

Session 2: Bridging the Gap: What Employers Want

👤 Shanan Green, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE)

As the job market continues to evolve, employers are placing greater emphasis on attributes, skills, and competencies beyond academic qualifications in secondary school graduates. This presentation examines the key qualities that employers prioritise in young job seekers. By understanding these employer expectations and emerging workforce trends, we can better equip students to navigate successful transitions from school to the workplace, ensuring they are prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic and competitive job market.

Session 3: Counselling micro skills for career guidance

👤 Linda Kearley, Senior Workshop Facilitator, Conversant Counselling

Micro skills are essential to establish connection, build rapport and relationships with clients, demonstrate empathy, and create a climate of respect, confidence, openness, and trust. This session explores a range of micro skills including active listening, summarising, paraphrasing, validating, reflection of feelings, reframing, instilling hope and being comfortable sitting in silence

Session 4: Ethical Practice for Career Practitioners

👤 Kerry Brookes, RTO Manager, Head of Teaching and Learning, ACCE

The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Code of Ethics is fundamental for Career Development Practitioners, requiring a deep understanding and adherence to ethical standards in their work with clients, colleagues, employers, and the public. Professionalism is central to the role, demonstrated through role modeling, respect, responsible practice, and high-quality service delivery. Practitioners promote best practices by collaborating with organizations, engaging in reflective practices, and staying informed about policies, legislation, and regulations. Feedback and evaluations are vital for service improvement, while a commitment to lifelong learning ensures ongoing professional development and competency. This workshop will focus on refining practices through practical guides, templates, and discussions on current best practices in the Career Development field.

Refer to the conference webste for the complete listing of Trade Exhibitors on December 1

Keynote: Spectrum House, Psychologist Director, Emma-Rose Parsons

Session 1: Careers Presentation in Industry

👤 Rick Ede, RMIT Degree Apprenticeship Program Speaker from Federation University

RMIT University and Federation University are pioneering apprenticeship-style learning models that integrate practical work experience with academic study. RMIT’s innovative approach includes Degree Apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships, emphasising an “employment-first” model that allows students to work while earning qualifications in industries such as social services and mechanical engineering. Federation University, through its TAFE division, has gained recognition for its apprenticeship programs, focusing on competency-based learning and work-integrated education. Both institutions are reshaping vocational and higher education by fostering strong industry collaborations, enhancing employability, and ensuring students graduate with real-world skills. Join this session to learn more about this type of degree, the benefits for students and how industry is responding.

Session 2: Rewriting your future: Career Planning for the 21st Century

👤 Templestowe College

This presentation will explore how Templestowe College (TC) has reimagined career services by embedding career development into the curriculum, fostering self-directed learning, and leveraging mentorship programs. Through initiatives such as individualised career counselling, workplace learning opportunities, and entrepreneurial projects, TC equip students with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed for a rapidly changing workforce. Attendees will gain insights into TC innovative model, hear success stories, and learn practical strategies to enhance career education in their own settings.

Session 3: Embedding Career Education in the F-10 Curriculum

👤 Department of EducationEmily Barta and Lauren Mioscu

Career education is an important part of secondary education helping students to connect school to future pathways and supporting them to make informed decisions about subject and course selections. Whilst it is critical to include career education in the senior secondary years to support post school pathways, the Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Secondary School (the Firth Review) states that career education across the F-10 curriculum is also important in supporting successful senior secondary choices. This presentation will focus on career education in years 7-10 and will cover two key topics: 1. An exploration of how the VCAA’s Career Education Framework can be linked to the F-10 curriculum with a specific focus on alignment to the Humanities learning area and Personal and Social capability. 2. Outline the process used to support career practitioners from Inner Eastern Melbourne schools to identify career education opportunities within the years 7-10 curriculum, and how to include these in a scope and sequence document.

Session 4: Healthcare Careers Re-imagined: Guiding Students into a Changing World of Health

👤 Dr. Ray Boyapati, Med Entry