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SUMMIT

Thursday 5 November 2026

8:30am – 5:00pm (incl. networking drinks)


CEO CONNECT DINNER

Wednesday 4 November 2026

7:00pm - 10:00pm


LOCATION

Sage Hotel Wollongong

60-62 Harbour St, Wollongong NSW


SUMMIT MEMBER PRICE

$ 261

SUMMIT NON-MEMBER PRICE

$ 290

about the skills summit

Australia's workforce is changing fast. Artificial intelligence, the energy transition, new industries and changing expectations about work are altering the skills businesses need and how people learn them.

The Future of Skills Summit brings together leaders from business, education, industry and government to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing our region: building the workforce we need for the future. It isn't a standard skills and training conference. It looks at the wider forces shaping Australia's competitiveness alongside how to build leaders of the future.

You'll leave with

  • National insight on investment, trade and emerging industries
  • A clear view of what an AI-ready workforce looks like
  • Practical ideas on training, trades and apprenticeships
  • New connections with senior leaders 

Why the Illawarra?

The region is home to more than 40,000 businesses, major industrial employers, emerging clean energy industries and the University of Wollongong. 

Between Sydney, Western Sydney and Canberra, it faces the same workforce opportunities and challenges as the rest of Australia.

Speakers Announced

More speakers to be announced.

Summit Agenda

(draft subject to change)

Thursday, 5 November 2026

Grab a coffee and find seat, say hello!

Welcome 

  • Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra

KEYNOTE + FIRESIDE

What's Next for Australia?

Global demand, investment and the future workforce: where Australia's next opportunities will come from, and what regions like the Illawarra can do now to prepare.

  • Dr Paul Grimes PSM, CEO, Austrade

KEYNOTE + FIRESIDE 

As Australia navigates a period of profound economic, technological and workforce transformation, the future of education has never been more important. Rapid advances in technology, changing workforce needs and evolving career pathways are reshaping how people learn, work and adapt throughout their lives.

  • Prof Barney Glover AO, Cheif Commissioner, ATEC

PANEL

This session brings together some of Australia's leading voices in higher education, skills policy and business to examine how they are thinking about the future of education in a world where technology is advancing rapidly, careers are evolving and learning is no longer confined to traditional classrooms.

  • Prof. Barney Glover, Chief Commissioner, Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).

  • Prof. Helen Partridge, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Vice Chancellor, University of Wollongong

Networking + Expo Stalls

KEYNOTE + FIRESIDE

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, occupations and the way work gets done. But Australia's biggest challenge isn't the technology itself, it's ensuring people have the skills, confidence and capability to thrive alongside it.

Drawing on Microsoft's work with industry, government and education partners, this keynote will explore the future of skills, how AI is changing workforce expectations, where the greatest opportunities for productivity growth lie, and what Australia must do to build an AI-ready workforce.

  • Tim Allen, AI National Skills Director - ANZ Microsoft Elevate

KEYNOTE + FIRESIDE

rom workforce shortages to AI and automation, few industries are experiencing change as rapidly as healthcare. As CEO of Southern.IML Pathology, Prof. Caitlin Keighley leads a regional organisation that has been leveraging technology and machine learning for more than a decade.

In this local case study, Caitlin will explore how innovation is reshaping the future of work, the skills employers will need, and why in an increasingly digital world, human capability remains the most valuable asset of all.

  • Prof. Caitlin Keighley, CEO, Southern IML.Pathology

PANEL

Australia has ambitious plans for housing, infrastructure, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, but does it have the workforce to deliver them?

This session brings together industry leaders, policymakers and workforce experts to discuss the future of trades, apprenticeships and technical careers. From aviation and advanced manufacturing to construction and energy, the panel will explore how technology is changing skilled work, why apprenticeship pathways matter more than ever, and what Australia needs to do to attract, train and retain the workers who will build the future.

  • Peter Baker, CEO, Gm3

  • Dr Nigel Palmer, Senior Policy Manager Education and Skills, BNSW

  • To be announced soon!

Lunch Break and Expo Stalls

KEYNOTE + FIRESIDE

Professor Joel Pearson is a globally recognised neuroscientist, bestselling author, and pioneering Neuro Futurist who is helping leaders navigate the human side of the AI revolution. Beginning his career in art and filmmaking before earning a PhD in neuroscience, Joel brings a rare combination of creative insight and scientific expertise to today's most pressing leadership challenges.

Widely regarded as the world's leading authority on intuition and imagination, Joel is the author of the acclaimed The Intuition Toolkit and former host of ABC Sydney's popular radio program The Brain Box. His groundbreaking research has transformed understanding of decision-making, creativity, and how people adapt to change.

Trusted by organisations including Google, EY, Macquarie Group, Pixar, and Pinterest, Joel is known for turning cutting-edge neuroscience into practical strategies leaders can apply immediately. Engaging, thought-provoking, and highly relevant, his presentations equip audiences with tools to think better, lead through uncertainty, and thrive in an AI-powered future.

  • Professor Joel Pearson

To be announced soon!

To be announced soon!

PANEL

What does this mean for our region? Gaining the competitive advantage 

  • Speakers to be announced soon!

  • Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra

End of day networking and expo stalls

Download the Agenda

TICKETS

Proudly supported by

Meet Our Exhibitors

Looking to grow your workforce and tackle skills shortages? Visit Apprenticeship Support Australia to discover how apprenticeships and traineeships can help your business attract talent, access government support and build the skills you need for the future. Their experts provide end-to-end guidance, making it easier than ever to hire, train and retain apprentices.

Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) helps businesses build a skilled, future-ready workforce through apprenticeships and traineeships. As an Australian Government Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, ASA supports employers every step of the way, from selecting the right apprenticeship pathway and accessing available incentives, through to onboarding, training arrangements and ongoing support.

ASA works with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries, helping them attract new talent, address skills shortages and strengthen workforce capability.

With local expertise, national reach and specialist programs supporting women in trades, First Nations apprentices and clean energy occupations, ASA is a valuable partner for any business looking to invest in workforce development and long-term growth.

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Connect with the University of Wollongong and discover opportunities to build workforce capability, access emerging talent, collaborate on research and innovation, and develop future leaders. Learn how UOW's industry partnerships, internships and professional development programs can help your organisation grow, innovate and succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.

University of Wollongong (UOW) is a globally recognised university that works closely with industry to help businesses access talent, research expertise and workforce development opportunities. Through corporate partnerships, internships, industry projects, professional development and tailored education programs, UOW helps organisations build capability, address workforce challenges and connect with the next generation of skilled professionals. Businesses can collaborate with leading researchers, engage with talented students and graduates, and access innovative solutions that drive growth, productivity and long-term success.

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Discover how Telstra can help your business thrive through smarter technology solutions. Whether you're looking to strengthen connectivity, improve productivity, enhance cyber security or support business growth, Telstra's experts can provide practical advice and tailored solutions to help your organisation succeed in an increasingly digital world. 

Telstra helps businesses stay connected, productive and secure through a range of technology, telecommunications and digital solutions. From business connectivity and mobile solutions to cyber security, collaboration tools and technology advice, Telstra works with organisations of all sizes to improve efficiency and support growth. Through its Business Technology Centres, businesses can access expert guidance, tailored technology solutions and local support to help navigate challenges, improve productivity and embrace digital innovation.

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TAFE NSW is Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider, partnering with businesses to develop skilled workforces, address industry needs and support long-term growth. Through apprenticeships and traineeships, customised workforce training, upskilling programs, leadership development and industry-aligned qualifications, TAFE NSW helps organisations build capability and respond to evolving workforce challenges. Businesses can access tailored training solutions, collaborate on workforce planning initiatives, connect with emerging talent and benefit from practical, job-ready learning programs designed to improve productivity, innovation and workforce resilience.

Connect with TAFE NSW and explore opportunities to strengthen your workforce, access industry-relevant training, develop future talent and build organisational capability. Learn how TAFE NSW’s industry partnerships, apprenticeships and traineeships, customised training programs and workforce development solutions can help your organisation attract, retain and develop the skilled people needed to succeed in a changing economy.

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PartNer with Us 

Interested in being part of the Future of Skills Summit? 

Sponsorship and Exhibition Stall opportunities available. 


Contact the team today!

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