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2025 ACCE Conference: Back to the Future

Connect, Learn, and Lead at the 2025 ACCE Conference
Join us for two engaging face-to-face days at Deakin University’s Burwood Campus, designed for professionals supporting student career development across education, training, and employment sectors. The 2025 program offers professional development sessions, networking opportunities, industry tours, masterclasses, and a vibrant trade exhibition. Highlights include the ACCE 2025 Awards Lunch (December 2) and updates from key Australian representatives.

This event is ideal for career practitioners in secondary and specialist schools, VET trainers and educators, school leaders, LLEN and Learn Local providers, government representatives, and those working in student recruitment, employment, and apprenticeship services.

Delegates will be prompted to select a preference where concurrent sessions apply.

01/12/2025 (Australia/Melbourne) - 02/12/2025 (Australia/Melbourne)
$485.00 - $895.00
20 Spots Remaining!
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Member Prices

  • Professional: $385.00
  • Associate: $385.00
  • Student: $385.00
  • Standard: $385.00
  • Corporate: $385.00

Session Information

08:45 AM - 10:00 AM session
Day 1 (All attendees) Opening Address and Keynote Presentation 1
👤 Deakin University Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin and a Keynote Jean Dyzel Public Skills Australia, CEO
The opening of the ACCE 2025 Conference will include ACCE President’s Welcome as well as a presentation from Deakin University Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin and a Keynote Presentation by Jean Dyzel Public Skills Australia, CEO
10:30 AM - 11:25 PM session
Day 1 (All attendees) Department of Education Keynote followed by Keynote Blair Chapman, Chief Economist, SEEK
👤 Keynote: Natalie Garcia de Heer, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Department of Education followed by Keynote: Blair Chapman, Chief Economist, SEEK
This session is open to all registered delegates for the Full conference or December 1 Registration.
11:25 AM - 12:25 PM session
Day 1 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.
Day 1 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.
Day 1 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.
Day 1 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.
01:35 PM - 02:35 PM session
Day 1 Session 5: AI in Careers Guidance: Scaling Human
👤 Steve Cole, Chief Technology Officer, Morrisby UK
The future of careers guidance is human-driven AI, using technology to scale expert advice while keeping people at the heart of decision-making. As career choices become more complex and frequent, traditional models of guidance struggle to meet demand. Morrisby is pioneering AI-powered solutions that expand the reach of expert advisers while ensuring trust, traceability, and impact. In this session, we’ll explore how AI can democratise access to high-quality career advice, the innovations behind our human-driven AI approach, and our roadmap for the future. Discover how we balance cutting-edge technology with ethical oversight to empower individuals in their career journeys.
Day 1 Session 6: Jobs of the Future, Criminology/Psychology
👤 Amy Keating, Disability Justice Coordinator, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing; Robin Cameron, Program Manager of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, RMIT University; Alyssa Sigamoney, Deputy Program Manager of the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology, RMIT University; Katie Wood, Course Director, Master of Psychology, Swinburne University
Criminology and psychology are interconnected disciplines that offer valuable perspectives on human behaviour, crime and justice. While criminology examines the causes, impacts, and prevention of crime, psychology delves into the mental processes that shape behaviour. Combined courses in these fields offer diverse career opportunities not limited to the law, law enforcement, forensic psychology, corrections, counselling, community re-entry, criminal justice, and research. This session will highlight the exciting and emerging opportunities for dual-course graduates through a panel of course providers and graduates who will share their work and pathway journeys. Career practitioners will learn more about entry points to courses and employment opportunities to share with students and clients.
Day 1 Session 7: GAP Year and Study Abroad
👤 Director, Projects Abroad Director, Will Pashley and Australian Defence Force
Gap year programs are gaining popularity again post-COVID lockdowns.  Gap year programs provide an opportunity for students to grow their skills post school and gain work experience in real-world settings. This session will explore the benefits of taking a gap year, including the personal, academic, and professional growth opportunities students gain through a program. Panellists from ADF Gap year and Projects Abroad will discuss how their programs help students to step outside school and build self-awareness, career aspirations, and employability skills. Attendees will find out how to support students to join a successful gap year program and benefit from local and international experiences.
Day 1 Session 8: The Revolution of the Accounting Profession
👤 Andrew Albury, Senior Manager Membership Growth (Pipeline), CPA Australia
The accounting profession is undergoing a profound transformation, and as career advisors, your role in shaping students' futures has never been more important. Join CPA Australia for an engaging and insightful session where industry experts will unveil the latest trends, innovations, and career opportunities in accounting.  Learn how AI, automation, and data analytics are redefining the profession—far from making accountants obsolete, these advancements are elevating their roles. Explore how accountants today are strategic financial navigators, forensic investigators, and sustainability advocates, driving decisions that shape businesses and economies.  Forget the stereotype of accountants buried in spreadsheets—modern accounting is about problem-solving, technology, and global impact. Whether students are interested in tech, finance, or making a difference in the world, accounting offers a versatile and future-proof career path.  This is not just evolution; it’s a revolution. Join us in shaping the future of the profession and empowering the next generation of financial leaders.
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM session
Day 1 Session 9: CICA and ACCE Career Practitioner Survey Results
👤 Trevor Black, ACCE President
The ACCE Biennial research into Conditions for Career Practitioners in Schools provides a moving snapshot of the changing roles and expectations of career practitioners and the conditions in which they are employed. As a cross sectorial survey, ACCE has been able to use ongoing reports to lobby for improved conditions for practitioners in schools. Preliminary comparisons across sectors highlight similar pressures in resource allocation and the strategic positioning of careers within schools. This session will workshop findings from the latest research which making comparisons to previous years and feature additional research from the CICA 2024 national survey of Australia’s career sector.
Day 1 Session 10: Entrepreneurial Journeys
👤 Sid Verma, startup Coach, RMIT Activator and Founder of BrainsSTEM, Davin Karunanayake - Co-founder and CTO, Huddled (Speaker from Swinburne University) and Declan Steel, Graduate of Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship Work Integrated Learning clinic), Deakin University
Entrepreneurial skills are increasingly important for the economy to foster innovation, competition and job creation. Generation Alpha are digital natives currently at school. Join this session to find out what career practitioners can do to support opportunity investigation and entrepreneurship amongst this generation’s cohort? Swinburne, RMIT and Deakin University will support a panel of graduates who will share their entrepreneurial pathways and what led them to succeed as innovators and entrepreneurs. Find out what students might need and more about the courses on offer.
Day 1 Session 11: Get the ball rolling
👤 Richmond Institute, Education Partnerships and Marketing Coordinator, Olivia Steedman, AFL Sportsready Executive Manager Education, Andrew Lawlor, Cricket Victoria MCEA Manager, Michael Beer and SEDA Group Director, Chris Reidy
The sports industry supports 128,000 full-time jobs and is worth $14.4billion in gross domestic product. It’s also a popular destination for many students. Attending a sports institute opens up various career pathways beyond professional athletics. Graduates can pursue careers in coaching, sports management, sports psychology, and athletic training, leveraging their specialised knowledge and skills. Additionally, opportunities in sports marketing, event coordination, and media or broadcasting offer exciting roles in the sports industry. With a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork, and leadership, sports graduates are also well-prepared for roles in education, health and fitness, and community outreach programs. This diversity of career options ensures that sports academy graduates can transition into a wide range of fulfilling professions, both within and outside the sports sector. This panel session will explore the diverse career opportunities available to sports academy graduates, offering insights into how their skills and experiences can be applied to various industries and feature courses from AFL Sports Ready, Soccer, Richmond and Cricket.
Day 1 Session 12: ACCE Member Resources Update
👤 ACCE Member Services and Project Manager, Amelia McCulloch and Curriculum Writer Danielle Flack
Attend this session to find out more about ACCE’s updated resources for members. Join a session with our Curriculum Writer, Danielle Flack, and work through some of the lessons in the updated year level workbooks (7-12). Find out more about a range of industry resources and cards/games and what other resources are available to members.
CICA Standards
  • 1a: Describe major career development theories, concepts, research, and associated models and frameworks
  • 2a: Source, understand and apply credible, reliable labour market information that is free of bias
  • 3c: Work effectively in a team environment
  • 4a: Apply the CICA Code of Ethics
  • 4b: Demonstrate commitment to professionalism
  • 4c: Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning
  • 5a: Recognise and respect diversity
  • 5b: Conduct career development work in culturally sensitive ways
  • 6a: Collect, analyse and use information
  • 6b: Keep up-to-date with emerging technologies and innovations
  • 6c: Identify relevant support organisations, resources and services
  • 7b: Follow case and/or project management procedures
  • 7c: Use enterprise skills
  • S2: Apply career counselling skills
  • S3: Assess the need for, design, deliver and evaluate career development programs
  • S4: Work with diverse people
  • S6: Liaise with employers and other organisations
  • S7: Conduct research
APST Standards
  • 7: Teachers reflect on, evaluate and improve their professional knowledge and practice
  • 8: Teachers are active members of their profession

09:15 AM - 10:20 AM session
Day 2 Opening address and Keynote presentation
👤 Keynote: Spectrum House, Psychologist Director, Emma-Rose Parsons
Emma-Rose's keynote will provide an exploration of neurodiversity, including the varied presentations of neurodivergent students and their needs. The session will blend theoretical frameworks and neurodiversity-affirming practices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing, validating and responding to these students' experiences. With practical and actionable ‘next steps,’ participants will be equipped to improve supportive learning environments for their neurodivergent students and better the outcomes for their futures.
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM session
Day 2 Session 1: Careers Presentation in Industry
👤 Rick Ede, RMIT Degree Apprenticeship Program Speaker from Chisholm Institute
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.
Day 2 Session 2: Rewriting Your Future: Career Planning for the 21st Century
👤 Presented by 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.
Day 2 Session 3: Embedding Career Education in the F-10 Curriculum
👤 Department of Education (Vic) Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager, Emily Barter and Jobs, Skills and Pathways Officer, Lauren Miosku
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.
Day 2 Session 4: Healthcare Careers Reimagined: Guiding Students into a Changing World of Health
👤 Dr. Ray Boyapati, Med Entry
The world of healthcare is changing faster than ever before. From artificial intelligence and telehealth to genomics and virtual reality, the jobs of tomorrow may look nothing like the roles we know today. For students considering a future in health, this presents both exciting opportunities and new uncertainties. So how can career teachers best support and guide them? In this engaging and insightful session, Dr Ray Boyapati – a specialist gastroenterologist, educator and medical entrepreneur – will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare careers. Drawing on real-world examples and cutting-edge developments, Ray will unpack: - The key trends shaping the future of medicine and healthcare - Surprising career pathways emerging across clinical, tech and research domains - The crucial mix of skills – from empathy to adaptability – students will need to thrive - How you, as educators, can help students navigate this complex but rewarding space Whether your students dream of being doctors, nurses, physiotherapists or any other health professional, this session will leave you better equipped to support the next generation of healthcare workers.
Day 2 Session 5: Career Practitioner Survival Guide
👤 Jacky Burton, The Knox School, Career Development Practitioner and Annette Davie Smythe Firbank Grammar School Careers Practitioner/Year 11 Wellbeing Leader
Entering the field of career development can be both rewarding and challenging for new practitioners. From managing client expectations to staying current with labour market trends, the early years require adaptability, confidence, and a strong professional foundation. This session serves as a practical survival guide, equipping new career practitioners with essential tools and strategies to navigate their roles effectively. Key topics include building rapport with clients, applying career development frameworks and leveraging professional networks for growth. Whether you are a recent graduate, transitioning from another field, or seeking to enhance your practice, this session provides actionable insights and resources to help you thrive. Join us for an engaging discussion that will empower you to build a successful and fulfilling career in career development.
Day 2 Session 6: Tools of Change, Empowering Women to Succeed in Skilled Trades
👤 Tradeswomen Australia, Major Projects and Partnerships Manager, Abby Kempe and National trusted trade apprenticeship support group, Peer mentor
Tradeswomen Australia’s (TWA) Abby Kempe is a subject matter expert in gender, diversity and inclusion supporting organisations and individuals to achieve rewarding experiences in trade trajectories. Join TWA and friends, including an experienced and accomplished trades peer mentor and national trusted trade apprenticeship support group as guests and co-speakers for the Session. This session offers a well-rounded, holistic trades lifecycle discussion for the audience to contemplate – from looking at trade career options, to trade entry points, apprenticeship start to career progression and troubleshooting.
11:20 PM - 01:20 PM session
ACCE Awards Lunch 2025
👤 Presented by the Australian Centre for Career Education
The Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE) has a proud tradition of honouring the outstanding contributions made by its members to the careers industry. The Association also has a strong history of advocacy, collegiality, and fellowship in the career education community. The Awards acknowledge the contribution of outstanding members who have provided support and expertise to the ACCE community over the past 12 months. Delegates registering for the Awards Lunch as the Full Conference or Day 2 packages is included in ticket pricing.
01:20 PM - 03:15 PM session
Industry Tour 1: Synchrotron, Monash University
👤 ANSTO Staff
As career practitioners, staying informed about emerging industries and career pathways is crucial to guiding students and job seekers toward future opportunities. The Australian Synchrotron provides a unique window into cutting-edge careers in science, engineering, and technology, offering valuable insights for career professionals supporting individuals interested in STEM fields. This session will explore how a visit to the Australian Synchrotron can enhance career guidance by providing firsthand exposure to careers in scientific research, data science, medical imaging, and advanced manufacturing. Attendees will gain an understanding of key skills and qualifications required in these fields, discover networking opportunities with industry experts, and learn how to integrate real-world STEM applications into career development programs. Industry tours departing from 1:20 to 1:45pm and returning around 3:15pm
Industry Tour 2: Victorian Tunnelling Centre
👤 Victorian Tunnelling Centre (VTC) Staff
Step into the world of underground construction with our immersive facility tour. Discover a life-sized replica of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) rail tunnel, a full-scale mined road tunnel, and industry-standard refuge chambers. Get hands-on in our purpose-built workshops used for training and education, and examine real tunnel segments from the Metro Tunnel project. Experience cutting-edge technology with: - Augmented Reality: see a TBM in 3D using AR goggles - Virtual Reality: complete a safety induction and venture into a virtual underground worksite - Excavator Simulator: test your skills in a lifelike simulation - This is a rare opportunity to witness the tools, scale, and innovation driving modern tunnelling projects. Industry tours departing from 1:20 to 1:45pm and returning around 3:15pm
Industry Tour 3: Belgravia Leisure
👤 Belgravia Leisure Staff
This event at Knox Leisure-works provides career practitioners with an in-depth understanding of the career opportunities available within Belgravia Leisure, particularly in the aquatics and recreation industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with senior staff and career practitioners from the venue, followed by a comprehensive tour of the facility. Key insights into various roles will be shared by members of the Aquatics Team, including a Pool Lifeguard, Swim School and Water Safety Teacher, Duty Manager, and Operations Manager. The HR Recruitment Team will present valuable industry data, highlighting career pathways for students, while the Belgravia Academy will outline upcoming courses and qualifications for students interested in pursuing careers in the sector from 2026 onward. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, offering career practitioners the chance to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the potential pathways they can recommend to their students. Industry tours departing from 1:20 to 1:45pm and returning around 3:15pm
Onsite Presentation: Whole of school approach including other Morrisby functionality (Morrisby and My Career Insights)
👤 Karen Pritchard, Program Manager My Career Insights, ACCE and Craig Eastwood, Career Project Manager, ACCE
Please note that this session will commence from 1:35pm and conclude at 2:35pm onsite at Deakin University, Burwood. This session will provide attendees with an overview of features and functionality with the Morrisby platform. Emphasis placed on how the Morrisby platform management and reporting system that support practitioners to roll out activities and lesson plans to support a whole school approach, accommodating respective Government and Independent school intentions and requirements. Updates and training on Profiling pathway, available resources and user guides will be given to help strengthen engagement with students, parents/guardians, school administration, faculty and support staff, and the local community. Career practitioners will receive an overview of the Morrisby tool and key features for unpacking career conversations to support student career exploration. Management functionality will be demonstrated to help career practitioners discover how to roll-out a calendar of career activities and lessons at their school aligned to your school's career plan, assist with individual career action planning.
CICA Standards
APST Standards
  • 7: Teachers reflect on, evaluate and improve their professional knowledge and practice
  • 8: Teachers are active members of their profession

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