Speakers
Click on the speaker's photo to read their complete biography.
Craig Randazzo
Craig Randazzo is a huge supporter of NAEN and the GTO sector having recently finished ten years as CEO of Skillset, a large GTO based in the Central West of NSW. During his tenure, Craig led strategies that strengthened financial sustainability while ensuring services delivered genuine value to apprentices, trainees and host employers. Craig also founded the region’s first Special Assistance High School, Skillset Senior College, catering for young people in years 10 to 12 who were unable to complete their schooling in a mainstream environment. The College continues across two campuses today, and has graduated over 800 students since inception, and employs over 50 specialist teachers and support staff.
Craig is currently living out his long-held dream of being a high-school teacher, combining this part-time role with various consulting assignments through For Purpose Consulting. Craig has tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Education and Management and is passionate about the life-changing impact that Group Training Organisations deliver for young people.
The Hon. Andrew Giles MP
The Hon. Andrew Giles MP was first elected to the Australian Parliament as the member for Scullin in 2013 and currently serves as the Minister for Skills and Training in the Albanese Government.
Before coming to Parliament, Minister Giles advocated for workers’ rights as a solicitor specialising in employment law. Building on his work in law and justice, Minister Giles acted on behalf of the asylum seekers on the MV Tampa and worked in the Victorian Government.
Since joining the Australian Labor Party at 18 years old, Minister Giles has strongly campaigned for opportunity for all. As the member for Scullin, he continues this work by being a strong voice for the Northern Suburbs in Parliament.
Minister Giles is married to Dr Jillian Constable, and they have two children.
Alison Pennington
Alison Pennington is an economist and writer who investigates economic and social issues facing Australia and working people.
She is Chief Economist at The McKell Institute, and author of the widely acclaimed Gen F’d. Alison is a regular media commentator, with her writing published in the AFR, Saturday Paper, The Age, and The Conversation. She is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in Politics, Philosophy and Economics with La Trobe University, and a former senior advisor to Cabinet ministers in the Albanese Labor Government.
Michael Liddle
Michael Liddle is an Alyawarre man, employed at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress as the Manager of the Aboriginal male health
Clinic Ingkintja Mans Centre and is a respected community leader in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. He is dedicated to the betterment of the community, particularly in the area of mental health and wellbeing and progressing Aboriginal men to understand the purpose of change.
In addition to creating and leading his program named Codes 4 Life, Michael contributes to work being done by many other reputed organisations in Central Australia. His current portfolio includes the following positions:
- Chairman - Strehlow Research Centre
- Chairman - Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programmes Unit
- Elected Councillor Alice Springs Town Council
- Heritage Council Northern Territory
- Lake Eyre Basin Committee member
Michael was also a Alice Springs Town Councillor for 4 years and Deputy Chairman of the Central Land Council and a executive member for 6 years.
Craig Randazzo
Craig Randazzo is a huge supporter of NAEN and the GTO sector having recently finished ten years as CEO of Skillset, a large GTO based in the Central West of NSW. During his tenure, Craig led strategies that strengthened financial sustainability while ensuring services delivered genuine value to apprentices, trainees and host employers. Craig also founded the region’s first Special Assistance High School, Skillset Senior College, catering for young people in years 10 to 12 who were unable to complete their schooling in a mainstream environment. The College continues across two campuses today, and has graduated over 800 students since inception, and employs over 50 specialist teachers and support staff.
Craig is currently living out his long-held dream of being a high-school teacher, combining this part-time role with various consulting assignments through For Purpose Consulting. Craig has tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Education and Management and is passionate about the life-changing impact that Group Training Organisations deliver for young people.
Evangelene Rushforth
After swapping her law books for heavy tools, Evangelene has never looked back. She initially pursued a Bachelor of Law and Arts, but after three years of higher education, she began to crave a more hands-on and technical career. Evangelene’s decision led her to the engineering trades, where she completed a Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade through Charles Darwin University (RTO) and the GTNT Group (GTO).
As a qualified mechanical fitter with the Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO), Evangelene is thriving in practical, team-based environments and takes pride in her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn.
As a proud role model for women entering non-traditional trades, Evangelene actively encourages others to follow their interests with confidence. Looking forward, she hopes to expand her skills and take on leadership roles within the engineering industry.
Through VET, Evangelene has discovered her passion.
Prof Barney Glover AO
Professor Barney Glover AO began his five-year term as Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia in 2024.
Professor Glover is a distinguished academic leader, an accomplished mathematician and mathematics educator with significant experience in developing strong relationships with the vocational education sector. He is well respected for his engagement with First Nations Australians and disadvantaged communities.
He was Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney
University for ten years, from 2014-24, and in 2019 was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to tertiary education, professional associations and cultural organisations. In 2015, Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor for his outstanding leadership whilst Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University from 2009 to 2013. Professor Glover was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Western Sydney University in 2024 in recognition of his decade of leadership.
Professor Glover has served on the boards of a diverse range
of corporate organisations and several state and national centres covering areas such as health and medical research, energy, mineral exploration, and telecommunications.
Deborah Kelly
Deborah Kelly is a senior finance and investment executive with 20 years’ experience across real estate, infrastructure, and alternative assets. In her career, Deborah has partnered closely with CEOs, CIOs, boards, and investment committees to influence capital allocation, balance sheet strategy, and long-term value creation.
She is currently a Senior Investment Director, Real Assets at AustralianSuper, where she leads the Fund’s $2 billion+ living strategy, and the origination and investment management of alternate real estate assets to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns and long-term member outcomes.
Deborah is a Non-Executive Director of Assemble Communities and The Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants ANZ and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jason van Genderen
Jason is an award-winning filmmaker, storyteller and mentor whose work – including the internationally acclaimed documentary Everybody’s Oma – has reached more than 100 million viewers worldwide. With four decades in creative industries and global recognition for his smartphone storytelling techniques, Jason brings a powerful blend of creativity, authenticity and heart.
At NAEN 2026, Jason will lead an immersive, interactive room session where we explore the potential of small stories and their impact on us, our workplaces and our industry sector. In just 90 powerful minutes, attendees will learn valuable skills that help you re-write how you think about yourself and your workplaces, culminating in the launch of our 'Lost for Words' industry-wide initiative.
Claire Field
Claire is the Principal of Claire Field and Associates, an independent consulting practice offering advice across higher education, VET, international education, and GenAI/EdTech.
She is also a co-founder of EvaluAIte – a new AI assurance agency helping universities, TAFEs and other VET and higher education providers manage the risks and opportunities of AI.
Claire previously held senior positions in education agencies in the NSW and Australian governments, as well as in the public, private and non-profit tertiary education sector.
John Liddicoat
John Liddicoat is the Founder and CEO of Octossure, the complete compliance and quality management system built specifically for Australia’s Registered Training Organisations.
John’s twenty-plus years of evolving expertise across GTO’s, RTO’s, Australian apprenticeships, international education, Indigenous employment, community development programs and employment services have made him one of the most respected advisors in the VET sector.
John has Chaired the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) and the Apprentice Employment Network NSW ACT (AEN NSW & ACT) and remains actively involved with various VET sector businesses.
Drawing on his C-suite roles leading organisations through numerous acquisition, integration, and expansion activities, John has turned his focus toward the role of technology in VET and how it can positively transform the traditional VET paradigm.
He believes that intelligent adaptation of technology is paramount to achieve efficient change capability, improve outcomes for learners and industry, and increase the sustainability of VET providers, whilst delivering quality assurance for the Government.
Kit McMahon
Kit is CEO of Women’s Health in the South East – a Women’s Health Service in Southern Metropolitan Melbourne that, through primary prevention, health promotion and gender equity, works to improve the health and wellbeing of women. She has implemented gender equality plans in TAFE, local government, tourism, and skills policy. She has over 20 years' experience in not for profits and has a background in skills and training policy.
Currently Kit is Chair of Tradeswomen Australia, Convenor of Women in Adult and Vocational Education and, Co-Chair of ICOS the Independent Collective of Survivor Advocates. She has also been, the Deputy Chair of Volunteering Australia and Deputy and Chair of the Women's Spirit Project. Kit was also the founding Chair of Victoria’s Peak organisation for Gender Equality – Gender Equity Victoria.
With qualifications in Arts (Hons), Master of Adult Education, an MBA and the AICD Company Directors Course, Kit also sits on a range of committees for primary health prevention and community development in the South East region ranging from the prevention of elder abuse, family violence, equality in labour and skills, and women’s health. Kit is currently lead of Training for Respect a Victorian State wide project to prevent workplace gendered violence in RTOs and TAFE, and has also lead projects to apply gender lens in vocational education and training curriculum practice and policy. Kit sat on the Industry Reference Group for the Review of Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System and, is currently on the Steering Committee of Jobs and Skills Australia Gender Economic Equality Study.
Craig Randazzo
Craig Randazzo is a huge supporter of NAEN and the GTO sector having recently finished ten years as CEO of Skillset, a large GTO based in the Central West of NSW. During his tenure, Craig led strategies that strengthened financial sustainability while ensuring services delivered genuine value to apprentices, trainees and host employers. Craig also founded the region’s first Special Assistance High School, Skillset Senior College, catering for young people in years 10 to 12 who were unable to complete their schooling in a mainstream environment. The College continues across two campuses today, and has graduated over 800 students since inception, and employs over 50 specialist teachers and support staff.
Craig is currently living out his long-held dream of being a high-school teacher, combining this part-time role with various consulting assignments through For Purpose Consulting. Craig has tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Education and Management and is passionate about the life-changing impact that Group Training Organisations deliver for young people.
Panel: What’s Going on with Apprenticeships?
Aaron Hines
Aaron Hines is the Executive Director, Products & Projects at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA). Aaron has over 15 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit Vocational Education and Training sector and has successfully led registered training organisations across various industries.
Since joining SaCSA, Aaron has led the design and development of Training Products and Industry Projects. He is responsible for managing their development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring while also overseeing stakeholder consultation and engagement in education and training.
Aaron previously held leadership roles including Director at ARA Retail Institute, Owner/CEO of Fluent Education, General Manager at Builders Academy Australia, and Regional Manager at Navitas Professional. He has also contributed to industry governance as Chair of the Industry Reference Committee (Retail/Wholesale) and as a member of NSW WRAPS IRC, VIC Services IAG, QLD Retail IAG, and various other education and industry committees.
Emma King OAM
Emma King OAM became HumanAbility’s first CEO in September 2023, bringing extensive experience in workforce, education and social advocacy. She previously led VCOSS and the Early Childhood Assocation Australia, and began her career as a teacher before holding senior government advisory roles. Emma serves on several boards, including the Victorian Skills Authority, and received the OAM 2023 for her community service.
Adrian Lea
Adrian Lea is a seasoned vocational education leader with more than 20 years’ experience driving reform, innovation, and operational excellence across Victoria. He has delivered education across corrections, defence, aviation, trades and VET in schools, combining strategic foresight with hands-on execution. Adrian champions learner-centric, future-ready solutions that align workforce development with industry needs and government priorities.
Anthea Middleton
Anthea Middleton is an Energy industry leader in workforce planning and development. After completing her Bachelor of International Business and Human Resources, Anthea honed her leadership capabilities working across various industries, including tech, finance, mining, energy and government. Anthea has grown and refined her skills in a range of challenging work environments, from relatively new start-ups to small not-for-profits, all the way to world leading multinationals like Facebook.
Anthea is the CEO for Powering Skills Organisation – a jobs and skills council for the energy sector in Australia. PSO is focused on industry workforce research, development, policy, engagement, and training sector enhancement. Anthea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, with recent achievements including contributing future workforce skilling research for Australia’s electricity networks, electrotechnology contractors, and the Coal Seam Gas industry.
Anthea is the CEO for Powering Skills Organisation – a jobs and skills council for the energy sector in Australia. PSO is focused on industry workforce research, development, policy, engagement, and training sector enhancement. Anthea has grown and refined her skills in a range of challenging work environments, from relatively new start-ups to small not-for-profits, all the way to world leading multinationals like Facebook.
Dugald Murray
Dugald Murray is Chief Executive Officer of Skills Insight, the federal Jobs and Skills Council responsible for the agribusiness, fibre, furnishing, food, animal and environment care industries.
With more than 20 years’ experience across government, industry and the not-for-profit sector, Dugald specialises in government relations, policy and systems reform.
Before joining Skills Insight, he was CEO of the Victorian TAFE Association, where he secured critical funding, drove strategic renewal and led the successful negotiation of multi-employer workplace agreements for Victorian TAFE teaching and professional staff.
His career includes senior roles as Executive Director at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Director of Strategic Advice and Collaboration at the Victorian Skills Authority. He has served as Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to federal and state ministers, and held policy roles with the Australian, Victorian and Canadian governments. A former non-executive director of the Australian Energy Foundation and ICN Victoria, Dugald holds a Bachelor of Economics
Sharon Robertson
Sharon Robertson is CEO of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, the Jobs and Skills Council for Australia’s manufacturing sector.
She leads national collaboration between industry, government and training providers to address workforce and skills challenges shaping the future of manufacturing.
Sharon has more than 20 years’ experience in vocational education, skills policy and industry engagement and is Chair of the Tuition Protection Service Advisory Board.
Brett Schimming
Brett Schimming is the Chief Executive Officer of BuildSkills Australia. BuildSkills was created under the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Council Program to address skills and training needs and deliver the nation’s workforce plan for the Built Environment sector.
BuildSkills is an active partner in the national conversation around jobs and skills, listening to industry and translating their concerns into evidence-based policy and program responses.
Brett has amassed over 20 years of experience and knowledge across the Vocational Education and Training and Building and Construction sectors. He has qualifications in education, business, and public policy, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Brett has been a Member of the Australian Industry Skills and Industry Committee.
Panel: AI on the tools: What it means for apprenticeships
Ben Bardon
Ben is the CEO of the National Australian Apprenticeships Association and a former Board member of Group Training Australia. He ran a large GTO in regional NSW for 10 years and has worked in the VET sector since 1990.
He has consulted internationally for the World Bank, the Vocational Training Council in Hong Kong and was a founding Board member of the London Apprenticeship Company a UK style GTO.
Saf Flatters
Saf Flatters is an electrician, electrical contractor and AI-focused data scientist with over a decade of experience across domestic, commercial and mining sectors. She works at the intersection of field operations, technology and workforce development, with a particular interest in how AI can support better fault-finding and decision-making for tradespeople. Saf is a Project Lead for NAEN's RISE & Shine program, supporting GTOs and mentoring female apprentices nationally. She also serves on Western Australia's Electrical Licensing Board and the board of the Electrotechnology Training Institute, overseeing EGT. She is passionate about building a digitally skilled, future-ready workforce for technical and trade-based industries.
Brett McCroary
Brett McCroary is the Senior Manager Operations at the Institute of Applied Technology - Construction and an AI Construction Specialist, with a passion for supporting the digitisation of the construction Industry. Brett has an extensive background spanning carpentry, building, and 19 years in vocational education. With qualifications in Adult Education and an Masters Business Administration in Data Analytics, he combines hands‑on trade experience with practical tech know‑how. Brett focuses on making AI accessible for the construction industry, helping teams use simple tools and smart prompts to cut admin time and work more efficiently.
Peta Skujins
Peta Skujins is the Senior Manager, Planning at the Future Skills Organisation (FSO), the Jobs and Skills Council for Finance, Tech and Business. She leads strategic workforce planning and evidence‑based initiatives that support national skills policy, with a strong focus on data‑driven decision‑making, stakeholder engagement, and cross‑sector collaboration. Peta is currently leading the development of the FSO Workforce Plan 2026 and multiple Needs and Gaps Analyses, integrating emerging considerations such as generative AI, occupational outcomes from training, and the evolving needs of employers across sectors. Prior to joining FSO, Peta held senior roles across the Australian Apprenticeships system and holds a PhD in Psychology.
Panel: Fix the system, not the woman: reforming workplace culture
Jonathan Cook
Jonathan Cook is a National Organiser for the Australian Workers' Union and has led national initiatives across multiple sectors including Agriculture, Civil Construction and Tourism with active roles in policy advocacy, enterprise bargaining, and workforce development. The AWU is a proud partner of NAEN in the Together we RISE BWC program. The Union is committed to improving workplaces for all workers and as part of this commitment sees changing the culture to deliver better workplaces for women as a significant step that we must all take together.
Cayla Johnston
Cayla Johnston is a third-year Electrical Apprentice training and employed with NECA (National Electrical and Communications Association) and sponsored by Barnwell Cambridge. Throughout her apprenticeship, she has remained focused on technical excellence and encouraging other young women in her trade. Her participation in the RISE program shows her commitment to empowering women in male dominated areas. Her hope is to see more women progressing into leadership roles in the industry. Cayla was recently awarded 3rd place for NECA’s 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year (2025).
Her commitment to leadership began during her school years, where she was actively involved in School Leadership and Women in Leadership programs. These early experiences laid the foundation for her advocacy for women in non-traditional roles.
Outside of her professional life, Cayla is a high-performance athlete and competitor. She plays representative baseball for New South Wales and Australia, and spends her spare time racing races.
Ian Said
Ian Said brings 13 years’ experience across both private and public VET sectors, including the past eight years at Kangan Institute & Bendigo TAFE, which had a strong focus on apprenticeships, GTO partnerships and industry–TAFE collaboration across Automotive, Construction, Hospitality and Health. Ian has led programs including SheKAN Build, a pre-employment pathway delivered with SheForce (GTO) to support women into construction, and BMW NextGen, a national apprenticeship program delivered with NextGen Jobs (GTO) and BMW dealerships, which achieved stronger female participation through collaborative student wrap around support. Ian also recently presented at the 2025 AEN Conference on GTO & TAFE Strategic Partnerships, sharing practical insights on leadership, collaboration and system level impact.
Kaitlyn McMahon
Kaitlyn McMahon is a fourth-year electrical apprentice working in heavy industry, with experience across rail, breakdowns, and maintenance. She is currently hosted out to BlueScope, where she has recently stepped into an Equipment Specialist role, supporting critical plant equipment and working closely with maintenance teams.
As a mature-aged apprentice, Kaitlyn brings a practical, hands-on approach to the trade, along with a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where problem-solving is key.
As a woman working in the trade, Kaitlyn understands the impact of being visible in spaces where women are still underrepresented. Through her work, she hopes to help shift perceptions and create a space where more women can see themselves in the industry.
Kaitlyn is attending the NAEN Conference as part of the Together We R.I.S.E mentoring program, where she is connecting with other women in trades while continuing to build her skills and confidence. She values being part of a network that supports development and shared experience and growth within the industry.
Chelsea Watt
Chelsea Watt is a third-year carpentry apprentice from Tully, Queensland. Carpentry chose her as much as she chose it, and she hasn't looked back. She started her apprenticeship in the Torres Strait Islands; remote, demanding, and far from the conventional path. That experience grounded her. It taught her to be adaptable, to problem-solve on the fly, and to take pride in the quality of her work regardless of the conditions. Holding a Diploma of Sustainable Living from the University of Tasmania, she brings a considered eye to how and what we build, a perspective she carries into her current role with Cassowary Coast Regional Council through GTO Community Solutions, and into her studies in an Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction Management with TAFE Queensland.
As a woman on the tools, Chelsea is aware that every day she shows up, she's quietly challenging an assumption someone holds about who belongs in this industry. Making a difference, to her, means being visible, because when a young girl sees a woman framing a wall or reading a set of plans, a door opens that she didn't know was there.
Chelsea is attending the NAEN Conference as part of the Together We R.I.S.E mentoring program, proud to be part of a generation of tradeswomen who are proving that the only thing unusual about a woman in construction is that there aren't more of us.
Members' Luncheon Speakers
Commissioner Cameron Baker
With over two decades in the VET sector, Cameron Baker serves as South Australia's Skills Commissioner. Engaging stakeholders across industry and training, he is passionate about effective and safe training for a dynamic and skilled workforce.
Dr Melissa Banelis
Melissa Banelis is an experienced data and digital leader specialising in transformation, data quality and governance, and product-led, user-centred approaches. She has a strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders and translating evidence into insights that support policy and system outcomes. Melissa also brings academic and applied expertise, with more than 10 years as a university lecturer and experience at the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, where she contributed to the development of advanced analytics solutions for predictive modelling and investment optimisation.
Jaclyn Livingstone
Jaclyn Livingstone is a Melbourne based Partnership Manager at AustralianSuper. She has 11 years experience in the superannuation industry with a background in employer and stakeholder engagement, as well as member financial education. She is committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for employers and stakeholders, that support and enhance financial wellbeing for their employees and members.