2025 NAFEA Conference

Join Us at the 2025 NAFEA Conference!

NAFEA is the national peak body for higher education and VET staff involved in the logistics and administration of work-integrated learning (WIL) across Australia. Held biennially, the NAFEA Conference brings together WIL professionals, researchers, placement providers, policymakers, and administrators from across the country to explore emerging trends and challenges in WIL.

Where: Novotel Geelong
When:  Wednesday, 29 October – Friday, 31 October 2025
Theme: The WIL Effect: Shaping the Future World of Work

Conference Highlights

• Diverse Topics: Sessions will explore key themes shaping the future of WIL, including equity, inclusion and diversity, innovative WIL practices, rural and regional WIL, generative AI, practicum payments, and more.
• Expert Speakers: Gain insights from leading researchers, industry experts, and practitioners who are at the forefront of WIL innovation.
• Interactive Workshops: Engage in hands-on workshops designed to equip you with practical tools and strategies to enhance your WIL programs.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with educators, professionals, and industry partners, to exchange ideas, build relationships, and collaborate on future projects.

Why Attend?

Held every two years, the NAFEA Conference provides a valuable forum to discuss the latest opportunities and challenges in WIL, offering practical strategies and innovative solutions. Whether you are an academic, professional staff member, or industry partner, this conference will provide insights to enhance your understanding and practice of WIL.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking community exploring the future of work and WIL together!

Stay tuned for the full conference program.

We look forward to seeing you in Geelong!

Keynote Speakers

Dr Michelle J. Eady is a Professor in the School of Education, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She is a Fellow of both the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) and The International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (ISSOTL), and holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Michelle, a Fulbright Scholar and the current past-president of ISSOTL, holds a national teaching citation for her work in quality teacher preparation. Her research interests include the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), Work integrated learning (WIL), Indigenous Studies and current issues in Education. She looks forward to making meaningful connections with others who are passionate about Teaching and Learning!

Faith Valencia-Forrester is a leading expert in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), experiential education, and higher education strategy. With a strong background in learning experience design, professional development, and academic capacity building, Faith has worked extensively to enhance student employability, industry partnerships, and inclusive learning environments.

Currently serving as Academic Lead Work-integrated Learning at Charles Sturt, Faith is passionate about integrating innovative pedagogies, social impact projects, and digital learning strategies to bridge the gap between education and real-world challenges.

A champion for equitable and accessible WIL opportunities, Faith has contributed to national and international initiatives that empower students to engage in transformative learning experiences. Faith brings insights, practical strategies, and thought-provoking perspectives to redefine the future of education and workforce development.