Future Ready: Building an Adaptive, High-Impact Workforce
Description
Join us at the Skills Tasmania Forum 2026 on Tuesday 25 August at the Launceston Conference Centre
This year’s theme, “Future Ready: Building an Adaptive, High-Impact Workforce,” brings together leaders from industry, government, and the training sector to explore emerging skills needs, workforce challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
As part of National Skills Week the forum will featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, covering topics including workforce adaptability, AI and digital capability, industry engagement in training, and improving outcomes across the VET system.
Who Should Attend?
The Skills Tasmania Forum is designed for:
Employers and industry representatives
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
Group Training Organisations (GTOs)
Industry associations and peak bodies
HR and workforce development professionals
Community organisations supporting employment and career pathways
Join the conversation to help shape Tasmania's apprentice and trainee workforce, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the future of skills development in Tasmania.
Keynote Speakers
Catherine de Fontenay - Commissioner
Catherine de Fontenay commenced a 5-year term as a full-time Commissioner with the Productivity Commission (PC) in July 2019. Catherine was reappointed for a further 5-year term commencing July 2024. After completing her PhD in 1998 at Stanford University, Catherine taught at the University of New South Wales. She joined the University of Melbourne in 2001 and held roles in the Business School and the Economics Department. She has held visiting positions at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Stanford University, and the Stern School of Business, New York University. Most recently she was an Associate Professor of Economics at the Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne. Her research has been published in a number of international journals, including the American Economic Review, the RAND Journal of Economics, and the Journal of Industrial Economics. In competition economics, her research has focused on firm-to-firm negotiations, and how mergers or exclusive dealing contracts will affect negotiated outcomes. She has also researched topics from organisational economics and development economics. Catherine is a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC). Catherine co-leads the Industry and Trade stream of work at the PC.
Matthew Esterman
Matthew Esterman is an Australian AI strategist, educator and founder of The Next Word, helping organisations adopt AI responsibly while preserving human judgement and trust. With more than 15 years' experience as a teacher, school leader and consultant, he has led innovative projects in AI adoption, digital transformation, professional learning and industry partnerships across Australia. Matthew's approach to AI adoption is centred on "Start human. Use AI. Stay human." Matthew works with organisations to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the trust, accountability and human judgement that underpin effective decision-making. His practical framework focuses on governance, capability building and responsible implementation, enabling leaders to adopt AI with confidence and purpose.
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