Workforce 2027: What's Next for Melbourne's East?

Melbourne's east is changing, and so are the ways businesses find, grow and keep great people. Join local employers and industry leaders for a morning conversation about the workforce challenges ahead, and the practical things we can do about them together.

Hosted by Swinburne's Skills and Jobs Centre and OELLEN, this 90-minute breakfast brings together business leaders, HR professionals, industry associations and regional partners for a moderated panel, open questions and time to connect.

This is more than a networking breakfast. It is the starting point for a local network of employers working with us to support young people's career pathways and to make career support easier to access.

What we'll explore

• What workforce and skills challenges are emerging for businesses in Melbourne's east?

• How can employers attract, develop and retain talent in a changing labour market?

• How can businesses better engage young people and support the move from school to work?

• What practical partnerships could strengthen career readiness and workforce participation in 2027?

What you'll take away

• Local insights on workforce trends and what employers are doing about them

• Practical ideas from businesses sharing real recruitment and talent development experiences

• Connections with other employers, industry bodies and regional partners

• A clear view of free services that can support your workforce, including career guidance and support for organisations that are downsizing

• A simple way to get involved in work experience, structured workplace learning and youth pathways

Who should come

Business owners and leaders, HR and people and culture professionals, talent and recruitment leads, industry association and chamber representatives, local government and community partners across Melbourne's east.

Meet the panel

• Mark Watt, CEO Social Engine. Mark is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Social Engine, an Australian social enterprise that empowers vulnerable young people, refugees, and humanitarian entrants through paid work experience, training, and transition support.

• David Vastbinder, DPV Construction, David is a Swinburne Alumni and leads DPV Construction, a Box Hill South based building company specialising in home renovations, extensions, carpentry and bathroom projects.

• Student representative

More to be announced soon!

About the hosts

Swinburne Skills and Jobs Centre: The Skills and Jobs Centre provides free career guidance and employment readiness services to people in Melbourne's east. It supports job seekers, people navigating career transitions and employees affected by organisational change, including through Job Link for organisations that are downsizing. The Centre is not a recruitment service.

OELLEN: OELLEN (Outer Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network) works with schools, employers and community partners to help young people in Melbourne's outer east move from education into work and further study. Coordinating work based learning opportunities through the School to Work program.

Accessibility and inclusion: The venue is step-free, accessed by a lift. Please let us know about dietary or access requirements when you register.