The conference theme, "Schisms and Continuums: Understanding Sustainability, Change and Identity in Vocational Education," invites examination of the tensions, contradictions, and connections that characterise contemporary VET systems globally. As vocational education navigates between tradition and innovation, local needs and global pressures, economic imperatives and social justice commitments, this conference seeks to illuminate both the fractures and mendings that define our field.

The conference is organised around three interconnected dimensions that collectively frame the contemporary VET landscape:

Sustainability examines how vocational education and training contributes to—and is shaped by—the imperative for sustainable futures. This encompasses not only environmental sustainability and green skills development, but also the sustainability of VET systems themselves, pedagogical practices, funding models, and career pathways. We seek contributions that interrogate how VET can foster resilient systems and communities while responding to climate change, resource constraints, and the transition to sustainable economies.

Change explores the multifaceted drivers and consequences of transformation within vocational education. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to demographic shifts and evolving labour markets, VET systems worldwide are experiencing profound disruption. This dimension invites analysis of how change is conceptualised, managed, resisted, and leveraged within VET contexts, including examination of policy reforms, institutional restructuring, curriculum innovation, and pedagogical transformation.

Identity investigates the evolving constructions of self, role, and purpose within vocational education ecosystems. As traditional boundaries between academic and vocational education blur, and as the nature of work itself transforms, questions of identity become increasingly salient. Who are VET learners, teachers, and institutions becoming? How do marginalised voices claim space within VET discourse? What values and purposes animate contemporary vocational education?

1 – ABSTRACT AND CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

If accepted, you will be expected to provide your presentation for inclusion on the AVETRA conference website.

Presentations can be either 15 minutes, or 30 minutes. This will allow for 30- and 45-minute sessions with at least 10 minutes for questions and discussion and 5 minutes changeover between papers or rooms.

2 – ABSTRACT, CONFERENCE PRESENTATION 

If accepted, you will be expected to provide your presentation for inclusion on the AVETRA conference website.

Presentations can be either 15 minutes, or 30 minutes. This will allow for 30- and 45-minute sessions with at least 10 minutes for questions and discussion and 5 minutes changeover between papers or rooms.

3 - INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

The conference aims to provide practical assistance to VET researchers and practitioners and to those new to VET research. Submissions for a 90-minute session which involves and challenges a small group of participants are requested. These may be workshops, symposia, roundtable, or panel discussions but the proposal must identify the target audience and expected outcomes of the session and clearly identify the agreement of all presenters. If accepted, you will be expected to provide any relevant presentations used in the session and a summary of the key discussion points for inclusion on the AVETRA conference website.