New England North West Future Workforce Forum 2026: Building Capability at Speed
The New England North West Future Workforce Forum is a dynamic, action-focused event for New England North West employers, training providers, industry and government leaders who want to strengthen the region’s workforce capability and productivity. As industrial relations shift, AI adoption accelerates and skills gaps grow, the forum focuses on practical solutions and regional priorities that support workforce participation, productivity and sustainable growth.
Event Name: New England North West Future Workforce Forum
Date & Time: Wednesday 4 March 2026 | 10:45 AM to 2:00 PM (registrations from 10:30 AM)
Location & Venue: UNE Tamworth Study Centre, Fitzroy Street, Tamworth NSW
Format: Open Forum
Includes: Light networking lunch
Purpose-built for the New England North West, the forum brings together policy insight, regional data and business and training perspectives to inform, encourage action and align effort. The program supports continuing advocacy for flexible skills funding and micro-credential recognition, promotes business-led training pilots and stronger regional VET collaboration, and positions youth work readiness as a strategic priority for economic growth.
What you will hear and take away
- Keynote: AI, Skills and Micro-Credentials
Melinda Brown, General Manager, SkillsIQ
Melinda will examine how AI is changing skills requirements across industries and what this means for the New England North West workforce. The session focuses on the role of micro-credentials in rapid upskilling, productivity and workforce participation.
- Workplace Law Update: The New Rules of Work in 2026
Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors (ABLA)
A clear update on upcoming industrial relations changes and what employers need to know to remain compliant while building fair and responsible workplaces.
- Regional Productivity Report Update
An overview of the latest Regional Productivity Report, highlighting key insights, implications for the New England North West and where coordinated action can support stronger workforce outcomes.
- Regional Case Study: Youth Pathways into Employment
Debbie Taekata, Careers Network
A regional case study exploring how coordinated support, employer engagement and structured pathways can help young people move from education into employment.
- Panel Discussion: Attracting and Growing a Diverse Workforce
Industry, training and workforce leaders share strategies for attracting people from a range of backgrounds through flexible pathways, partnerships and collaboration. The session includes a live Q&A to support shared discussion and problem solving.
Why attend?
This forum is designed to support action by:
- Continuing advocacy for flexible skills funding and micro-credential recognition
- Promoting business-led training pilots and stronger regional VET collaboration
- Elevating youth work readiness as a strategic priority for the New England North West
Attendees will gain clarity on emerging workforce issues, contribute to regional dialogue and connect with peers over a light networking lunch.
Register today and join us at this important event!
