29 April 2026, 3.00pm

AGENDA

15:00 Welcome & Acknowledgement – Cassie Sanki 

15:05 Training Services Role and Support – Derek Hennessy  

15:15 VET Ambassadors, an update to working with regions – Cassie Sanki 

15:25 Student perspective on program benefits – Libby King  

15:30 Strategies to get the best opportunities for students – Penny Mackay 

15:35 Question & Answer Wrap-up Session 

CONTENT

Department representation on Training Services (TS) resources

Derek Hennessy, Training Services Regional Manager Central and Northern Region

• An introduction and overview of the services from Training Services

• Update on programs in all NSW: CAPS, Bert Evans, Barranggirra, Smart & Skilled

• Supporting students emerging into or questioning a VET journey

Outline VET Ambassadors as a new update to working with regions

Cassie Sanki, Training Services VET Ambassador Program Coordinator

• Overview of TS VET Ambassador program and its role to assist all schools in NSW

• How it can be delivered in schools and examples of events and Ambassadors

• Contacts for support to add to or create events and departmental connections

Student perspective on effective support to benefit students

Libby King, 2023 VET in Schools Student of the Year State Winner

• What does an ideal program to attend as a student look like

• What aspects work to engage and give real student outcomes and benefit

• What existing programs encourage success and why they’re impactful

Tips to connect to resources and answering student queries

Penny Mackay, 2025 VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year National Winner

• Strategies to connect to collaborations to ensure the best support for students

• If a student sought guidance what pathway opportunities are there for them

• Advice vital to students supporting transitions (work/further training/learning)