CONFERENCE 2009 THEMES

The conference themes below list a range of topics that papers might cover. We have included these to spark ideas and they are by no means exhaustive.

Best practice in workplaces, schools and the community

Innovative career education/development practice in learning and workplace settings.

• Examples of effective career education and development programmes
• Shared responsibilities for career development
• Career development to improve staff performance, productivity and the bottom line!
• The role of workplace representatives
• Building capability of teachers, managers or community leaders to support others’ career development

Making a difference!

Evidence of the value of career development and life-long learning in addressing individual, economic and social goals.

• Research that informs professional practice and public policy
• Initiatives that demonstrate positive outcomes for individuals, organisations and the community
• Evidence of how career development services meet public policy goals and provide ‘value for money’
• Measuring outcomes and assessing the value of career development services

Individuals influencing services

The role of the citizen and community in shaping the development and delivery of career practice and policy.

• Examples of where citizens or groups in the community have had input into shaping practice, operations or technology
• Mechanisms used to ensure public/stakeholder opinions are sought and considered in strategy and policy making
• Ways in which public/stakeholder views have strengthened policies or strategy

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Culture counts

Understanding the needs and realising the potential of indigenous and migrant communities.

• Current best practice career development initiatives that recognise and respect diversity in indigenous and/or migrant communities
• Emerging models of practice that take account of cultural factors such as the importance of the extended family in career decision making
• Empowering communities to take control of their own destiny

Transformational technology

Creative and cost effective uses of technology that challenge existing thinking and shape new ways of working.

• New models of delivery that reach more clients more efficiently and cost effectively
• Technology that gives clients control over when and how they access services
• How emerging technologies are  influencing traditional practice and thinking

Better career conversations

New career assessment tools, delivery techniques and resources used by practitioners to help clients make informed work and learning decisions in the context of the life they wish to lead.

• New assessment tools and resources
• Competencies of practitioners including narrative/conversational techniques
• Building the capability of parents/caregivers in helping young people make decisions
• The importance of qualifications and continuing professional development
• The role of professional careers associations in setting ethical standards

Changing patterns in the world of work

A look at global labour market trends and prospects and their impact on employment, forms of work and migration.

• The impact of labour mobility, technology and demography on forms of work and workplace practices
• The growing importance of accessing and interpreting labour market information
• Push and pull factors influencing migration in the Pacific
• Generational  differences and similarities in workplace attitudes
• Key challenges and opportunities facing future workers and employers

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