- When: Wednesday 12 August 2026 @ 1:00pm AEST
- Duration: 1 hr
- Cost: FREE for ALA members | $65 non-members
About the session
August 12th is United Nations International Youth Day.
To celebrate the date, join us for an engaging panel conversation exploring how educators work alongside young people in different learning settings.
The session will share real experiences and practical insights, including tips and ideas drawn from what works in supporting young people to learn, stay engaged, and build confidence. We’ll explore the importance of listening to youth voice, building trust, and creating flexible, inclusive pathways such as lifelong learning and second-chance opportunities.
A conversation about connection, possibility, and the many ways young people can thrive through learning.
Facilitator – Ros Bauer
Ros is an ALA Board member and Secretary with extensive experience in adult education and leadership as an LLN practitioner. She is currently Head of Department for Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills at TAFE NSW. Ros was the winner of the 2013 Australian Training Awards for Excellence in Adult LLN Practice and is also a recipient of an Executive Fellowship through the Australian Endeavour Awards.
Panel Member – Bettina Twyman
Bettina is currently the Project Manager at Concern Australia, which delivers the Handbrake Turn program – a hands-on automotive training initiative that supports young people to build practical skills, strengthen confidence, and create pathways to education, training, and future employment. Bettina has worked in the social welfare sector for over 20 years, holds a bachelor’s degree in education, and has completed academic fellowships in family violence practise and trauma-informed practise. Bettina’s work has included delivering training and support to Indigenous case workers in remote communities of the Northern Territory, project management roles in delivering food relief programs, employment programs for people with disabilities, casework with CALD community members, and youth well-being programs.
Panel Member – Jill Ashley
Jill Ashley is the CEO and co-founder of ShoreTrack, a not-for profit with three key impact areas of social enterprise, trades training and Australia’s first trades based special assistance school. ShoreTrack supports young people disengaged from learning and community and helps them to pathway into employment through hands-on learning, mentoring and real industry pathways. Drawing on her background in business, social impact and education, Jill has developed award-winning programs that build skills, confidence and connection to Country and community in response to community need.
Panel Member – Sheila Villania
An inclusive leader and a curious learner, Sheila has been working as an LLND specialist for over 20 years. Her current focus is on youth programs, where her team thrives through responsive and customised learning to build empowered learners. She leads TAFE NSW’s literacy and youth education programs, including the U17 Program, which supports young people under 17 who have left school early to build their literacy, numeracy and digital skills and transition into further education, training and employment.
Panel Member – Georgie Potter
Georgie was an early school leaver who returned to education through TAFE to complete Year 10. Her teacher quickly recognised how focused and committed she was to her studies, while also balancing part-time work. With a clear aspiration to work in aged care, Georgie went on to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support. She is a highly committed learner with a strong sense of purpose and clear goals for her future. She is passionate about supporting older people and is keen to further develop her career in aged care and support, with a particular interest in becoming more involved in palliative care.