- 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.
Panel presenters: TBA
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 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.
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
Sheila 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.