2026 Apprentice Employment Network SA (AEN SA) Field Officers Conference

2026 Apprentice Employment Network SA Field Officers Conference

Join us for a day of connection, collaboration and education at U City on Franklin Street.

This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with AEN SA members and other representatives while being exposed to informative presenters sharing valuable insights, information and tools to help you navigate an increasingly complex apprentice & trainee employment landscape.

This event is aimed for GTO and associated industry professionals who have a vested interest in the employment of apprentices and trainees in South Australia.

Presentations include:

'Cultural Intelligence in Practice: Engaging Apprentices, Trainees & Employers'.

(Facilitated by Hanaa' Grave - Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia)

This presentation will explore:

• Discover why Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is critical for effectively engaging apprentices, trainees & employers from diverse backgrounds
• Gain practical insights on developing skills & strategies to navigate cultural differences, build trust, improve communication, & create inclusive workplace interactions
• Understand how linking individual capabilities with organisational cultural competence drives fair, effective, & high performing outcomes in apprenticeships & traineeships

'From Awareness to Action: Supporting Apprentices Affected by Gambling Harm'.

(Facilitated by Rory Spreckley - Gambling Harm Support SA)

This presentation will explore:

• Understanding what is Gambling Harm
• Recognising signs early (practical tips & strategies for GTO Field Officers)
• From awareness to action (workplace strategies that work)
• Support services & resources (what to offer apprentices)

'Confidence in Challenging Conversations: Turning Tough Moments into Better Outcomes'.

(Facilitated by David Watts - Two Steps Forward Consulting)

This presentation will explore:

• A simple, practical framework to approach difficult conversations with clarity & confidence
• How to manage emotions (yours & theirs) in high-pressure or sensitive situations
• Real-world strategies for engaging apprentices, employers & stakeholders across diverse backgrounds
• Interactive discussion and peer learning to apply tools to real scenarios

'Healthy Appentice Minds: Realities, Tips & Tools for our Future Trades'.

(Facilitated by Jo Marshall - Culturise)

This presentation will explore:

• The facts - how prevalent are mental health issues for our apprentice network?
• The intersection between Mental Health and Psychosocial Safety
• Reading the room - what are the signs?
• Real talk, not textbook - what to say and what not to say
• Escalation, referral and protecting privacy

'Safework SA Update: Hear from the Regulator'.

(Facilitated by Glenn Farrell - Safework SA)

This presentation will explore:

• New or upcoming legislative changes impacting industry
• Current and emerging risks to be aware of from a WHS perspective
• Safework SA observations within the GTO industry

'Supporting Apprentice Wellbeing, Recovery & Return to Work'.

(Facilitated by Amanda Sadauskas & Houda Peters - ReturnToWorkSA)

Building on insights from last year’s conference, Houda & Amanda will explore the following questions:

• What does data tell us about Apprentice Health, Safety, Wellbeing & Return-to-work?
• What are the key issues influencing Apprentice Health, Safety, Wellbeing & Return-to-work?
• How can Field Officers support Apprentice Health, Safety, Wellbeing & Return-to-work?

Please note: Presenters may be subject to change - a full program will be provided closer to the conference.

Apprentice Employment Network SA would like to thank our 2026 Field Officers Conference Premium Partner for their valued support:

Event Venue

U City, 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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