As Tasmania’s workforce and industries continue to evolve, the need for adaptable, future-focused skills has never been greater. 

Held during National Skills Week 2026, the Skills Tasmania Forum 2026 brought together industry leaders, training providers, government representatives and workforce stakeholders at the Launceston Conference Centre to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Tasmania’s workforce of the future. 

Under the theme “Future Ready: Building an Adaptive, High-Impact Workforce,” the Forum examined how industry, education and government can work together to develop a workforce that is agile, resilient and equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy. 

The event featured an address from Felix Ellis MP,  Tasmanian Minister for Skills and Jobs, a keynote presentation by Catherine de Fontenay, Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, as well as expert panel discussions, interactive sessions and networking opportunities. 

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) was represented at the Forum by David Forbes, Regional Engagement Manager, and Tricia Fidock, Project Specialist, who attended to engage with stakeholders, contribute to workforce planning discussions and strengthen connections across Tasmania’s skills and training ecosystem. 

Throughout the day, participants explored a range of workforce priorities, including: 

  • Preparing Tasmania for the AI economy and the changing skills landscape. 
  • Aligning training with industry needs and workforce demand. 
  • Investing in the vocational education and training (VET) workforce and learner outcomes. 
  • Strengthening partnerships between employers, training providers and government. 
  • Recognising the value of both accredited and non-accredited training pathways. 
  • Driving collaboration to improve learner journeys and workforce outcomes. 

A consistent message echoed throughout the Forum: workforce development is a shared responsibility.  

Speakers and participants highlighted the importance of collaboration, industry-informed training and strategic investment in future skills to ensure both learners and businesses are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing environment. 

The discussions reinforced that building a future-ready workforce requires strong partnerships across the skills ecosystem, with employers, educators and policymakers working together to identify emerging workforce needs and create responsive training solutions. 

As Tasmania continues to navigate economic and technological change, the Skills Tasmania Forum 2026 demonstrated the vital role collaboration plays in building an adaptive, high-impact workforce that supports both industry growth and individual career success. 

Future-ready workforces are built through collaboration, and the Skills Tasmania Forum 2026 provided an important platform for shaping the future of skills and workforce development across the state.