Disrespectful and harmful behaviours are too often normalized in VET settings, particularly in male-dominated industries, creating significant barriers to student success and staff retention. The "Training for Respect" prevalence study confirms this, revealing high rates of workplace violence and a pervasive attitude among some staff that "it's just part of the job." This workshop will move beyond the statistics to provide a tangible, interactive session on how VET institutions can leverage a Theory of Change to address and prevent work-related gendered violence.
Drawing from the "Training for Respect" framework, we will guide participants through the core components of creating a safe and respectful environment. This includes laying strong foundations through awareness-raising and education, building skills for staff and students to intervene safely and seek support, and strengthening leadership accountability. The session will explore how to develop clear, accessible, and trauma-informed reporting pathways—a critical need identified in the study, where most incidents go unreported due to fears of reprisal and reputational damage.
Through collaborative discussion and practical exercises, we will demonstrate how to embed gender equality principles into curriculum development, and how to use data and feedback to drive continuous improvement. Participants will learn how to shift their institution's culture from a passive, compliance-based approach to an active, prevention-oriented one.
Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable plan to take back to their institutions, equipped with a strategic framework and practical tools to prevent violence, improve student outcomes, and cultivate a safe and inclusive environment that truly empowers the next generation of the workforce.