Presentation (20 minutes) – maximum of TWO speakers per presentation TAFE Directors Australia Convention 2026

This presentation will showcase the outcomes and impact of TAFE Gippsland’s implementation of the Strategy to Attract and Engage Learners Experiencing Intersectional Disadvantage, an initiative designed to address structural, social and educational barriers faced by learners navigating multiple layers of disadvantage.

By embedding inclusive design across qualification delivery, enhancing staff capability in trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching, strengthening pre-training engagement and integrating wraparound support services, the strategy has delivered measurable improvements across three target qualifications.  These include increased student participation, improved retention and completion rates, and stronger post-course outcomes in both education and employment.

This session will share key data insights and compelling participant stories that reveal the transformative power of belonging, inclusive teaching and sustained connection. Attendees will also receive an update on learners' outcomes post-completion, as TAFE Gippsland continues to track educational and employment outcomes for participating cohorts.

Key learning outcomes for attendees

• Understand the structural elements and implementation approach of TAFE Gippsland’s intersectionality strategy.
• Examine data on participation, retention and completion and the systems enabling success.
• Learn from the co-designed engagement models tailored for regional and high-disadvantage contexts.
• Hear first-hand accounts that illustrate the impact of inclusive design and a sense of belonging.
• Take away practical, scalable examples to adapt in other TAFE settings.