Vocational Training Events (lifelong learning)

The University of Newcastle provides a diverse range of vocational training, professional development and lifelong learning opportunities that extend the University’s expertise beyond traditional degree programs. These initiatives support industry, government, community organisations and professionals to build skills and address workforce and societal challenges.

During 2025, the University organised public-facing skills workshops, industry short courses and specialist professional-development events for people outside its enrolled degree programmes. Regular training programmes were complemented by individual workshops and profession-specific events, connecting University expertise with practical learning needs across the community.

Public skills workshops and programmed training

2025 I2N entrepreneurship and innovation workshops

The University’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) offered a free, public Idea Workshop series at the I2N Hub in Q Building, Newcastle City. Participants could register for individual sessions or attend the full programme, developing practical skills in identifying customer needs, communicating value, navigating innovation networks and testing business ideas. The 2025 series included “Jobs to be Done” on 25 February, “Value Proposition Design” on 6 March, “Ecosystem Mapping” on 13 March and “Business Experiments” on 20 March. Registration was required, but the workshops were free and open to people interested in developing entrepreneurial skills.

TUNRA industry short courses

A key contributor to this work is TUNRA, the University’s wholly owned consulting and commercialisation company. TUNRA connects industry, government and business with University expertise through research partnerships, specialist consulting, testing services and professional training.

Through TUNRA Bulk Solids (TBS), the University has supported the resources and process sectors since 1974, providing consulting, contract research, laboratory testing, advanced analytics, prototype development and specialised short courses. Its professional training covers bulk solids handling, storage, feeding, transfer and conveying, translating engineering research into practical industry skills. TUNRA delivers structured courses for industry participants and can tailor in-house training to specific workplace needs.

Specialist workforce training and one-off industry events in 2025

Clinical education and professional development

Across its Colleges and Schools, the University regularly delivers continuing professional development opportunities for industry partners and placement supervisors. In 2025, the School of Health Sciences Multidisciplinary Supervisor Training Day attracted 75 participants from public and private health organisations, enhancing the clinical education and supervision skills of professionals who support student placements.

Discipline-specific professional development events also connect academics, industry and practitioners. The Podiatry Industry Expo, held at Callaghan Campus in 2025, attracted more than 130 attendees, including clinicians, placement partners, students and industry representatives. Its accompanying continuing professional development programme engaged 46 clinicians in research presentations and hands-on training focused on evidence-based clinical technologies. The Oral Health Expo Day similarly brought together more than 120 delegates and 12 industry partners for professional learning and collaboration.

The University’s 2025 Industry Open Day, held on 16 September, brought together more than 300 industry and community partners and included interactive professional-development sessions on cultural capability, supervising student placements and developing talent through industry–university collaboration. These one-off sessions complemented longer-running training opportunities with practical learning for external professionals.

International nutrition workforce development

The University’s commitment to workforce development also extends internationally. In 2025, the Graduate Certificate in Nutrition, led by Professor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks and Associate Professor Amanda Patterson, was delivered through the Australian Government’s Australia Awards Papua New Guinea Short Course programme. According to the University’s researcher-supplied programme details, 30 health professionals from Papua New Guinea completed this training in 2025. A February 2025 University announcement described a 12-week programme supported by $1.2 million in Australian Government funding, including one week of Indigenous health learning in Tamworth. Participants developed nutrition assessment and health-promotion skills to respond to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in their communities.

The Australia Awards programme was designed for a selected cohort of Papua New Guinean health professionals rather than general public enrolment. It illustrates the breadth of the University’s specialist workforce training alongside its openly advertised workshops and industry learning events.

Building pathways into future professions

The University also fosters lifelong learning and career aspirations through a broad suite of STEM outreach and enrichment programmes for school students. In 2025, Experiment Fest engaged 1,580 students from 57 schools in hands-on science activities. The National Science and Engineering Challenge, SMART Program and HunterWISE supported young people exploring STEM pathways, with HunterWISE engaging 170 students from 12 high schools.

Additional 2025 activities included the Young Mathematicians Program (approximately 120 students), H2Know (150 students), Engineering Student for a Day (90 students), and STEM Sparks: Igniting Girls’ Futures in the Built Environment. The University also hosted or supported externally facilitated competitions and educational events, including RoboCup Junior and BiG Day In. These school-focused activities strengthen future workforce pathways, although they are distinct from vocational training for the broader public.

Through public skills workshops, industry short courses and professional training events, the University of Newcastle shares specialised knowledge with learners and working professionals beyond formal degree study. Its 2025 activities supported practical skill development, workforce capability and connections between education and industry.