Regional business and industry leaders will meet in Tamworth next month as part of a coordinated push to strengthen workforce capability across the New England North West.
The New England North West Future Workforce Forum: Building Capability at Speed will be held on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at the University of New England’s Tamworth Study Centre. The event is being hosted by Business NSW New England North West with venue support from UNE.
The forum will bring together representatives from business, training providers, government and industry to address workforce pressures facing the region, including industrial relations reform, the integration of artificial intelligence in workplaces and the need for faster, more flexible skills development pathways.
Two keynote sessions will anchor the program.
The New Rules of Work: Compliance without chaos
In a keynote address, Julian Ardnt, Director at Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors (ABLA), will outline how workplace regulations are shifting in 2026 and what the changes mean for employers across the New England region.
The session will examine evolving industrial relations settings and the ethical use of AI in the workplace, with a focus on helping organisations remain compliant while building fair and future-ready workforce practices.
With regulatory change and technological disruption occurring simultaneously, the address is expected to provide guidance for regional employers navigating increasingly complex employment settings.
AI, Micro-Credentials and the Future of Skills
Melinda Brown, General Manager of Skills IQ, will deliver a keynote exploring how AI is transforming industries and what that means for workforce capability in regional Australia.
Her address will focus on the growing role of micro-credentials, rapid upskilling and flexible skills funding models in supporting productivity and workforce participation. As skills gaps intensify across sectors including energy, manufacturing, health, construction, agriculture, care and technology, the session will examine how regions such as the New England North West can respond quickly to remain competitive and investment-ready.
Youth transitions and diverse workforce participation
The forum will also highlight youth transitions, featuring a regional case study from Careers Network demonstrating how coordinated employer engagement and structured pathways can support young people moving from education into employment.
A facilitated panel discussion on attracting diverse cohorts will bring together industry, training and workforce leaders to discuss strategies to broaden participation and strengthen the region’s workforce. The session will include a live Q&A.
Advancing regional priorities
Organisers say the forum has been designed to advance key New England North West priorities, including:
- Advocacy for flexible skills funding and formal recognition of micro-credentials
- Support for business-led training pilots and stronger regional VET collaboration
- Elevating youth work readiness as a strategic economic priority
As industrial relations frameworks evolve, AI influences job design and labour shortages continue to constrain growth, the forum aims to align regional stakeholders and accelerate practical workforce responses.
Event details
New England North West Future Workforce Forum: Building Capability at Speed
Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026
Time: 10.45am to 2pm (registrations from 10.30am)
Location: UNE Tamworth Study Centre, Fitzroy Street, Tamworth
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $49 (plus $1 123Tix and card payment fee).
A light networking lunch is included.
Training providers, industry leaders, medium and large regional employers, Chambers of Commerce, economic development and workforce agencies, government representatives, schools, careers advisers and youth transition leaders are encouraged to attend.
Places are limited. Registrations can be made at:
https://www.123tix.com.au/events/51732/new-england-north-west-future-workforce-forum-2026-business-nsw
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