Ignited Podcast explores how education and industry are working together to build a future‑ready workforce.
Covering topics such as AI in the classroom, engagement beyond compliance, and partnerships that drive real capability, this series offers practical insights for educators, leaders, and industry stakeholders looking to innovate and create lasting impact.
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This podcast explores how industry–VET partnerships move beyond collaboration to deliver real workforce outcomes. Drawing on his experience, Shayne O’Byrne explains that effective partnerships are built on honesty, transparency and consistent follow-through, with clear mutual value for both parties. He highlights that partnerships are not always smooth—they involve ongoing discussion, challenge and adjustment—and must be actively managed to stay effective. Crucially, they enable the development of relevant, up-to-date training, particularly in emerging areas like renewable energy, helping build a safer, more capable workforce. The key message is clear: partnerships only work when they are intentional, mutually beneficial, and continuously supported by strong communication and accountability.
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2 Jun 2026
Beyond Compliance: Learning That Engages
In a regulated environment, compliance and quality are often treated as constraints on good learning. But what if engagement is not the risk - what if it is part of the evidence?
In this episode, Steve Hall, General Manager of VET and Technical Training at PSO, speaks with Kevin Hayes, who has worked across compliance-heavy learning environments in Australia and overseas, including Defence, the public sector, energy, mining and resources, and with the UK Government’s Cabinet Office. Together, they explore how learner-centred design can strengthen both engagement and audit confidence, and why educators need to shift from designing for documentation to designing for real evidence of performance.
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1 Jun 2026
Learning Culture Starts with Leaders
When educator development does not land, the problem is often assumed to be motivation. But motivation is shaped every day by leadership choices, time pressures, relevance and follow-through.
In this episode, Steve Hall, General Manager of VET and Technical Training at PSO, speaks with Richard Dore (https://proteusleadership.com/keynote-speaker-richard-dore/), CEO of Proteus Leadership (https://proteusleadership.com/), a boutique leadership training company working across industries to develop positive, practical and people-centred leaders. He brings decades of experience in leadership development, training and coaching teams across Australia. Together, they explore the manager’s role in making learning stick - from building influence and following through to creating a culture where development is treated as part of the job, not a tick-box exercise.
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1 Jun 2026
AI as a Teaching Partner
AI is already part of education - in classrooms, assessment design, learning resources and everyday workflow. The question now is not whether educators will use it, but how they can use it well.
In this episode, Steve Hall, General Manager of VET and Technical Training at PSO, speaks with Matthew Esterman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesterman/) (Founder and CEO, The Next Word (https://nextwordnow.com/about)), an educator working with schools, systems, and education groups to help them understand AI, map out their next steps, and use emerging tools in practical education settings. He brings 20 years’ experience in schools, including as a history teacher and Director of Innovation and Partnerships. Together, they explore practical uses for AI, the guardrails educators need, and why human judgement must stay firmly at the centre of learning and assessment.
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1 Jun 2026
Preparing Educators for a Changing Energy Sector
When we talk about the future of the energy workforce, the focus often goes straight to new technology, new qualifications and new skills. But behind that transition are the educators carrying the change in real time.
In this episode, Steve Hall, General Manager of VET and Technical Training at PSO, speaks with Kathy Druce, Head of Department, Electrotechnology at Canberra Institute of Technology (https://cit.edu.au/), with more than 25 years’ experience in the electrical industry and around a decade leading CIT Electrotechnology. Together, they explore what it takes to prepare energy educators for what comes next - from industry connection and mentoring to curiosity, critical thinking and keeping apprentices engaged while maintaining the quality and safety standards the sector depends on.
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