Industry event brings key leaders together in Devonport
Published on: 21 Sep 2026
Industry, business and community leaders joined TasTAFE executive, board members and staff in Devonport recently for an industry networking event.
Run in conjunction with the Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) the event follows successful networking events held earlier this year in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.
During the evening, TasTAFE CEO Dr Norman Baker joined Claire Connelly FCPA, President of DCCI, for a Q&A discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping Tasmania's workforce, the importance of vocational education and training, and the role strong partnerships play in supporting regional communities and industries.
“TasTAFE is excited about the future of Devonport and the wider Mersey-Leven region, including Latrobe, Kentish and the Central Coast,” Dr Baker said.
“The region is experiencing significant economic activity and investment across tourism, housing, health, infrastructure and clean energy … and TasTAFE works directly with employers to design training solutions that meet specific workforce needs.”
Ms Connelly said the event was an opportunity ‘to talk honestly about what our region needs.’
“One of our priorities is supporting our members’ development and advocating on behalf of what are some of their key challenges that they face and what we hear quite often it is access to skilled workers,” Ms Connelly said.
“Almost every business owner in this room would have felt this firsthand, whether it's finding qualified tradespeople, a chef, an aged worker or the next generation to take over their business. That's why increasing tertiary education opportunities here in Devonport is one of our key priorities.”
TasTAFE Board Director Lee Whiteley spoke about the importance of maintaining close connections with industry and ensuring TasTAFE continues to respond to the changing skills needs of Tasmania's employers and communities.
“Whether its supporting apprentices and trainees, helping people upskill or retrain, delivering customised training for employees, or investing in facilities such as Freer Farm and the Agriculture Training Centre of Excellence, the Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence, learner accommodation in Burnie and upgraded training facilities in Devonport, our job is to ensure local people can take advantage of the opportunities being created,” Mr Whiteley said.
The industry event also supported a great local cause, with ticket sales donated to Gran's Van, a not-for-profit community organisation providing free food, hygiene and support services to people experiencing economic disadvantage across the Devonport and Latrobe region.
