TAFETalks

Chris Smith is ReadyTech’s resident education technology futurist, acting as a changemaker for both the Australian education sector and ReadyTech’s teams alike with his advocacy for future readiness through technology.

As head of innovation and strategy, he brings over 10 years’ experience facilitating best practice tertiary education and learning through innovation in technology, data, CX and UX and cloud SaaS ecosystem excellence. He applies his progressive thinking to the way complex education businesses can evolve the student journey and student experiences through technology and tools, as well as how they can maximise the value they receive from tech.

Chris is a thought leader and influencer in education and a mentor within Australia’s start-up EdTech ecosystem. A lifelong learner, his interests include EdTech, product strategy, the future of work and social impact.

Patrick Kidd OBE OAM (known as ‘PK’) is the Chief Executive Officer of the Future Skills Organisation, where he leads the team focused on harnessing the potential of the education and training system to impact learners and employers in the Finance, Technology and Business sectors.

He has a diverse background in skills training, stakeholder management and leading complex change initiatives.

PK began his career as a soldier in the British Army where his roles included training mid-ranking officers and commanding a 1600-person unit during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For his service, he received the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

In 2005 he relocated to Australia and served with the Australian Defence Force. Responsibilities included time as an instructor at the Defence Staff College, future force development and leading the training and development of the Afghanistan Security Forces in South Afghanistan.

After the army, PK joined Deloitte to advise clients on large-scale transformations. With Deloitte, he became CEO of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 for which he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his role conceiving and delivering the Games and service to disability sport.

Following the Games, PK became CEO of the Digital Skills Organisation, helping to build Australia’s digital workforce, before taking up his current role in June 2023.

He continues to support initiatives and organisations which enhance the health and well-being of veterans and their families. He is on the board of Victoria’s Emergency Services Foundation and Invictus Australia which carries on the legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 every day in local communities.

Elissa is an award-winning education leader and designer, with over 20 years experience in Vocational and Higher Education. Elissa has led complex teams in public and private sectors to develop and implement innovative learning models and frameworks aligned to industry needs.

Elissa’s design experience has included international learning models, microcredential frameworks, scalable blended learning solutions, industry academy models, teacher capability frameworks and digital competency approaches. 

Andrew Roadknight is a widely recognised leader in educational innovation across Australia. As Head of Digital Initiatives, he has overseen the co-design of new qualifications in cloud computing, data analytics, and digital innovation in collaboration with industry leaders—aimed at addressing vital skills shortages in Australia’s tech workforce. Andrew’s work effectively connects industry and education, making sure that learners are prepared for the future of work.