SA Breakfast: Building Skills to Thrive in an AI-Powered Future

Join the AIIA in this important event where government, education and industry leaders discuss the future of work in an AI-powered economy. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how we work, creating new opportunities while reshaping the skills required across every industry. As organisations accelerate AI adoption, the challenge is no longer whether AI will impact the workforce, but how we prepare people to succeed alongside it. Join the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) in this important event involving government, education, and industry leaders for an engaging discussion on the future of work in an AI-powered economy. Hear from South Australia's Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker, on the state's vision and initiatives to develop the workforce capabilities needed for the years ahead. The event will also feature perspectives from leaders across education and industry who are actively shaping workforce development, talent pipelines, and AI capability building. Together, we will explore the skills most in demand, the role of education and training providers, and the practical actions organisations can take today to build a workforce that is adaptable, resilient, and ready to harness the benefits of AI. Whether you are a business leader, educator, policymaker, or technology professional, this event will provide valuable insights into preparing South Australia's workforce for the opportunities and challenges of an AI-enabled future. Tickets are limited, so get in early to secure your spot. Keynote speaker Commissioner Cameron Baker Chair South Australian Skills Commission Commissioner Cameron Baker has more than 25 years’ experience across vocational education, workforce development, and public policy. He was appointed Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission and South Australia’s Skills Commissioner in July 2023. A nationally recognised leader in apprenticeship and workforce reform, Commissioner Baker has led a period of significant innovation through the South Australian Skills Commission, including the establishment of Australia’s first formal degree apprenticeships, the Industry Accelerated Apprenticeship Pilot, the Occupational Recognition Service, and new trade pathways supporting defence, advanced manufacturing, and emerging automotive technologies, alongside securing the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show for Adelaide. Economic development, workforce participation, learner safety, and industry engagement underpin Commissioner Baker’s work, which sees him collaborate closely with employers, unions, industry associations, training providers, universities, and co-regulators to strengthen skills pathways and address workforce shortages. Before his appointment in South Australia, Commissioner Baker held senior leadership roles including Acting Victorian Skills Commissioner, Head of Apprenticeships Victoria, Director of Major Projects with the Victorian Department of Education and Training, Deputy CEO of Manufacturing Skills Australia, and General Manager – Skills and Engagement at the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council. An accomplished strategic leader and recognised thought leader in vocational education and workforce reform, Commissioner Baker is known for turning bold ideas into practical, industry-led initiatives that strengthen skills systems, create opportunities for learners, and deliver workforce, economic, and social outcomes recognised both nationally and internationally. Panellist Ben Colley General Manager Stone & Chalk Ben lives and works in Adelaide. Day-to-day he directs most of his energy as the General Manager for Stone and Chalk South Australia, supporting founders to go further and faster to change the economic complexity of our State. Previously, Ben helped build product, teams, and culture at Teamgage (Adelaide), Bluedot (SF & Melbourne), LOKE (UK & Melbourne) and Aston Club (Melbourne). Across the broader Australian startup ecosystem, Ben has been involved in curating the GOOD Product community, coaching with Startmate, and scouting for AirTree. Panellist Beth Worrall Lead, AI Literacy National AI Centre Beth Worrall leads AI Literacy and Inclusion programs at the National AI Centre, part of the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources. She works across government, industry, and the community sector to help Australians build the skills and confidence needed to adopt AI safely, responsibly, and productively. Beth leads national initiatives focused on AI literacy, workforce capability, and responsible adoption, with a particular focus on supporting small businesses, professionals, and underserved communities to share in the benefits of AI. Prior to joining government, Beth held senior roles in corporate responsibility and workforce capability with organisations including Microsoft, Santos, and Bupa. She has spent more than two decades designing and delivering programs that use technology and skills development to create positive social and economic impact. Panellist Jane Spurrs Head of People & Culture NCS Jane Spurrs is the People & Culture Lead for NCS Australia, where she is responsible for shaping workforce strategy, talent development, leadership capability, and organisational culture across one of Australia's leading technology services organisations. Jane brings a career spanning people leadership, strategy, transformation, and organisational effectiveness, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate periods of significant change. Throughout her career, Jane has been passionate about unlocking human potential and ensuring organisations have the skills, leadership, and culture required to thrive in rapidly evolving environments. Her work has focused on aligning workforce capability with business strategy, building high-performing teams, and helping organisations adapt to new technologies and ways of working. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and job roles, Jane is particularly interested in how organisations reshape work for an AI-enabled future, and how we enable our people to adapt to the scale and speed of potential change, while supporting them with investment in their human capability and resilience. At NCS, she is actively involved in supporting workforce transformation across the technology sector and in her business. Jane brings a practical industry perspective on the future of work, the evolving skills landscape, and the actions businesses, educators, and policymakers can take to build a workforce that is adaptable, inclusive, and ready to harness the opportunities created by AI. Thank you to our Gold Sponsor Terms and Conditions By purchasing tickets to this event you agreed to the capture, storage, and use of your data as detailed in the AIIA Privacy Policy, a link to which is provided here - AIIA Privacy Policy By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to be contacted by AIIA's Membership team. Attendees consent to their filming and sound recording as members of the audience. By entering this event you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes.