Ensuring Relevance: the future of Associations, Learning Systems and Registered Training Organisations

Gabrielle Deschamps 

Gabrielle Deschamps has been a leading voice in vocational education and training in Australia for more than 17 years, establishing Roubaix Consulting over 12 years ago.

Over those 17 years, Gabrielle has provided leadership to RTOs, and especially Enterprise RTOs through strategic advice on management and compliance.  Key to Gabrielle’s work is aligning the Standards for RTOs to each business, rather than aligning business practices to the Standards for RTOs.  Whilst that doesn’t sound like a big distinction, it’s HUGE!  In addition, Gabrielle has provided support to broader Learning and Development functions for her clients.

Gabrielle has worked for a variety of RTOs across many industries working either within their state or across Australia.  Industries include retail, electrical distribution, drilling, train driving and movement, finance, safety, childcare, water management, surf lifesaving, construction, painting, fire and emergency services.

As Vice President (2008-2016) and Executive Officer (2016-present) of the Enterprise Registered Training Association (ERTOA), Gabrielle has been responsible for representing more than 60 Enterprise RTOs to Federal and State Government, developing standards and providing compliance advice.

Gabrielle has also been a judge at the Australian Training Awards for the last 7 years and spoken at several conferences.

Robert Lucas

Robert Lucas is an experienced industry association executive.  With over 26 years’ senior executive experience working within and leading industry associations and business groups. He has a proven track record in turning around poorly performing associations and growing them into sustainable, relevant organisations. He is known for his deep knowledge of contemporary business issues and being a straight shooter in getting things done.

On the first of January 2023 he stepped down as Group Chief Executive of Caravan Industry Victoria after 12 years having totally restructured Caravan industry Victoria. He initiated and led many industry and membership development programs that have left a profound impact on the Caravan Industry in Australia. He was featured in the February Edition of the CEO magazine for his impact on changing and growing the caravan industry in Australia. In May, he was recognised by the caravan industry nationally by being awarded the national Caravan Industry’s Chairmans award for his contribution to the growth of the industry in Victoria and Australia.

Currently, he has taken up the challenge to lead as the Chief Executive the National Caravan Industry Training College, which is the only dedicated Education and Training RTO provider to the caravan industry in Australia. He is currently employed in a part time capacity and undertaking some freelance business consulting projects in both Associations and private industry.

He has graduate and post graduate tertiary qualifications in Business Administration, Management, HR/IR and Education and Training.

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