Learning Design Futures: New Research on the State and Future of the Profession (260915WEB)

The Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) is pleased to present the official launch of the Learning Design Futures Survey findings, a significant new research project examining the current state of the learning design profession across Australia and New Zealand.

Conducted by researchers from Monash University, the University of Wollongong and the University of Tasmania in partnership with AITD, the study provides new insights into the experiences, capabilities, career pathways and professional challenges of learning designers working across higher education, vocational education, corporate learning, government, healthcare and community sectors.

Drawing on responses from 268 practitioners, the research offers a timely snapshot of a highly skilled and increasingly visible profession. It also highlights areas where participants identified ongoing challenges, including professional recognition, career pathways, shared standards and cross-sector connection.

Facilitated by AITD Vice President Amy Martin, this special launch event brings together members of the research team to discuss the survey findings, consider their implications for Learning and Development professionals, and open a conversation about the future of learning design practice.

Key discussion topics include:

• Key findings from the Learning Design Futures Survey
• The current role and work of learning designers across different professional contexts
• Knowledge, skills and capabilities reported by learning design practitioners
• Professional identity, recognition and career pathways
• Participant perspectives on standards, accreditation and professional development
• Emerging questions about AI and learning design practice
• The role of professional associations in supporting the learning design profession

Who should attend?

• Learning designers and instructional designers
• Educational designers and learning technologists
• Learning and Development professionals
• Capability and workforce development leaders
• Learning leaders and training managers
• Researchers, educators and consultants interested in workforce capability and professional practice

Presenters

Professor Michael Henderson
Monash University

Associate Professor Keith Heggart
University of Wollongong

Dr Nhung Nguyen
University of Tasmania

Dr Homa Babai
Monash University

Facilitator

Amy Martin
Vice President, Australian Institute of Training and Development

Learning outcomes

By attending this webinar, participants will:

• Gain early access to the findings of a new Australasian research study
• Understand what the survey reveals about current learning design practice across Australia and New Zealand
• Explore the capabilities, knowledge and values reported by learning design practitioners
• Consider implications for professional recognition, career development and professional learning
• Reflect on what the findings may mean for Learning and Development, capability building and workforce development

Be among the first to explore the findings of this important new research and join the conversation about learning design, professional practice and capability development across Australasia.

Please Note:

• By registering for this event, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.  Event and course cost pricing is quoted gst exclusive.
• This webinar will be recorded for registered attendees who are unable to attend on the day.
• Registrations close 14 September 2026
• Times are stated in AEST