Kathy McKenzie
Director
FIRE UP Coaching
Kathy has been a pioneer in the field of coaching in Australia. She is an innovator and entrepreneur founding FIREUP Coaching in 1998. She is one of less than 55 International Coaching Federation (ICF) Master Certified Coaches (MCC) in Australia and is currently an ICF APAC Ambassador for the Coaching Knowledge Education community.
FIREUP Coaching has evolved to become a leading Australian Registered Training Organization’s in the area of Accredited Leadership and Coach Training.
Kathy holds a Masters in Vocational Education and Training during which she designed and developed FIREUP Coaching’s flagship programs, the 11144NAT Diploma of Leadership Coaching and Mentoring and 10857NAT Certificate IV in Business and Personal Coaching. Kathy wrote the units of competency for the AQF Framework that aligned with the ICF core competencies, making these programs the most comprehensive and practical accredited coach training programs in Australia.
The qualifications are also ICF Accredited and are a unique combination of neuroscience, positive psychology, emotional intelligence, NLP and FIREUP’s own coaching conversation model called REACH.
Kathy has extensive national and international experience training and speaking and brings passion, energy and humour to everything she presents.
How Coaching is Evolving in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector
Thursday | 13 March 2025 | 11:55 AM – 12:30 PM
In an era where adaptability and lifelong learning are paramount, Vocational Education and Training (VET) stands as a critical pillar in preparing individuals for the workforce. But how can we ensure that VET remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world? Coaching offers a solution—not just as a method for personal development, but as a strategic tool for transforming education and work outcomes.
The Rapid Growth of Coaching Worldwide
Coaching is no longer a niche practice; it is a thriving global profession. The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the leading body for professional coaching, has been tracking this growth for over 15 years. In 2007, an estimated 41,300 active coaches were practicing worldwide. By 2019, this number had grown to 71,000—a staggering 33% increase in just four years. Since the pandemic the growth has been exponential and is a testament to coaching’s value in addressing the challenges of today’s evolving educational and professional environments.
Why Coaching is Essential for the VET Sector
The ICF Thought Leadership Institute emphasizes coaching’s role in shaping the future of education and work by:
- Activating Human Potential: Coaching helps learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability—key skills for the modern workforce.
- Centering Purpose and Meaning: By aligning educational goals with individual aspirations and societal needs, coaching fosters deeper engagement and motivation among students.
- Evolving Knowledge Transfer: Coaching equips VET professionals to embrace innovation, ensuring that training remains relevant in a world of constant change.
As the VET sector adapts to meet the needs of a dynamic world, coaching provides a powerful framework to elevate its impact. My presentation will explore how the exponential growth of coaching—underpinned by ICF’s leadership and insights—can redefine education, enhance workforce readiness, and empower learners to thrive in a future marked by uncertainty and opportunity.
Join me as we delve into the data, uncover actionable strategies, and envision a future where coaching and VET work hand in hand to build better careers, stronger communities, and a brighter tomorrow.
We offer group discounts!
Planning to bring your whole team to the Conference ? We’ve got exclusive deals and discount for you!
Contact Us
Whether it’s about sponsorship or tickets, feel free to reach out to us!
1300 208 774
