Lauren Conceicao

Lauren Conceicao is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic policy, workforce planning, and stakeholder engagement across employment, skills, economic development, and property sectors.

Lauren has held executive roles across South Australia, New South Wales, and national organisations, including seven years as CEO of two membership bodies representing Australia’s largest apprenticeship and traineeship networks. She is internationally recognised as a thought leader in vocational policy, advising Ministers, MPs, and industry bodies in Australia and the UK.

In the UK, Lauren delivered groundbreaking research on future skills pipelines for the construction sector and led government relations with the Cabinet and Parliament for UK Colleges, training over 2.2 million students.

As Executive Director at TAFE NSW, Lauren spearheaded strategic planning, policy development, and workforce initiatives, including responses to the NSW VET Review, National Skills Agreement, and Commonwealth Employment White Paper. She drove future-focused solutions for transitioning industries like advanced manufacturing, digital, and care work, while shaping the organisation’s role in key government commitments.

Lauren’s leadership at the NSW Property Council elevated its influence on economic recovery, housing, and city policy. Her expertise earned appointments to the 24-Hour Economy Commission Advisory Panel and the City of Sydney’s Economic Recovery Panel, where she championed innovative growth and sustainable housing solutions.

EXPERIENCE

• TAFE NSW - Executive Director Strategic Planning and Policy

• Property Council of Australia - NSW Deputy Executive Director

• Association of Colleges - Public Affairs Manager

• Greater London Authority - London Assembly Policy Advisor

• National Apprentice Employment Network - CEO

• Apprentice Employment Network (SA) - State Executive

Board and advisory roles

• St Patricks Technical College Board (2025-Current)

• NSW Inter-Agency Skills Advisory Group (2023-April 2024)

• NSW VET Review External Stakeholder Reference Group (2023 – April 2024)

• City of Sydney Business, Economic Development and Covid Recovery Advisory Panel (2022-2023)

• NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Advisory Panel (2021-2023)

• Australian Apprentice and Trainee Information Services (advisory board)

  (2016-2018)

• National Centre for Vocational Education Research (Project management group) (2017-2018)

• Youth Affairs Council of South Australia (Board Member, Policy Council Member) (2012-2015)

• Ministers Youth Council Chair (Chairperson) (2011-2014)