Erica Smith is an Emeritus Professor in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University. Erica is an international expert on apprenticeships, and is co-chair of the ‘INAP’ (innovative apprenticeships) network run from the University of Bremen in Germany. 

She has managed many national and international research projects, including several on apprenticeships for the International Labour Organization. Until her recent retirement from Federation University, she managed the university’s substantial VET teacher-education program and also its VET research group, RAVE (Researching Adult and Vocational Education). 

Erica has prior experience as a human resource manager in the retail and community services industries; and, in the VET sector, as a TAFE teacher in NSW, and as manager of a State Industry Training Advisory Board in South Australia. 

Erica is invited to contribute to many national and international initiatives in her areas of expertise. She is currently a Ministerial appointment to the Advisory Board of the National Careers Institute and to the VET Workforce Blueprint Steering Committee.