APGA has successfully delivered its first Case-Based Learning workshops in their current format, with sessions held in Brisbane on 22 and 23 July 2026.
The two workshops were well attended, strongly facilitated and characterised by a high level of participation. Attendees engaged openly with the learning material, contributed their own professional perspectives and approached the discussions and activities with enthusiasm.
While the successful delivery of the workshops is an achievement in itself, the broader significance of the program lies in where it came from and what it represents for the pipeline industry.
The Case-Based Learning program was developed from research undertaken through the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre’s RP2.3 project.
That research examined how case-based learning could be used to transfer knowledge to working professionals and strengthen their ability to make decisions in situations where public safety is paramount.
The delivery of these workshops represents the real-world realisation of that research.
Decades of industry knowledge and research have now been translated into structured learning materials, practical case studies and facilitated training that can be applied directly by people working within the pipeline industry.
This is an important progression: from research, to learning, to practical professional development.
Rather than presenting participants with technical information alone, the program asks them to examine how decisions are made, how professional judgement is exercised and how organisational, operational and human factors can influence safety outcomes.
The workshops combined reflective discussion with role-play activities based on significant real-world incidents.
Participants were encouraged to explore the decisions made during each case, consider the information available to the people involved and reflect on how different choices may have produced different outcomes.
They were also asked to connect the lessons from the case studies to their own professional experiences and consider how those lessons could inform their future decision-making.
The strength of this learning model depends heavily on participation, and the engagement across both workshops was excellent.
Attendees contributed thoughtfully to the discussions, challenged assumptions, shared relevant experiences and engaged fully with the role-play activities. Their willingness to participate created a constructive environment in which different perspectives could be explored openly.
APGA sincerely thanks everyone who attended the first delivery of the program.
As the inaugural participants, their contribution extends beyond their own learning experience. Their engagement with the material and feedback on the course will help APGA refine and enhance the program for future participants.
APGA also extends a special thank you to workshop facilitator and subject-matter expert Susan Jaques.
Susan played a central role in transforming the original research into a structured and practical learning program. Her technical expertise, preparation and facilitation ensured the workshops remained focused while still allowing participants to explore the complexity behind each case study.
Keeping closely to the workshop schedule was no small task, particularly when the technical, organisational and human factors within each case could easily have supported an entire day of discussion.
Susan’s ability to guide the conversation, draw out the key lessons and maintain strong participant involvement was critical to the success of the workshops.
The delivery of the workshops on 22 and 23 July was the first execution of the Case-Based Learning program in its current format. It has provided APGA with a strong foundation from which to refine and expand the offering.
APGA intends to deliver the training again in 2027 and will also explore opportunities to run the program more regularly.
The long-term opportunity is to make this research-backed training available to a broader cross-section of the industry, helping participants strengthen their decision-making capabilities and better understand the connection between professional practice and public safety.
Organisations interested in hosting a future workshop, or individuals interested in participating in the program, are encouraged to contact APGA at APGA@apga.org.au.
The first workshops demonstrated the value of bringing research, industry experience and active participation together. APGA looks forward to building on this initial delivery and continuing to turn industry knowledge into meaningful, practical learning.