The challenge
As the VET sector faces increasingly complex challenges, Chisholm Institute sought to deepen its digital capability uplift by moving beyond foundational AI literacy into applied innovation. The question was: how can we empower staff to co-create practical, future-ready solutions using generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, while addressing real-world problems in education and operations?
About the event
In November 2025, Chisholm hosted its first-ever two-day Microsoft Copilot Hackathon, supported by the Microsoft team. Six cross-functional teams – comprising educators, learning designers, IT specialists, and professional staff – came together to tackle “VET Sector Wicked Problems” through design thinking and AI-driven solutions.
Preparation included lunchbox sessions on Design Thinking and presentation skills, equipping participants to ideate effectively and pitch with confidence. The event featured keynote addresses from leaders including Andrew Fuller, who explored the accelerating pace of technological change and its implications for education, and interactive sessions led by Microsoft experts on Copilot Studio, prompting best practices, and agent design.
Day one focused on problem framing and ideation, while Day two was dedicated to refining concepts, building prototypes, and delivering pitches to a judging panel. Teams infused creativity into the experience by crafting team names, avatars, and even anthems – setting a vibrant tone for collaboration and innovation.
The impact
The Hackathon sparked a wave of creativity and confidence among participants. Teams developed actionable solutions leveraging Copilot agents to streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, and enhance learner engagement. Examples included simplified and streamlined validation processes, improved induction processes, and a capability mapper leading to capability uplift and anticipated educator retention.
Feedback highlighted the event’s transformative effect:
“Working hands-on with Microsoft Copilot Studio fundamentally improved my understanding of what is technically achievable today. I left the event with a develop agent capable of locating benchmark documents, analysing assessment evidence patterns, and producing structured draft validation summaries, without replacing the judgement required by trainers and assessors. In a sector governed by rigorous standards and documentation requirements, seeing an AI system handle the objective, data-document-driven components of validation was a clear demonstration of practical value”.
- John, eLearning Team Lead
“I really enjoyed the Hackathon. It was a rare chance to be let loose on a real problem with the latest tools, and it helped me visualise what the near future of AI in VET could look like. Exploring AI swarms/agent teams alongside Power Automate broadened my understanding of how we might build bespoke, practical solutions that reduce admin load and improve learner support. The event reinforced the need for us to keep building our AI and general digital capability so we’re ready for the next wave of change.”
– David, Learning Experience Designer
The judging panel assessed pitches on Innovation, Impact, Feasibility, Solution Excellence, and Presentation, ultimately recognising two standout teams: The Green Matrix, who tackled educator capability mapping,and The Bug Free Bandits, who streamlined the validation process.
Beyond the competition, the Hackathon reinforced Chisholm’s commitment to sector leadership in digital innovation, fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration that will underpin future initiatives.
Lessons learnt
- Design Thinking accelerates AI adoption: Structured ideation helped teams move from abstract concepts to practical solutions quickly.
- Agent design unlocks efficiency: Building Copilot agents demonstrated tangible benefits in reducing administrative load and improving educator focus.
- Collaboration fuels creativity: Cross-functional teams brought diverse perspectives, leading to richer, more innovative solutions.
- Confidence grows with scaffolding: Pre-event sessions and hands-on support were critical in reducing apprehension and enabling meaningful engagement.
- Innovation thrives in a safe-to-fail environment: Embracing iteration and experimentation encouraged bold ideas and continuous learning.
Challenges faced
- Balancing ambition with feasibility: Some concepts were highly innovative but required significant resources or technical integration to implement.
- Ensuring sustained momentum: Maintaining engagement beyond the event will require structured follow-up and integration into broader capability-building programs.
Next steps
The Hackathon marks a pivotal step in Chisholm’s AI journey. Next actions include:
- Embedding successful prototypes into operational workflows.
- Scaling Copilot agent development through the Professional Educator College.
- Continuing to integrate AI initiatives into Chisholm’s Digital Readiness Plan (2026–2029).
- Exploring partnerships with Microsoft and sector bodies to expand innovation opportunities.
As Andrew Fuller reminded participants, “From flint to AI, every leap accelerates progress. Now, we stand on the brink of technologies that will transform how we live, learn, and work.” The Hackathon exemplifies Chisholm’s readiness to lead that transformation.
