CCA’s upcoming Brisbane conference in November will feature two unusual presentations, ensuring that not-for-profit community education participants have the opportunity to listen to the “other”. The national CEOs of the two largest peak VET organisations will both speak: Craig Robertson from TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) and Troy Williams from Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA, the former ACPET).
“CCA works closely with both TAFE Directors Australia and ITECA to ensure that Australia’s VET sector is properly represented at state and national levels. Although we disagree on some things, our organisations are united in our commitment to ensure that Australia’s post-secondary education sector is vital, well-funded and properly regulated,” said Dr Don Perlgut, CEO of Community Colleges Australia.
After attending CCA’s recent launch of its report on NSW vulnerable and disadvantaged students, TDA’s Craig Robertson wrote, “We need community providers and the sector is all the better when TAFEs and community providers work together. We need a strong network of training organisations which are reaching out into the community to bring people into training, especially those who may be reluctant to embark on such a journey…. Let’s hope together we can enhance outreach.”
Image above: Craig Robertson (on right); with Kerry Penton, Acting Managing Director, TAFE NSW, (centre): and Dr Don Perlgut, CEO of CCA (left)
About the speakers
Craig Robertson commenced as CEO of TAFE Directors Australia in April 2017. The organisation promotes nationally and internationally the critical role that TAFEs play in tertiary education in Australia. In this role he chairs the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics, which is a global network of associations and institutions committed to high quality professional and technical education and training. Prior to joining TDA, Craig worked in the Victorian Government in 2015 and 2016 and for more than 30 years in the Commonwealth Government.
Troy Williams: The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational education and training sector. An established leader of industry associations across professional bodies and industry associations, Troy has held senior roles with the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA), the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) and the Australian Institute of Building (AIB). He was made an AIB Life Fellow in recognition of exemplary services as Chief Executive. Troy currently serves on the General Council of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). He has served as a Director of the former Property Services ITAB and the Property Services GTO. He’s a fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders, and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
