After more than four years leading TAFE Directors Australia (TDA), Chief Executive Officer Mr Craig Robertson has advised the Board of his decision to step down from the role in order to take up another opportunity.
The Chair of TDA Ms Mary Faraone said that Mr Robertson had advised the Board of his decision, which has been reluctantly accepted.
Ms Faraone applauded the appointment of Mr Robertson to the new position of Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Skills Authority.
“Craig has the background, skills and leadership to ensure the success of the new Victorian Skills Authority in bringing together all stakeholders to ensure the vision for Victoria’s new skills agenda is exciting and ground-breaking.
“We in Victoria look forward to working with Craig in his new role, and my colleagues around Australia wish him great success.”
On behalf of the Board of TDA, Ms Faraone extended her thanks to Mr Robertson for his enormous contribution to TDA and the TAFE sector, generally.
“Craig has brought energy, ideas, vision and a policy focus that has allowed TAFE to prosper and navigate a challenging period, dealing with COVID disruption and ongoing policy reform.
“The role of the peak body has never been more important, and Craig has been instrumental in advancing the mission of TAFE and consolidating the widespread support for TAFE from governments, industry and the community.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Craig, and the Board extends its appreciation and gratitude for his extraordinary achievements over the past four years,” Ms Faraone said.
Mr Robertson commenced as CEO of TDA in March 2017 after an extensive career in the Commonwealth and Victorian public service where he held senior positions overseeing policy for schools, vocational education and training, and universities.
Immediately before joining TDA, Mr Robertson was Deputy Secretary, Higher Education and Skills, at the Victorian Department of Education and Training.
Mr Robertson is also Chair of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP), an international network of national and regional associations of colleges as well as individual colleges.
Mr Robertson said, “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with a dedicated group of professionals to see TAFE’s trusted place in the community so widely recognised and valued.
“TAFE teachers, trainers, managers and directors are at the heart of skills training in Australia and, every day, create jobs and learning opportunities, many of those for people who would not otherwise have the chance to succeed.
“The critical role of TAFEs and dual sector universities has been highlighted over the past year as governments, industry, businesses and communities in every part of Australia have turned to TAFE to rebuild skills and create opportunities.
“I would like to thank the Board, the team at TDA, TAFE Directors, Vice Chancellors and the wider TAFE community for their tremendous support over the past four and a half years,” Mr Robertson said.
Ms Faraone said that the Board would shortly advise on arrangements for a new CEO.
