TAFE South Australia has appointed a new Chief Executive, who has significant experience in the vocational education and training sector.
David Coltman, currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Pathways and Vocational Education at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, has been selected for the role and will begin on 15 April 2019.
SA Education Minister John Gardner welcomed the appointment while recognising the work of the Interim Board and CEO over the past year.
“Mr Coltman’s appointment as Chief Executive is a key milestone in delivering the fresh start for TAFE that the State Government promised South Australians,” Gardner said.
“The Board has undertaken an extensive recruitment process and Mr Coltman brings valuable leadership experience in the vocational education and training sector to the role.
“I wish to thank Alex Reid for her great work as Interim Chief Executive, guiding TAFE SA through a significant period of reform,” he said.
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TAFE SA chair Jacqui McGill said that Coltman’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation.
“David has extensive leadership experience in the education sector and we look forward to him joining TAFE SA and ensuring we continue to deliver high quality education and training across the state,” McGill said.
“With the implementation of the State Government’s Fresh Start for TAFE SA, it is an exciting time for David to join the organisation as we focus on the delivery of innovative, flexible and accessible training to meet the needs of students and industry.
“I would also like to thank Alex Reid for her significant contribution to TAFE SA after stepping into the role at a challenging time for the organisation. Since then, a lot of positive change has been made, culminating in TAFE SA recently receiving a positive report from ASQA following its latest audit,” she said.
Coltman said he was excited to join TAFE SA and looks forward to the move to Adelaide.
“The role of Chief Executive with TAFE SA comes with lots of expectations; it’s a great responsibility and I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity,” he said.
“I look forward to working with employers and community leaders, the South Australian Government and TAFE SA staff and students, to make sure we have the right people with the right skills to grow our economy, and to meet the social and cultural needs of South Australia.”