Board appointments to Jobs Queensland and TAFE Queensland

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman welcomed three new members to the Jobs Queensland board and three new members to the TAFE Queensland board.

“Providing world class training opportunities are vital to our plan to create more jobs and ensure Queenslanders have the skills and opportunities to drive our state’s growing economy,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Both Jobs Queensland and TAFE Queensland have important roles to play and I’m thrilled to welcome the skills and experience they will bring to both boards, helping to plan, prepare and deliver Queensland’s future skilled workforce.

“Following the successful and insightful Skills and Industry Summit earlier this week, the Palaszczuk Government is keen to build on the ideas, networks and innovations that were highlighted.

“I’m also proud to note that these new appointments will raise the number of women on both boards.”

The new Jobs Queensland board members are:

•  Ms Donna Bonney, will complement the existing members with her experience in leading and managing health services registered training organisations.
• Ms Heidi Cooper, brings a unique mix of vocational education and training, industry and academic experience in the energy sector. 
• Mr Brett Schimming, has extensive experience within the vocational education and training (VET) sector and workforce development and planning. Mr Schimming represents Queensland as a member of the Australian Industry Skills Committee and is currently CEO of Construction Skills Queensland. 

Mr David Norris will continue on the board as the employer representative member following his renomination by Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland. Ms Jennifer Thomas will continue on the board as the employee representative member following her renomination by The Services Union. [LFH1] 

The new TAFE Queensland board members are:

•  Mr Andrew Dettmer, has extensive knowledge of workplace policy and VET, as well as experience in managing economic change.
• Ms Kay Giles, has extensive tertiary and VET experience and was previously Director of Wide Bay Institute of TAFE and Director of Skills Tech, TAFE Queensland’s trade and technical training institution.
• Ms Trina Hockley, brings a unique skillset and experience in mentoring and employment services for young people. Ms Hockley has served as Chair of the former Gold Coast Institute of TAFE and as Chair of Electro Group Apprentices and Training.

Ms Annabel Dolphin will continue on the board as Chairperson, and Ms Deborah Wilson, Mr Peter Dowling and Ms Noela L’Estrange will continue as members of the board.

Minister Fentiman thanked Mr Alan Sparks, Emeritus Professor Paul Boreham and Dr Scott Davis for their service on the Jobs Queensland board as well as Ms Louise Cox, Mr Shaun Coffey and Mr Peter Price who will step down from the TAFE Queensland board.

ENDS

Media Contact:            Inga Williams              0439 949 719