A vocational education and pathways director from Victoria has been appointed the new chief executive of TasTAFE.
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Grant Dreher will relocate to take up the position from February. His current position is as deputy vice-chancellor, vocational education and pathways at Victoria University, which includes its TAFE division.
TasTAFE board chair Mike Blake said Mr Dreher was selected following a national recruitment campaign and his background in industry partnerships would help direct TasTAFE for the future.
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"His work has enabled VU to respond to and support current and emerging community, industry and student needs in the west of Melbourne," Mr Blake said.
Projects Mr Dreher has been responsible for include:
- developing the $5 million Cyber Security Centre in partnership with CISCO and other partners;
- reopening the Werribee East Campus to respond to Victoria's training needs in infrastructure development, working with CPB John Holland (Westgate Tunnel Builders);
- leading the design, development and build of the $35 million Sunshine Skills and Innovation Hub; and
- fevelopment of VU's first cross University School (Cert II - PhD), the School for the Visitor Economy (also responsible for the cross University School for Transport Systems and Civic Infrastructure).
"Mr Dreher's work on these major projects and his strong collaborative approach to working with industry is strongly aligned to TasTAFE's role in leading the development of Tasmania's skilled workforce," Mr Blake said.
TasTAFE chief executive Jenny Dodd announced in June she would not extend her term post 2021.
Mr Blake took the time to commend Ms Dodd for her work since she took on the post in 2017 following the controversial resignation of former chief executive Stephen Conway.
"Over the past three years at TasTAFE, current CEO Jenny Dodd has shifted the focus of the organisation to one that prioritises the needs of its students and listens to industry," Mr Blake said.
"Ms Dodd has had a profound impact on TasTAFE by instigating important changes which have seen TasTAFE emerge as a stronger student-focused organisation which delivers high quality training.
Under Ms Dodd's leadership, TasTAFE secured seven years registration from the Australian Skills Quality Authority, which is the maximum term.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said Mr Dreher brought a wealth of experience to the role and would position TasTAFE for the future.
"Mr Dreher has a strong background of working in regional areas, including as General Manager Education and Training, Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE," he said.
He also paid tribute to Ms Dodd's work during her tenure.
"TasTAFE plays a vital role in meeting Tasmania's skills needs and Mr Dreher's experience and expertise will build on the transformative work Ms Dodd has delivered for students and teachers."