I am passionate about the importance of vocational education and the quality of our teachers and training. Having started my TAFE career as a part-time teacher back in the 1980s I have been lucky enough to work with countless students and teachers. Over the past decade I have helped deliver large-scale commercial and international vocational education and training programs such as training the 110,000 workforce for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and other major events around the world.
In 2007 I returned to manage the International Business for TAFE NSW and NSW Government Schools, as well as TAFE NSW National Business. During my time in this role it was pleasing to see Sydney Institute become a leader in the international education arena.
In 2011 it will be 120 years since Sydney Technical College first opened its doors. What a long way we’ve come since then. We now have seven colleges spread across Sydney which offer over 700 courses and more than 73,000 enrolments. Our vocational programs provide up-to-date, industry recognised training in start of the art facilities.
Sydney Institute’s AutoCell Transport Technology Centre at Ultimo College is set to receive a $16.68 million refurbishment after securing funding through the Federal Government’s Education Investment Fund (EIF). This will allow us to offer eight new courses to 1,800 extra students in the next three years. Last year we were awarded over $6 million under EIF to establish a Sustainable Hydraulic Trade Centre at our Randwick College. This Centre for plumbing and related building trades will develop green skills and model green technologies in areas of identified skills’ need. The two centres mean that we will be able to make some real headway in being leaders in training for a sustainable future, particularly in alternative fuels and technologies.
The competitiveness of Australia’s economy is directly impacted by the availability of skilled labour. Sydney Institute’s vision is to be progressive and influential, and in this way to change lives. It is an honour and a privilege to be in a leadership role where I can make a difference.
David Riordan - TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute Director
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