Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, today announced the reappointment of business leader, John Pollaers, as Chair of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC).
Tara Diamond has also been reappointed as the Commonwealth representative to AISC.
“With their strong leadership and wealth of industry experience, Professor Pollaers, Ms Diamond and the other committee members have worked hard to ensure Australian industry has a key role in training package development,” Minister Andrews said.
“Putting a new industry-led system in place has been a massive achievement and a major element of the reform agenda of the Turnbull Government.
“Through the network of 64 Industry Reference Committees, industry has a driving role in determining the relevance and content of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, ensuring training packages reflect the needs of employers.
“Under the leadership of Professor Pollaers, the AISC is driving a range of new initiatives such as collaboration by different industry sectors to develop common units of competency in emerging areas like cyber security, big data, supply chains and automation.
“Greater industry leadership of VET is ensuring graduates have the skills the Australian economy needs.”
Professor Pollaers has a strong track record of leading major Australian and international companies, including Pacific Brand and Foster’s Group. In his current roles, he is working across industry and government to bring about major reforms to VET, as well as the aged care workforce, as Chair of the Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce.
Ms Diamond is Director Industry Services with Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA. Since 2011 she has designed and delivered various industry programs assisting employers with their skills, training and recruitment needs, including attracting and retaining more women in the industry.
Prior to joining AMMA, Ms Diamond held senior roles in the private sector including executive positions in the telecommunications industry.
“I look forward to working with Professor Pollaers, Ms Diamond and committee members to ensure the national training system delivers the skills and knowledge businesses – and the Australian economy – need to grow and prosper,” Minister Andrews said.
