Charles Darwin University is about to welcome a new head for its large VET portfolio.
The Vice-Chancellor of CDU, Professor Barney Glover, announced this morning that the Managing Director of Pilbara TAFE, WA, Dr Barry McKnight, would take up the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor VET in November.
Professor Glover said Dr McKnight had an extensive background in senior management within the VET (TAFE) sectors in three states, including in regional and remote communities.
“CDU delivers education and training to more than 100 locations across the Territory, so Dr McKnight’s experience will serve the sector very well,” Professor Glover said.
As Managing Director of Pilbara TAFE, in the north of Western Australia, Dr McKnight manages an area spanning 500,000 sq/km, with six campuses and six remote delivery hubs.
“Pilbara TAFE and our VET enterprise have features in common, not the least of which is the responsibility for delivering a range of courses to a variety of socio-economic groups in geographically remote locations,” Professor Glover said.
As part of the role, Dr McKnight would represent the University at Territory and national levels in discussions on policy and funding for the sector, he said.
Dr McKnight has held leadership positions at the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE QLD, TAFE Central Coast NSW, and TAFE – Hunter Institute NSW.
His academic qualifications include a PhD, MEd (Hons) First Class, and BSc (Hons) First Class.
The appointment came after a nation-wide recruitment search to fill the newly created position, which will report to the Vice-Chancellor.
VET at CDU currently comprises more than two-thirds of total student numbers.