Mr Martin Powell commenced as the CEO at the VET Development Centre (VDC) in January 2016. Since this time, Martin has driven innovation and change at the VDC to support its goal to become a centre of excellence for continuous professional learning to the VET workforce.
The VDC Board has acknowledged the vision and considerable effort of Martin, who developed the business case and rationale for the establishment of the VDC permanent training facilities in Collins Street Melbourne. This initiative has enabled the VDC to expand its professional learning programs and consolidate its market presence to enable record participation. Martin has also refined the VDC team and streamlined business, marketing and corporate practices to enhance and stimulate engagement with the VDC by the professional workforce, government and other stakeholders.
Prior to joining the VDC, Martin has held prominent positions in the VET sector. Martin was the National Manager, Services / Victorian Executive Officer for the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). With TVET Australia and the National Advisory for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment (NATESE), Martin was Director of the National VET Equity Advisory Council (NVEAC), the COAG advisory committee responsible for independent social policy advice for those groups at risk of disadvantage. His experience extends to broader policy, project and program roles in public sector social policy in the areas of VET, health, corrections, youth services, mental health services, treasury and finance and industry.
