The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) today announced the appointment of its new Managing Director – Mr Simon Walker.
The Chair of the NCVER Board, Professor Peter Shergold, in announcing Mr Walker’s appointment stated, “The Board is delighted to announce that, beginning in mid October, Mr Simon Walker will become the next Managing Director of NCVER.”
“Simon has had a distinguished career in the vocational education and training (VET) field. Most recently he held the position of Executive Director, Policy Planning and Innovation, Department of Training and Workforce Development in Western Australia”.
Simon started his career in the private sector before moving to the public sector at Central TAFE. For some 20+ years, Simon has worked in a variety of senior roles within the Department of Training and Workforce Development with a particular focus on VET sectoral planning, policy and resourcing.
Simon has been a long serving member of the national Skills Senior Officials Network, a NCVER Board member since 2014 and has existing working relations with relevant executives and Boards across all jurisdictions.
Professor Shergold stated “The Board are delighted that Simon will be the new Managing Director. He possesses a deep understanding of the role of NCVER and its challenges. Simon has a depth of experience and understanding of the tertiary education sector and brings a strong background in industry engagement and the use of data analytics and research to inform public policy development”.
“His experience will be invaluable in leading NCVER to achieve its vision to transform our understanding of the national VET system through contemporary data and research services” said Professor Shergold. “I know that Simon is excited by the prospect of joining us”.
NCVER will continue to be led by Interim Managing Director Mette Creaser until Mr Walker commences his role, providing for a well-managed transition for the Company and staff.
In announcing Mr Walker’s appointment, Professor Shergold paid tribute to Dr Fowler. "Craig has set a strong foundation for NCVER in his time at the helm. Working closely with staff, government members and the broader stakeholder community, Craig has set a clear strategic direction for significant change in the years ahead. The Board will miss his commitment and wishes him well for the future”.
Media enquiries
Deanne Loan, Manager Digital Publishing and Communications, deanneloan@ncver.edu.au,
P 08 8230 8496 / 0413 523 691