TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman announces he will step down out of ‘urgency’ to spend more time with family
The head of the vocational education and training provider has been at the helm for more than six years.
SA News
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TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman has announced he is stepping down after more than six years guiding the institution through a “period of significant transformation”.
The head of the vocational education and training provider announced he would leave the role on July 6 out of “urgency” to spend more time with his family.
“There is urgency now for me to be more family facing and I need to be more available to our family,” Mr Coltman said.
Mr Coltman was appointed as chief executive of TAFE SA in January 2019.
He replaced interim boss Alex Reid, who became chief executive in December 2017 following an audit which found major shortcomings across the agency and senior leaders at TAFE SA quit or were sacked.
A scathing review by the Australian Skills Quality Authority found problems with all 16 of the courses randomly selected for audit at TAFE SA.
Enrolments were initially suspended in 14 courses.
About 800 affected students studying qualifications including hairdressing, construction, plumbing, commercial cookery, aged care had to undertake make-up tuition and assessments.
Then-chief executive Robin Murt resigned and board chair Peter Vaughan was dismissed.
In 2024, under Mr Coltman’s leadership, TAFE SA was named the nation’s large training provider of the year at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
“One of the things that struck me when I first arrived, was the powerful potential of TAFE SA,” Mr Coltman said.
“We saw this potential come to life.
“I’m really proud that every challenge we’ve faced across TAFE SA has been met with unwavering commitment and ingenuity, shaping TAFE SA into an institution that is a beacon of excellence.”
Mr Coltman said the outcomes of TAFE students were his “pride”.
“Our quality team, our education leaders and our educators are all exceptional,” he said.
TAFE SA board chairwoman Ingrid Haythorpe said Mr Coltman led the training provider “through a period of significant transformation and growth”.
“David’s leadership has been instrumental in repositioning TAFE SA as South Australia’s leading public provider of high quality vocational education and training,” Ms Haythorpe said.
“TAFE SA is well-positioned for the future and we remain focused on delivering outstanding outcomes for our students, employers and communities.”
She said enrolments, apprentice and trainee numbers had grown with Mr Coltman at the helm and 86 per cent of graduates had become employed or were pursuing further study.
Ms Haythorpe hailed that figure as “clear evidence of the positive outcomes being delivered across the state” under Mr Coltman’s leadership.
“The TAFE SA board extends its deep appreciation to David for his vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence,” she said.
“We wish him the best.”
A new chief executive has not yet been chosen as the recruit process is underway.
Originally published as TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman announces he will step down out of ‘urgency’ to spend more time with family
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