TAFE taps VET David Coltman expert for ‘fresh start’

Swinburne University executive David Coltman will be the new head of TAFE SA.

David Coltman is the new boss of TAFE SA.

Swinburne University executive David Coltman will be the new head of TAFE SA, charged by the South Australian government with giving TAFE colleges a “fresh start”.

Mr Coltman is currently deputy vice-chancellor for pathways and vocational education at Swinburne, a dual-sector university that offers vocational courses as well as higher education.

SA Education Minister John Gardner said Mr Coltman’s appointment was a “key milestone” in renewing TAFE.

In 2017, 10 TAFE SA courses were suspended by the regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority. TAFE SA had suffered years of budget cuts.

After winning the election last year the incoming Liberal government promised TAFE renewal.

The government said Mr Coltman had an extensive history in managing and delivering programs that increased participation in training.

It praised him for his work in New Zealand, where he succeeded in bringing under-represented groups — including Maoris, Pacific people and refugees — into training programs.