The peak body representing independent skills training, higher education and international education providers, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), has appointed prominent business leader, Mark McKenzie, as a Board Director.
"ITECA is pleased to have access to Mark's considerable experience as we ensure that the independent skills training and higher education sectors play a key role in addressing the nation's skills shortages," said ITECA Board Chair, Adj. Prof. Wilhelm Harnisch.
"Mr McKenzie brings with him a wealth of direct experience and recently served on the Australian Government's vocational education and training reform transition advisory group, providing strategic advice on the transition to the new 'cluster-based' VET skills training system.
Mr McKenzie's experience includes key appointments relevant to the skills training, higher education and international education sectors, including:
- Australian Research Council Advisory Committee, Member (Current)
- ACCC Small Business and Franchising Committee, Member (Current)
- Australian Government Digital Transformation Expert Panel (Former Member)
He is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA), representing the interests of the $74 billion fuel wholesale and fuel retail industry for more than 3,900 businesses and 64,000 employees.
ITECA's governance arrangements blends elected representatives of independent tertiary education providers with skills-based Directors, of which Mr McKenzie is one.
ITECA is a growing community of independent tertiary education providers with a reputation for excellence and quality. The high level of member engagement in policy advocacy at a national, state and territory level was received well by Mr McKenzie.
"It's great to be part of a dynamic and member-centric organisation that is respected across government and the business community as the authentic voice of the independent tertiary education sector," Mr McKenzie said.
The appointment comes at a critical time for ITECA, which is currently coordinating the contribution of independent skills training, higher education and international education providers on key policy reforms and economic challenges.
"The ITECA Chief Executive, Troy Williams, and his policy team are working tirelessly to ensure that independent tertiary education providers are engaged in the policy debate. I look forward to working with Wilhelm, Troy and the ITECA Board to ensure that past successes are built upon," Mr McKenzie said.
Independent providers support more than 87% of the 4.3 million students in skills training and more than 10% of the 1.6 million students in a higher education awards program.
