Former vice-chancellor of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), emeritus professor Peter Coaldrake, has been appointed as chair of Jobs Queensland, the state’s workforce and skills advisory board.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the appointment of professor Coaldrake on Saturday, saying he brought a wealth of knowledge to the position, including an interest in the changing nature of industries and the labour market.
“After 14 years as QUT Vice-Chancellor, he has a particular interest in the impact of changes sweeping through industries,” Palaszczuk said.
“These are changes which are transforming economies and the nature of jobs and employment.
“Peter has been a big supporter of Advance Queensland and knows about unlocking the jobs of the future and identifying the skills that people will need to possess.”
The selection and appointment of Coaldrake followed open merit expression of interest process. He replaces the interim chairperson, Peter Henneken, who is to continue as a board member.
Jobs Queensland is an independent advisory board that reports to the state government, bringing together industry, industry associations and peak bodies, regions, communities, employers and unions to provide strategic advice on future skills needs.
The government uses the advice of Jobs Queensland to help its prioritisation of investment in vocational education and training. It also commissions research into future industry needs to help prepare strategies for developing workforce skills.
State skills and training minister Shannon Fentiman said that Jobs Queensland was assisting the government’s efforts to generate more jobs across the state by anticipating the skills required for the jobs of the future, including within the advanced manufacturing industry.
“Jobs Queensland has also worked with the manufacturing industry in Ipswich to develop a manufacturing workforce report and action plan to support skills and employment growth in the region.”
“Professor Coaldrake will assist Jobs Queensland in build on this work and Jobs Queensland will deliver research focused on the future of work, how to best support social enterprise and how to strengthen policy outcomes achieved by the Certificate 3 Guarantee program.”
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