Gary Sewell
Cooks Hill
Summary
Experienced Senior Project Officer with a robust history in managing and implementing strategic project plans. Known for building sustainable learning and development partnerships between employers and educational institutions and delivering quantifiable outcomes that align with organisational goals. Demonstrated expertise in vocational education, compliance, governance, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of fostering industry relationships and enhancing workforce readiness.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager (Regional Industry Education Pathways)
Training Services
05.2021 - Current
- Building learning and development partnerships between employers and local schools
- Supporting employers to engage with schools and share their expectations for their future workforce
- Strengthening links between what is learned at school and what is needed in the workplace
- Implemented 101 projects, providing opportunities to 11,909 students including 385 work experience opportunities, across 78 schools and engaging 201 industry partners
- Provided 436 professional development opportunities for teachers and Career Advisors
- Developed legacy programs for Tier 1 industries: Defence, Maritime, Early Childhood Advanced Manufacturing, Building and Construction and Aero skills/Aviation
- Managed Brief and OPEX budget
- Managed the vocational training and transition to programs for 32 schools
- In partnership with St Nicholas Early Childhood, designed and implemented the Educators of the Future program resulting in the employment of over 80 students
- Strategically designed and implemented best practice training experiences in identified skill shortage vocations
- Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase.
- Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.
- Presented regular status reports to executive leadership, providing insights into progress made toward achieving key milestones.
- Mentored junior project managers and team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
- Established effective communication channels with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment of expectations.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected challenges or obstacles encountered during project execution, devising creative solutions without compromising objectives.
- Provided outstanding service to clients through effective communication and prompt issue resolution to facilitate future business opportunities.
- Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
Strategic Project Manager
TAFE NSW
02.2018 - 05.2021
- Provide leadership and strategic advice and solutions on the coordination and implementation of major teaching and learning projects ensuring customer-centric, high-quality outcomes
- Provided leadership in the development and implementation of the TVET 2020 Implementation Plan, TVET Communication Strategy, and the TVET Governance Charter to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance
- Maintained a strong focus on quality assurance by establishing robust testing procedures and monitoring compliance with established standards.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through consistent engagement, transparent communication, and proactive problem-solving techniques.
- Secured buy-in from executive leadership for critical initiatives by presenting compelling business cases grounded in data-driven insights.
- Championed cross-functional collaboration among teams to ensure seamless execution of complex projects.
General Manager – ATB Training Skills Centre
ATB Morton
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Manage the development of policy, procedure, and governance obligations of the organization
- Management of day-to-day operations, including recruitment and professional development activities
- Development and implementation of Strategic and Operational plans
- Develop and present budget and P&L reports to the Board of Directors
- Conduct an internal audit of operations to inform the Strategic, Business, and Operational plan
- Implementation of a cascading professional development process
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
General Manager – Westrac Institute
Westrac Caterpillar
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Manage all compliance, legislation, and governance obligations
- Board of Directors endorsed the 2016/17 Business Plan
- Delivered a fully compliant State Training Services audit result
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
Director of International Educational Business
HGT Australia Ltd (NOVASKILL)
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Prepare and present strategic plans and budget reports to the Board of Directors
- Strategic IT marketing campaign: CRM, social media, LinkedIn, webinars, and SMS
- Geographical location analysis: historical enrolment data and political climate (free trade agreements)
- Implementation of online delivery products
- Streamlined operations and prioritised tasks, increasing revenue by 25%
International Business Development and Relationship Manager
Hunter TAFE
05.2012 - 06.2014
- Responsible for identifying, developing, and managing new venture international opportunities
- Manage compliance and reporting obligations across 93 qualifications and 92 teams
- Increased International enrolments for these 24 months by over 136%
Manager – Training and Development
Hunter TAFE
04.2010 - 05.2012
- Implementation of quality training programs to ensure compliance and legislative requirements are met
- Development of quality teaching and assessment tools and the writing of qualifications to meet industry needs
- Implemented the Hunter Institute of TAFE Head Teacher ASQA Health checks project
- Authored the 2013 Apprenticeship Completions Project Brick by Brick resulting in initiatives to improve training outcomes for future trade students
Education
Bachelor of Adult Education -
University of Technology
Advanced Diploma in Management -
TAFE NSW
Diploma of Quality Auditing -
TAFE NSW
Diploma of Project Management -
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV in Human Resource Management -
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE 40110) -
TAFE NSW
Aboriginal Cultural Education -
TAFE NSW
Policies, Procedures, and Practices for Sustainability -
TAFE NSW
Skills
- Project Planning and Implementation
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Vocational Education
- Budget Management
- Compliance and Governance
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Centric
- Results Driven
Timeline
Senior Project Manager (Regional Industry Education Pathways)
Training Services
05.2021 - Current
Strategic Project Manager
TAFE NSW
02.2018 - 05.2021
General Manager – ATB Training Skills Centre
ATB Morton
01.2017 - 02.2018
General Manager – Westrac Institute
Westrac Caterpillar
06.2016 - 12.2016
Director of International Educational Business
HGT Australia Ltd (NOVASKILL)
06.2014 - 06.2016
International Business Development and Relationship Manager
Hunter TAFE
05.2012 - 06.2014
Manager – Training and Development
Hunter TAFE
04.2010 - 05.2012
Advanced Diploma in Management -
TAFE NSW
Diploma of Quality Auditing -
TAFE NSW
Diploma of Project Management -
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV in Human Resource Management -
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAE 40110) -
TAFE NSW
Aboriginal Cultural Education -
TAFE NSW
Policies, Procedures, and Practices for Sustainability -
TAFE NSW
Bachelor of Adult Education -
University of Technology
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