Innovator takes helm of VET at CDU

An innovator who is deeply committed to ensuring students and employers are equipped for the jobs of the future has commenced as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Associate Professor Noordin Shehabuddeen hopes to help build the workforce of the future through partnerships with industry and government, course renewal and championing innovation.

“CDU is an institution with its heart in the Northern Territory but with a reach that transcends geographic borders not just within Australia but globally,” Dr Shehabuddeen said.

“We have an opportunity to build on our current strengths and assist those wanting to boost their skills for jobs not only existing now but those that are emerging and will exist in the future.”

Dr Shehabuddeen who has an international track record in transforming industry engagement portfolios across both Higher and Vocational education sectors said the merging of HE and VET at CDU would widen the university’s scope for delivering uniquely tailored solutions to industry.

“VET is the bedrock of any industrialised society and key to employment outcomes and social mobility,” he said.

“Being the Northern Territory’s only dual sector university, we are both privileged and responsible for driving innovation and supporting economic progress through a model of partnership and genuine engagement with our stakeholders”

Dr Shehabuddeen said that being innovative and developing quality training to support the workforce of the future as well as growing new markets would be vital to the success of VET at CDU.

“We are living in a digitally immersive world, in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution where the emergence of VET-level digital or ‘Blue Tech’ skills will be vital in preparing students for the workforce,” he said.

Dr Shehabuddeen joins CDU with a breadth of experience, in micro-credentials; one-stop fee-for-service models; innovative dual-sector pathways; degree-level apprenticeships; and start-up incubation programs.

His previous leadership roles include Dean (Engagement), Murdoch University; Director, BBEC, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol); Director, Business Engagement, Swinburne University of Technology; and Director, Innovation Academy, University of Liverpool. He has served as a Visiting Professor and ministerial advisor to the Government of Malaysia.

A mechanical engineer, Dr Shehabuddeen completed his PhD and MPhil at the University of Cambridge and worked at the same institution as an Industrial Research Fellow. He is Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.