Simon Hester

Experience

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  Self employed

  Aug 1998 - Jan 2007

  Carpenter and Supervisor
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  Melbourne Polytechnic

  Jan 2007 - Apr 2022

  Key Responsibilities:-Manage educational leadership projects to shift delivery models from Face to Face to Blended, Online or Workplace and embed use of immersive and interactive learning resources to capitalise on and support ongoing impacts of COVID-19-Implement projects linked to MP Education Strategy 2019/23 and VET and Foundation annual operational plans-Facilitate projects developed from internal and external audit findings-Prepare briefing papers, reports and updates for Boards and Executive Leadership Team-Review, develop and implement changes to relevant policies and procedures-Liaise and consult with internal and external stakeholders-Oversight and co-ordinate student complaints concerning VET and Foundation Managers-Develop, implement and monitor projects to ensure compliance with audit requirements-Support Academic Operations and Directorate and Department Managers-Supervise implementation of projects, priorities and initiatives in annual operational plans-Initiated collaborative project across multiple internal programs and service areas to facilitate expansion of Plumbing Program facilities. Project involves multiple campuses and internal stakeholders to ease backlog of students requiring practical learning and assessment in Plumbing programs due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Engaged 4 trade programs, Curriculum Unit, Professional Teaching Practice Team and Learning Environments to standardise engagement of new apprentices. Project will support quality educational training for trades employers and apprentices and compliance with Department of Education guidelines on training delivery Show less Key Responsibilities:-Provided high level educational leadership for staff and students within programs-Worked with Manager and Learning and Teaching department and teachers to improve student outcomes and teacher development-Advised Manager on program budgets-Oversaw curriculum redesign and recommended improvements to keep curriculum current and high quality-Liaised effectively with industry to ensure worth of current training and future training options-Developed departmental growth strategies-Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships-Ensured integration of department activities across other departments within programs-Oversaw and developed program staff -Advised Manager on program budgets-Developed strong relationships with the founders and current owners of Provans Timber and Hardware to establish 3 annual scholarships and annual award for Carpentry, Joinery and Cabinet Making students.-Improved management of Carpentry team and raised morale-Converted Cabinet Making program from day release to block release Show less Key Responsibilities:-Led 120 staff and 2,500 students enrolled in 1.1 million student contact hours through changes in learning and teaching and shift to working from home over brief time period-Managed shift from 100% face-to-face delivery modes in construction to remote delivery-Managed curriculum design to meet industry and strategic needs-Managed and oversaw Program Leaders and provided strong leadership, skills and support-Led discipline area in the planning and delivery of courses to meet School and Institute strategies-Liaised with industry partners and developed strong links-Ensured that budgeted revenue targets were met-Developed annual budgets in conjunction with Head of School and Finance Department-Monitored and analysed monthly expenditure against budgets-Ensured that all Quality Assurance procedures were followed and conducted departmental audits in conjunction with QA-Maintained and developed stakeholder relationships-Initiated and supported collaborative projects across higher education and VET-Identified, developed and promoted pathways to enhance student opportunities and outcomes-Managed departmental facilities, equipment and resources-Finalised 2020 budget Show less

  • VET- Senior Project Coordinator

    Dec 2020 - Apr 2022

  • Program Leader- Carpentry, Joinery & Furniture

    May 2018 - Nov 2020

  • Acting Manager- Construction

    May 2020 - Aug 2020

  • Acting Manager- Trades

    Aug 2019 - Sept 2019

  • Program Leader- Wet Trades & Locksmithing- School of Engineering, Design and Construction

    May 2016 - May 2018

  • Onsite and Business Liaison- Faculty of Engineering and Construction

    Dec 2014 - May 2016

  • Apprenticeship Traineeship Quality Training Provision- Program Coordinator

    Oct 2011 - Dec 2014

  • Trainer & Assessor

    Jan 2007 - Sept 2011
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  RMIT University

  Apr 2022 - Mar 2023

  Manager Academic Quality and Compliance

  As Manager- Academic Quality and Compliance, Simon leads a dedicated team of experienced Quality Leads and skilled Senior Services Officers that support the five industry clusters in the College of Vocational Education (CoVE). Simon identifies and responds to opportunities to enhance quality in learningand teaching, developing systemic solutions and supporting teaching teams to implement improvements in practice.As Manager, Academic Quality and Compliance, Simon is the key contact for the teaching community to seek advice on compliance matters, and he works within the Quality team to ensure CoVE meets its regulatory requirements.Simon works with the Learning Experience team and other support teams within theCollege of VE to drive quality and ensure compliance. Show less

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  Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance

  Apr 2023 - now

  • Senior Manager VET Implementation

    Dec 2024 - now

  • Manager VET Implementation

    Apr 2023 - Dec 2024