Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Vocational Education and Training)

Mr Nikola Babovic
Phone + 61 (0) 7 4930 9372
Email n.babovic@cqu.edu.au

Ms Rebecca Cross, Executive Assistant
Phone + 61 (0) 7 4930 9372
Email r.cross@cqu.edu.au

About the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Vocational Education and Training)

Nik Babovic is the appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor - Industry and Vocational Education and Training (DVC-Industry and VET) CQUniversity. This role within the University is focused on developing the first Dual-Sector University in Queensland which will be one of the most innovative and exciting post-secondary education and training initiatives undertaken in Queensland and specifically the Central Queensland region.

Prior to taking up the DVC-Industry and VET role with CQUniversity, Nik was the Institute Director of Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQIT) which has over 20,000 enrolments delivered in 10 campuses across Central Queensland. He has over twelve years' experience in Senior Executive Management roles in the private, public and not-for-profit sector.

Within the not-for-profit sector he was the General Manager of Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). Since its inception in July 2007, CSQ has transformed the nature of skills development and the interaction between industry and government. This signalled a radical shift in the development and implementation of training and skilling strategies for the industry.

As General Manager of CSQ, Nik lead the development and implementation of skills solutions and workforce development in a range of industry sectors. This was achieved in partnership with key industry stakeholders including industry representatives from large, medium and small enterprises, employee associations, employer associations, industry associations, State and Federal Governments.

Prior to his role with CSQ in 2007, Nik was the General Manager of one of the largest trade training private providers in Australia, Careers Australia Institute of Training, where he was responsible for business strategy, performance, growth and operations of all trade training centres owned by Careers Group.

Within the public sector Nik has also performed a range of senior roles including that of Executive Director Industry Engagement, Office of TAFE Queensland and Director, Education and Training at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE. Nik also has a breadth of management and trade experience in the construction sector having held management positions with a variety of large and small building companies as well as being a Registered Builder since 1996.

Nik's experience is supported by post-graduate studies in business administration, undergraduate qualifications in education and vocational qualifications in building and construction.