Bendigo Kangan Institute appoints new Chief Executive Officer and Regional Director

The Directors of Bendigo Kangan Institute Board are pleased to announce two senior appointments as part of the organisation’s strategy to deliver long-term, sustainable growth.

New Chief Executive Officer

In the first announcement, Bendigo Kangan Institute President, Michael Brown, confirmed the appointment  of Trevor Schwenke as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer. Trevor will formally assume the role as  at Tuesday 29 March.

In making the announcement, Michael Brown, said “We are privileged to have a person of Trevor’s calibre  join us. His extensive industry experience will be invaluable in guiding us through the next phase of our  journey.

"Bendigo Kangan Institute was created in 2014 through the merger of four organisations – Bendigo TAFE,  Kangan Institute, VETASSESS and eWorks.

“Since the merger, Interim CEO, Amanda Brook, and the team have done an impressive job of integrating  these organisations into one institute with one vision.

“Bendigo Kangan Institute is now highly-skilled, future-focused and has a rapidly growing presence in the  market. This provides a strong platform for sustainable growth and Trevor is the ideal person to lead us on  the next phase of our journey.

In response, Trevor said “I am excited to be joining Bendigo Kangan Institute at this important time in its  history.

“This is an organisation that’s on the rise. They have a great team with the support of a Government that’s  right behind TAFE. They’re building leading-edge systems and processes. They’re designing education  programs that have generated solid interest from students and industry. And they have an exciting plan in  place.

“Bring all of this together and you have a recipe for a great future… one that I’m honoured to be part of.” 

New Regional Director

Michael Brown also confirmed the appointment of Donna Rogers as Regional Director. Donna will oversee  the Institute’s regional business, while playing an important role in our regional communities.

“Donna is very well qualified to perform this important role,” said Mr Brown. “She has lived locally in Bendigo  for 17 years and is a passionate advocate for our regional students, industry partners and communities.

“Donna is also a highly skilled operator. She has been a member of our Lead Team for 3 years and holds the  position of Executive Director Learner Experience. In this role, Donna has recently managed the delivery  of our new student management system – possibly the largest single transformation project our Institute  has ever undertaken. Under her leadership, this significant leap forward for our students and teachers was delivered seamlessly, with no major issues and minimal disruption to the organisation.”

About Trevor Schwenke

Trevor Schwenke has more than 22 years’ experience in key leadership roles in the  vocational education and training, higher education, school and corporate sectors. Prior to his appointment as Bendigo Kangan Institute CEO, Trevor was the General  Manager of TAFE Queensland South West. 

In this role Trevor, led an organisation which services a geographical footprint  extending across one third of Queensland. He worked with elected representatives,  business and community leaders to grow the organisation with the primary focus on meeting and exceeding  the needs of students, employers, industry and the community.

Trevor has significant experience in the integration of major vocational training institutes. In 2013 and 2014,  he oversaw the amalgamation of The Bremer Institute and Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE. In this  role, Trevor was recognised as the 2013 Queensland Professional Manager of the Year by the Australian  Institute of Management.

Trevor also holds a Board position with TAFE Directors Australia. 

Trevor began his career as a tradesman and soon became a specialist welder and welding inspector. Further  study in engineering (Associate Diploma) and education (Bachelor Degree) allowed him to follow his  passion for teaching higher level engineering programs. A Masters of Education (Leadership) and a post  graduate certificate in Open and Distance Learning has allowed Trevor to further his career in the field of educational leadership and management and to pursue a special interest in blended and flexible delivery. 

About Donna Rogers

Donna has over 20 years’ experience in the banking and telecommunications sectors  in customer service, training and operations management roles.

With significant management experience in regional and rural areas, Donna is well aware of the issues faced by regional people in business and in education.

Donna joined Bendigo TAFE in January 2013 and has excelled in a number of roles  before being appointed as the Executive Director, Learner Experience in October 2014.

With extensive change management experience, including the transition of a national call centre from Sydney to Bendigo while with another organisation, Donna has been an integral part of the integration of  Bendigo Kangan Institute.

Along with her new role as Regional Director, Donna provides successful leadership, management and  governance of the learner experience functions at Bendigo Kangan Institute to ensure excellence in the total  customer journey. 

About Bendigo Kangan Institute

Bendigo Kangan Institute is one of Australia’s most prominent vocational education institutes. Bendigo  Kangan Institute is the group entity for Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, VETASSESS and eWorks.

Each year, Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute provides education and employment pathways to more  than 30,000 people. We provide this training at ten campuses, in the workplace, online and in many other  education, government and corporate locations. Our services reach across Victoria and, increasingly, across  Australia and the world.