The significant contribution of Peter Henneken AM to vocational education and training (VET) in Queensland and Australia, and his leadership in the sector, has helped to shape the world class training system Australia has today.

Through his more than 40 years in the Queensland public service, Mr Henneken has led the development and implementation of innovative and forward-thinking training, employment, and labour policies and programs. These policies and programs have reformed and modernised training in Queensland and nationally, placed training and skills firmly on the workplace productivity agenda, and benefited thousands of people.

While Mr Henneken’s work has primarily focused on Queensland, it has had a great impact on the VET system nationally, particularly in the areas of:

• work-based entry-level training and traineeships
• industry engagement and alignment of training to industry needs
• nationally consistent training product development
• a nationally harmonised VET system
• recognition of private providers
• expanded training markets
• Group Training.

Mr Henneken describes the introduction of the Australian Traineeship System as his greatest achievement, with the change positively impacting on both workers and industry. His leadership role in introducing an Australian Traineeship System, via the Kirby Inquiry in 1984, has resulted in thousands of people across Queensland and Australia entering into structured employment and training opportunities and long-term careers.

Mr Henneken has received a number of public awards in recognition of his service to the VET sector and Queensland.

In his retirement, Mr Henneken continues to offer leadership to the VET system through his role as Chair of the Queensland Fitness, Sport and Recreation Skills Alliance and through research and policy submissions to government.

2015 Winner Fact Sheet – Peter Henneken AM, Lifetime Achievement Award