Kerry Collins

Purpose‑driven, people‑centred senior leader with over 20 years' experience shaping workforce strategy, and capability across the Western Australian public sector and multiple occupational outcomes and industries. I specialise in translating complex system‑level challenges into practical, values‑aligned solutions that strengthen organisational performance and build future‑ready workforces. With deep expertise in apprenticeships and traineeships, workforce development, and public sector reform, I partner with executives to design and deliver strategic initiatives that address critical skills shortages, uplift leadership capability, and embed inclusive, ethical, and high‑performing cultures.

My work is grounded in strong legislative and policy understanding, evidence‑based analysis, and a collaborative approach that builds trust and drives sustainable change. Known for my ability to influence at all levels, I have led cross‑agency programs, advised senior leaders, and delivered high‑impact development programs that future‑proof critical occupations and strengthen organisational culture. I bring a calm, strategic presence, a commitment to integrity, and a passion for building capability, belonging, and opportunity across the public sector.

Principal Workforce Development Consultant – Development Programs Manager - Public Transport Authority (PTA) Western Australia - Western Australia

(2021-04)

People & Organisational Development - Workforce Strategy Learning & Development

• Manages, develops, implements, coordinates and administers organisational and/or workforce development programs specifically for critical occupations in the Rail industry primarily through apprenticeship and training pathways
• Works collaboratively to provide advice, support and solutions across a broad range of organisational and workforce development matters, across a range of internal stakeholders, from the operational business areas, HR, IR, Learning & Organisational Development
• Works strategically to address critical skills shortages within rail working closely with key VET stakeholders including but not limited to Registered Training Organisations, Department of Training and Workforce Development, Australian Apprenticeship Support Networks, State Training Board, Jobs & Skills Councils, Industry Reference Committees
• Managers, supports, mentors and guides my workforce development consultants team, to support develop, guide and lead PTA managers, Trainers, Superintendents, interns, graduates, development program participants, trainees and apprentices
• Provides, implements and supports all parties through the Australian apprenticeship system adhering to specific requirements under the VET Act, of which part 7 of the act relates to the management of apprenticeships and traineeship requirements
• Identifies and ensures special WHS provisions for certain apprenticeship/training occupations are applied, an example – the electricity act requires certain provisional licences and additional supervision requirements are required for apprentice electrical fitters, or special safe working accreditations for the Rail industry, every industry is unique but being in a safety critical environment, safety is the number one focus
• 2024: Achieved a significant reduction in the Public Transport Authority's (PTA) training timeline for Signal Technicians, decreasing the duration from seven years to four and a half years. This accomplishment directly addresses internal occupational shortages that are also identified as state, national & international shortages in this critical occupation. The outcome was achieved through close collaboration with internal trainers and by effectively integrating the Australian Qualifications Fra
• 2023: Implementing the first of its kind track inspector development program with all participants graduating and then implementing a second intake this included, identifying the right training, implementing and selecting the right units of competency, developing, recruiting, onboarded and inducting participants to address critical skills shortages of track inspectors' occupations. This program will now serve to address WAs skills shortages as the WA Rail network expands at a rapid rate with Met

Senior Consultant – Workforce Planning & Programs (specialising in VET, Workforce Strategy) / A/Principal Consultant– Workforce Planning / Workforce Strategy - Public Sector Commission (PSC) Western Australia - Western Australia

(2012-12 - 2021-04)

People, Culture and Diversity - Workforce Strategy.

The Public Sector

Commission's role is to strengthen the efficiency, effectiveness and capability of the Western Australian public sector to meet existing and emerging needs and deliver high quality services. This includes maintaining and advocating for public sector professionalism and integrity.

• Manage a small team, delegate and monitor progress to achieve results and objectives
• Identify and implement strategies and programs to address diversity and inclusion through entry level program initiatives including school-based traineeships and full -time traineeships programs and employment pools
• Provide advice and translate legislation/policy to ensure audience understanding and compliance
• Regularly manage and provide high level advice on training programs, employment initiatives and strategic streamlining opportunities across the WA State Government departments and agencies
• Manage, develop and implement programs to progress an organisation's workforce strategy
• Communicate with stakeholders in person and in writing including preparing and communicating briefing notes, speeches, correspondence, reports, research findings and application of legislative/policy requirements
• Liaise with internal and external parties and adapt communication for a wide audience including State Government employees/staff, colleagues, Executives, Chief Executives, Ministers and Parliament
• Represent the PSC and the Commissioner at various agency, State and community forums
• 2020: Selected to provide support and manage the WA Public Sector's Workforce Mobilisation initiative 'Switch' in response to COVID-19 pandemic. The Switch program was developed to allow rapid mobilisation of WA public sector staff across agencies and across the State, to address emergency issues of staff resourcing in response to the pandemic. This involved managing the coordination of all WA Public Sector agencies, developing and implementing the governance including leading the role as secret
• 2015: In the legislative transition of minor misconduct function coming from the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 to the Public Sector Management Act 1994 identified the need for the PSC to further develop the capacity of public authorities on the prevention of misconduct. Developed the Cert IV in Government Investigations, as a bespoke qualification for the WA Public sector. To date, over 300 WA state government employees have trained and qualified in the program, ensuring the standards

Advanced Diploma - Neuroscience of Leadership - Trainwest (2026-02)

Certificate IV - Government Human Resources - Central Institute of Technology (2016-03)

Certificate IV - Training Assessment & Education - Training Services Australia (2015-07)

Pathways to Leadership - University of Western Australia (2014)

Skills Set - Supervising Trainee Talent, TAE Workplace Supervisor Skills Set - Aspire Training Performance (2011)