Ian Hall has been elected Chair of the Industry Training Federation, the member organisation representing the interests of all Industry Training Organisations (ITOs).

Dr Hall has a lengthy career in education, with a focus on vocational and technical education. He is a former Principal of the Christchurch College of Education and Otago Polytechnic and is a Follow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.

With the Government’s Review of Industry Training drawing to a close Dr Hall said he looks forward to working with members, industry, and Government, to ensure the interest of New Zealand inc could be enhanced through skill development.

"The review is providing clarity about the important role that ITOs provide but also a clear steer that if we are to reach the full potential we need to work in partnership.

"I am committed to that and to advocating in pushing for changes that will allow each ITO to do their job more effectively to develop skills that lead to a skilled future for our country," Dr Hall said.

He replaces Ian Elliott, who stood down today following the announcement that the ITO he heads is merging into The Skills Organisation.