Sue Williams

Sue has worked within the industry training area of tertiary education for the last 12 years. The range of organisations she has worked with is broad and includes the Tertiary Education Commission (and its predecessor Skill New Zealand), the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, several industry training organisations, and the Department of Building and Housing.

Sue began her involvement with the sector in 2000 when she joined Skill New Zealand to first launch then oversee the government’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme. Her involvement with apprenticeships has continued over the years, through her role as Careers and Apprenticeships Manager for an industry training organisation (ITO) for two years, four contracts with the Tertiary Education Commission for work on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme, and more recently research into cadetship opportunities for two ITOs.

Sue has a strong understanding of the New Zealand qualification framework, being part of the small team responsible for redesigning the policies and procedures that support the framework, and her work with ITOs, the TEC and the Department of Building and Housing has provided a wealth of experience in working with industry stakeholders, including apprentices, employers, business leaders, training providers, industry associations and government agencies.

In 2004, Sue established Willobank Resources Limited and has continued to work with organisations and government agencies on industry training related contracts since.

A significant part of Sue’s work has involved the review and development of operational policies, processes and guidelines with a focus on government agencies and industry training organisations.  For example - Sue was part of the small team responsible for redesigning the policies and procedures that support the New Zealand Qualifications Framework in 2010-11.

She has considerable experience in the areas of qualitative interviewing, facilitation and capability building - working with industry stakeholders, including apprentices, employers, business leaders, training providers, industry associations, secondary schools and government agencies over the past 12 years.

Sue lives in Waikanae, one hour north of Wellington and works mainly from home. She and her family enjoy the relaxed lifestyle the Kapiti Coast offers, but never miss a chance to travel to far away destinations.

Work strengths

• Policy and process design and review
• Qualitative interviewing/Focus group facilitator
• Capability building
• Strategy development
• Project management