New South Wales vocational education and training (VET) advocate Albert Coulston Evans AO (Bert) was recognised for more than 30 years of service to the VET sector, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Australian Training Awards.
During his time as Chief Executive of the Metal Trades Industry Association (MTIA) from 1981 to 1996, Bert worked towards a cooperative approach to managing business and union interests. Integral to his vision was a rebuilding of the manufacturing sector and the development of progressive industry policy which valued and invested in labour through training, career paths, fair pay and workplace regulation. Since his retirement in 1996, Bert has used his extensive knowledge, credibility and standing within industry and government to lead reform of the New South Wales VET system. Under Bert’s guidance, participation in VET in New South Wales has grown to record levels under greatly improved and strengthened arrangements.