The Australian Trade College North Brisbane is a not-for-profit organisation. The Board of Directors is comprised of the highly experienced and respected MRAEL directors below. They drive the strategic direction and work with the Principal to obtain the resources, funds and personnel necessary to implement and achieve ATCNB’s objectives.
DAVID POWER – CHAIR
As Chair of MRAEL, David Power brings over 25 years of experience in the legal profession. David uses his extensive experience as a Chair and
Director to strengthen MRAEL’s internal governance, refine its strategic direction and enhance its social impact. Based with his family in Toowoomba, Queensland, David is partner of a small law firm, ensuring his continued connection and commitment to the local community. He assists local families and businesses with complex commercial transactions, including corporate structuring, property management and estate planning.
NICOLAS WEST – DIRECTOR
With over three decades of experience in the vocational education and training (VET) sector, Nicolas West has extensive experience in the strategic positioning of organisations within the sector. Since joining the IntoWork Group in early 2017, Nicolas has worked with the Board of Directors, Group CEO, executive and management teams to place IntoWork as a leading provider of workplace participation services.
Prior to joining IntoWork, Nicolas held a number of senior roles involving the governance of organisations, including VECCI, Committee for Melbourne, as a Director of an industry association, CEO of a not-for-profit community organisation, leading the merger of two community organisations and advising on creating governance models for enterprises.
His motivation stems from a desire to make a real change in the lives of individuals.
CHRISTINE ZECHOWSKI – DIRECTOR
Christine has walked the same path as many of the IntoWork Group’s apprentices and trainees - she started her career as a trainee employed by Wide Bay Group Training’s (WBGT) in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Since then, Christine has grown and transitioned into different roles, eventually leading to her appointment as General Manager of Operations at MRAEL in 2012, following its merger with WBGT in 2009. In 2016, when Christine was Chief Operating Officer of MRAEL, the organisation seized the opportunity to join IntoWork Australia, a national organisation that shared the same values and strategic goals as MRAEL.
Christine is passionate about being part of an organisation that, quite literally, changes the lives of others for the better. The growth of MRAEL, with its diversified services and expanding geographical footprint, is one of the highlights of her career.
POUL BOTTERN – DIRECTOR AND COMPANY SECRETARY
Poul (MBA Hons, GAICD) joined IntoWork Australia as Group CEO in 2012 having over 20 years experience in management and executive level roles across community, training and employment related services.
Poul has worked with the Board and Management Team in building IntoWork Australia into a large progressive employment, recruitment, training and community service provider with over 100 locations across Australia. He is actively involved in various forums and peak bodies, including his role as the President of the National Australian Apprenticeship Association.
Operating across 12 companies, the IntoWork Group employs over 750 staff, and thousands of apprentices, trainees, and short term placements, and trains tens of thousands of students each year. As an Apprenticeship Network Provider the Group supports tens of thousands of people entering apprenticeships and traineeships, and also supports many disadvantaged young people and people with disabilities to enter the workforce and settle into the community as a DES and NDIS provider.