Team

Mark Burgess is the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Skills Australia. He brings a wealth of industry and vocational education and training (VET) knowledge, underpinned by hands-on trade experience and deep sector leadership. Mark began his career as an Electrician, working predominantly in the large commercial and industrial sectors. From 2015 to 2021, he served as National Apprenticeship Officer with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), where he focused on apprenticeships, licensing, and trade recognition.

He currently sits on several industry boards and committees covering skills, training packages, licensing, and trades recognition. Mark is an active member of the PSO Technical Committees and the PSO Strategic Industry Advisory Body (SIAB). He also contributes to national standards development through Standards Australia (EL-001 and EL-042), and provides industry insights as part of the Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF) Industry Reference Group.

Mark has also collaborated internationally, working closely with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on global skills policy initiatives, including the Apprenticeship Development for Universal Lifelong Learning and Training (ADULT) project.

He has completed two apprenticeships through the VET system — first in commercial cookery, working as a chef for 13 years, before retraining and moving into the electrotechnology sector.

Emma Hall is an experienced project manager and team leader, with expertise delivering projects in skills planning and policy roles, organisational development, procurement, IT and organisational culture. Emma has worked for over 10 years in state and Commonwealth government roles, delivering sector-wide programs and policies, and delivered culture and recruitment programs, workforce development and IT projects within and across organisations.

Emma joins Energy Skills Australia after a 12 month role at the Clean Energy Council, where she delivered an industry-led workforce development project mapping skills needs for trade workers employed in large scale utility (wind, solar, BESS) projects.

Emma will oversee and manage the delivery of the Big Sister: Advanced Mentoring SA/WA project which will drive transformational change in the construction and clean energy industry by implementing an access and retention program for women electrical apprentices in South Australia and Western Australia.

Stephen Darby is a highly skilled and experienced leader in the VET and education sector with over 30 years of experience working across small and large organisations, projects and stakeholders.

Stephen has a proven track record in resource and LMS development, RTO compliance, business analysis, project management, database development.

As a qualified electrician, electrical engineer and school teacher, Stephen has a deep understanding of the Energy, Education and Technology sectors.

Outside of work Stephen enjoys mountain biking and running as well as travelling with world with his family.

Melinda has been employed by Energy Skills Australia since 2008, and previously for the ACT State ITAB from 2004.

She has been involved in many aspects of the Organisation, and undertaken various roles which have required involvement in national and international projects including the harmonisation of industry safety systems, evaluation of educational technologies and skilled migration processes.

Melinda currently performs the role of Corporate Manager where she uses her extensive experience, research and project management skills to support the board to meet the company’s corporate governance requirements. Melinda is responsible for administering and overseeing all aspects of Human Resource and Work Health and Safety across the organisation and draws on her contract management skills to oversee the day to day requirements of various Energy Skills Australia  projects including the skilled migration accredited courses owned by Energy Skills Australia.

Melinda holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Advanced Diploma of Project Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Outside of work Melinda keeps herself busy volunteering for her kids hockey club, keeping fit and running her kids around from their many sporting and co-curricular pursuits.

Wei Wu is the Finance Manager for Energy Skills Australia. He has been employed since 2007. In his role as Finance Manager, Wei is responsible for the overseeing day to day operation of the Financial Department, in order to meet the financial planning, reporting and compliance obligations.

Wei is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). He also holds a Master of Management and Bachelor of Financial Management.

In his spare time, Wei enjoys cooking delicious chinese delicacies and spending time with his family and friends.

Sally Pratley first commenced with Energy Skills Australia in 2008, having previously worked as a project officer with the ACT ITAB.

In her current role as Finance Officer, Sally uses her expertise to support the various functions and tasks of the Finance team including financial reporting, invoicing and client relations.

During her time at Energy Skills Australia Sally has undertaken a diverse range of roles and has managed and organised countless industry events, seminars and workshops.

Sally holds a Bachelor of Education, Advance Diploma in Accounting and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Sally is a current ACT representative OzTag player and in her spare time keeps busy volunteering at her local hockey club and children’s skipping club.

Sarah Young has performed the role of Project Officer with Energy Skills Australia since she commenced in 2012. During this time Sarah has worked across many aspects of the organisation including contract administration, invoice tracking, billing, data entry and analysis and events.

Sarah has Certificate III in Business Administration and Certificate IV in Enrolled Nursing.

Being a former elite athlete Sarah brings commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork into everything she does and when she is not at work she can be found on the sidelines of her kids sporting events and other co-curricular activities.

Viviana Croker commenced with Energy Skills Australia in 2019 as a Project Officer. In this role Viv undertakes various roles and responsibilities contributing to the smooth running of many Energy Skills Australia projects and committees.

Viv’s draws on her background and experience in marketing and business administration and strong stakeholder engagement skills to meet our stakeholder needs and expectations.

Having previously worked for Skills Oz, formerly Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council  (CPSISC) Viv has a long history and deep understanding of the Australian VET system.

Having completed an Australian School Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) in 2010, Viv also holds a Certificate IV in Marketing and Certificate IV in Business.

Always on point, Viv is a regular favourite at the various Fashions on the Field competitions during the racing season and when not chasing after her two young children can be seen around the local running tracks.