Based in Geelong in southern Victoria for more than 130 years, ‘The Gordon’ has been a power house of vocational education and training (VET).
It’s the largest regional technical and further education (TAFE) institute in Victoria and its 500 staff support over 13,500 students to kickstart careers with courses covering Certificate I through to Graduate Diploma qualifications. It’s a mammoth effort but one delivering the workforce of the future and fuelling Australia’s economic development.
‘VET helps thousands to realise their potential or change their life circumstances through nationally recognised training, while providing the skills needed for a changing economy,’ says Darren Gray, Deputy CEO/Director Skills First. ‘High-quality VET boosts employment outcomes for students. It also plays a lead role as rapid advancements in technology disrupt the ways we traditionally work, and it does so with nationally recognised qualifications.’
For its efforts, The Gordon won the 2017 Large Training Provider of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards.
At its two campuses in Geelong and facilities in Wyndham, The Gordon provides more than 230 qualifications and offers accredited and non-accredited specialist courses. It has more than 3,000 apprenticeships and traineeships Australia wide.
With one of the most comprehensive range of courses in Victoria, The Gordon helps transition workers and support skills development for exciting new and emerging sectors, including design and construction, health and community services, science and technology.
‘Traditional manufacturing has been the mainstay of this region for generations, but this is changing to a knowledge and service-based economy,’ says Darren. ‘Tailored VET qualifications help develop the skills Geelong needs.’
One example of a specialised and innovative education program delivering real-world and first-class learning is the course in using carbon fibre in composite manufacturing.
‘This course is an Australian first,’ says Darren. ‘Retrenched automotive manufacturing workers are building on their skills and securing employment in this emerging sector,’ says Darren.
Another example meeting growth demand is with STEM—science, technology, engineering and maths, which is supporting students with innovative careers and providing industry with a more highly skilled workforce.
Winning the Large Training Provider of the Year Award demonstrates The Gordon’s excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of VET.
‘Being part of the Australian Training Awards has been outstanding,’ says Darren. ‘It has increased the pride of staff and students. We’ve also met other exceptional providers, industry leaders and students, which has opened up collaboration opportunities.’
As an Australian VET Alumni member, The Gordon will promote the value of VET, including its proven ability to boost employment outcomes for graduates.
To find out more about how you can gain real skills for a real career through a VET qualification, visit http://www.myskills.gov.au/