As one of the largest TAFEs in Victoria, The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills for over 130 years. We pride ourselves on delivering a great range of study options in vocational ‘hands-on’ training.
Students can choose from hundreds of short courses and nationally accredited qualifications across apprenticeships, traineeships, certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, which can lead you to a great career or create a pathway to university.
From Geelong, Victoria, around Australia and overseas, thousands choose to study with us each year via flexible options including on-campus, full and part-time, off-campus, online, and in the workplace.
The Gordon embraces the partnership model; working with secondary schools, universities, employers, and the community in programs that deliver real benefits. We are also forging strong international strategic partnerships, particularly in China and Indonesia.
If you want to work as a pathology collector, this is the course for you. We will teach you how to take blood samples, various swabs and electrocardiograms for patients requiring pathology tests. You will learn infection control, first aid, WHS principles, how to prepare samples for testing, as well as communication and customer service skills. Taught by passionate, industry-based teachers, the course includes performing live bleeds in class and out in the industry, giving you real life experience.
Learn moreThis course will give you the foundation skills and hands-on experience to work in a Health Services role and develop your skills in caring for patients in a hospital environment.
Your learning will prepare you for work as a Patient Services Assistant in any Healthcare environment, including communication, infection control, food distribution, cleaning, transporting clients, and Work Health and Safety.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThis popular course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to register as an enrolled nurse or create a pathway to university.
Our experienced team of trainers will teach you about anatomy and physiology, communication skills, medical terminology, infection control, legal and ethical issues associated with nursing, nursing patients with complex needs, administering medications, and nursing patients with mental health needs. Our partnerships with Barwon Health, St John of God Hospital, and other healthcare providers also provide excellent work placement and employment opportunities.
This course is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). Upon completing your studies, you will be eligible to register as an enrolled nurse with the NMBA.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreAre you looking for a career as an accountant or bookkeeper and interested in helping businesses manage their accounts and legislative requirements? Then this is the course to take you there.
You will learn about BAS statements, legislative reporting obligations, operational reporting, preparing budgets, classifying, recording and reporting. This course will equip you to work in a diverse range of industries, or help you to manage a small office. You will also meet the current educational requirements to register with the Tax Practitioners Board.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreAre you looking for a rewarding career working with young children? This entry-level course will equip you with the foundation skills and knowledge you need to become a qualified assistant within this sector. In addition, you will learn about effective interaction and communication with children, appropriate care for babies, toddlers and children, first aid, safety and working legally and ethically.
Our trainers are all experienced Early Childhood Educators who are up-to-date with current industry standards and practices. With seven weeks of practical placement in industry, you'll graduate with the skills and knowledge to succeed and work appropriately in the early childhood sector, which has increased demand for qualified educators.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreIf you are looking to enter the information and communication technology (ICT) field, this course will teach you about networking and network administration, coding, Cybersecurity systems, cloud solutions, design thinking and teamwork, PC maintenance and building websites.
You will also benefit from our strong industry partnerships with key IT vendors including CISCO networking Academy, and AWS cloud academy.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreAre you looking for a career in Work Health and Safety (WHS)?
This course provides training for those either seeking to enter a WHS role or who are already working in some form of WHS capacity, such as a safety coordinator, in a workplace setting.
You will learn about a range of relevant WHS laws, processes, and systems that can be applied to a range of workplace settings, and how to assist in the protection of people and property.
Importantly our WHS course includes both Model WHS legislation and Victorian OHS legislation which considers the differences in Victorian requirements.
Intakes for on-campus study are generally February and July. You can expect approximately four hours of class attendance, one night a week, over the course duration or you can choose to study online in a blended class environment.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThis course will give you the specialised skills you need to work in the community services sector. You will learn how to provide direct support to individuals or groups, manage and coordinate service programs, work collaboratively with diverse people, and learn to recognise and respond to crises. You will gain an understanding of government services, community service work, and the not-for-profit community services sector.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreWould you like to become a qualified beauty therapist working in a salon, day spa, resort spa, or international spa? This diverse beauty therapy course equips you with advanced skills and knowledge to work at a senior level in the industry.
You’ll develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge in beauty therapy fundamentals, business marketing and planning, and advanced spa therapy treatments, including waxing, lash and brow tinting, manicures and pedicures, facials, and massage hot stone and Indian head massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology.
You will gain valuable hands-on experience at our practical clinic The Studio, at the Geelong City Campus. Our Diploma program is well-regarded in the industry. Our graduates have achieved a 100% employment rate for the last two years!
Learn moreIf you are creative and enjoy working with your hands, our floristry course could be for you.
The course equips you with in-depth skills in floral design and construction, display and visual merchandising. You will also develop strong industry skills and knowledge, including sustainable work practices.
Learn moreLearn the fundamentals of good design as you utilise your creativity and love of construction to create your own (virtual) building projects.
This course, highly regarded by industry, provides the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work as a building designer. You’ll gain specialist design skills applicable to residential and commercial design within the construction sector. Importantly, our strong industry partnerships allow students to work on live projects and graduate work-ready.
If you want to pathway to university, this course will give you excellent practical skills and a work-ready edge.
Learn moreDo you have a compassionate nature, good people skills and are looking for flexible work?
Individual support now has two specialisations, disability and ageing. You can choose either stream to improve your employment opportunities.
The ageing stream prepares you for work with the elderly in a community or residential setting. You will:
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThis course supports the role of a veterinary nurse who provides nursing care to animals, supports veterinarians during medical and surgical procedures, and helps clients maintain the health of their animals.
As a participant, you will need access to patients (animals), clients, medical and surgical cases, veterinary staff, and practice policies and procedures.
Applicants must hold a Certificate II or Certificate III in Animal Care/Care Services or a higher level qualification in an animal science discipline or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreDo you love the idea of working with animals? Are you looking to undertake further study to develop your career in the animal care industry? This course provides a pathway into a veterinary nursing career or other animal care roles.
You will learn about the daily care of various animals, including cats, dogs, birds, mammals and native wildlife. Your study will include animal health, hygiene and wellbeing, understanding animal behaviour, enrichment programs, handling and transporting animals, and basic first aid. You will also learn to communicate product and service information to the public.
Learn moreWould you like to start a career in beauty therapy? This entry-level course could be your calling if you enjoy working with people in a hands-on role.
Training takes place in The Hair Beauty Make-up studio (The Studio). Providing a hands-on environment developing a range of beauty treatment skills-beauty and facial treatments, body massage, manicure and pedicure services, make-up, tanning, lash and brow services, waxing including nutrition, skin biology, physiology and cosmetic chemistry. The practical skills you learn will help you gain employment in the beauty industry.
Learn moreDo you have a compassionate nature, good people skills and are looking for flexible work? A healthcare career could be for you.
The disability stream prepares you for working with people with disabilities in a community or residential setting. You will learn to communicate and work in health or community services, provide individualised support, recognise healthy body systems, work with diverse people, support independence and wellbeing, follow safe work practices and work legally and ethically.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreIf you are looking to develop a career in the IT industry, love new technology and seek employment in cyber security – this is the course for you.
The course is a technician-level qualification providing graduates with a comprehensive set of technical skills enabling them to:
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThis course is the ideal starting point if you’ve always dreamed of working with animals. You will learn how to care for animals in a range of environments and gain an understanding of the animal care industry, its products and services.
Learn moreAre you looking at making a difference in the lives of children? Are you passionate about education?
If you’re looking to make a difference and have the patience and communication skills to be able to deal with children of various developmental levels, a career in education support could be for you.
Education support workers work in a broad range of classroom contexts and learning environments in both public and private schools.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moref you are ready to take the next step and become a room leader, this course is for you. You will gain the skills and qualifications to confidently and effectively work in the early education sector, allowing you to positively impact our future generations. The program will enable you to develop skills to design, implement and evaluate early childhood education programs whilst caring for and supporting children’s learning in their most formative years.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreIf you are passionate about the culinary arts, driven to create, and you see yourself as a team player, becoming a qualified cook or chef could be the career for you.
You will learn fundamental preparation and cooking skills across a range of appetisers and salads, poultry and game, seafood, meat, a variety of hot and cold desserts, pastry products, cakes and yeast goods. You will also master the basics such as stocks, sauces and soups, vegan and vegetarian dishes, and egg and pasta dishes. You will also develop knowledge in food costs, effective communication and time management and have the opportunity to demonstrate these skills during live service periods.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThis qualification reflects the role of builders and managers of small to medium-sized building businesses.
The Building stream relates specifically to construction where you will learn to apply knowledge of structural principles, codes, standards and legal requirements to Class 1 and 10, to a maximum of two storeys and Class 2 to 9 Type C constructions.
You will also learn to plan and supervise safe building and construction work, prepare and administer contracts, and to apply quality principles to building and construction projects.
1 Aug 2024 - 1 Feb 2025
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreThe re-emergence of the barbershop has led to the need for specialist barbering skills for men, cutting and clipping, and maintaining facial hair. The Gordon offers specialist barber training to deliver the required skills. You will learn about men’s grooming services, shaving and freehand clipper work, and Pivot Point resources.
You will have real-life opportunities to develop skills in session styling in live photoshoots, catwalk parades, and on-film locations at events and industry excursions.
Learn moreIf you like working with people, have excellent communication skills and love all things beauty (and a bit of science), becoming a beauty therapist could be your calling.
The Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy course can help you gain employment in the beauty industry. Offering hands-on training, fundamental skills are developed within The Studio. Here you will learn a range of beauty treatments, including spray tanning, waxing, make-up, lash application and nail services.
Learn moreDo you have a young person aged 15 or over with special learning needs or learning difficulties? This unique program is designed to give the support and skills needed to gain employment or progress onto further study. It also offers students the opportunity to meet and interact with new people, build confidence and further their language and communication skills. This course is offered on a full-time basis to give students the best opportunity to gain skills for employment, or further education.
Learn moreDo you want to boost your skills, knowledge and confidence before following a pathway into Nursing or other Health or Community Service fields?
Our Certificate III in General Education for Adults “BINS” course is designed to help you move into further study with confidence. The course includes research skills and assignment writing, maths and problem solving, science (incorporating some anatomy and physiology as well as presentations), goal setting and education pathway planning.
Learn moreDo you have a young person aged 15 or over with special learning needs or learning difficulties? This unique program is designed to give them the support and skills needed to gain employment or progress to further study. It also offers students the opportunity to meet and interact with new people, build confidence and further their language and communication skills. This course is offered on a full-time basis to give students the best opportunity to gain skills for employment or further education.
Learn moreThis course will extend your theoretical and practical skills for an advanced career in accounting and finance. You will learn about budgeting and forecasting, preparation of financial reports, internal control, income tax returns and further your knowledge of legislative compliance.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreWhen you study remedial massage with The Gordon, you will gain 200 hours of clinical experience in our massage clinic. Remedial massage includes sport, therapeutic, relaxation and remedial techniques, and postural assessment. You will undertake theoretical and practical massage training to assist you in planning, applying and assessing soft tissue massage techniques for the healthcare and allied health industries. You will learn about human anatomy and physiology, massage theory and practice, medical terminology, business practice and client communication, and working safely and ethically in healthcare and wellness environments. You are also assured of your eligibility to register with peak massage industry associations.
Learn moreThose employed in the Community Services sector support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. This course will give you the skills you need for an entry-level role as a community services worker.
You will learn the foundation skills required to provide direct support to individuals or groups, manage and coordinate programs, work collaboratively with a diverse range of people and learn to recognise and respond to crises. Work may include the day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or support the implementation of specific community-based programs. You will gain an understanding of government services, community service work, and the not-for-profit community services sector.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreIf you enjoy being outdoors, have an interest in plants and gardens, and are looking for a hands-on career, then horticulture could be for you.
This generalist course will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to enter the industry. You will learn about plant identification, pest and disease, weeds, propagation, soils and plant nutrition, customer service, turf establishment, plant establishment, drainage and irrigation, retaining walls and paving and OHS matters.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
Learn moreAre you from a non-English speaking background and want to improve your written and spoken English skills? Would you like to study or improve your employment opportunities? Then this course may be just what you are looking for!
Our Certificate II in EAL (Access) –course is designed for students from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. You will improve your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.
Learn moreAre you from a non-English speaking background and want to improve your written and spoken English skills? Would you like to study or improve your employment opportunities? Then this course may be just what you are looking for!
Our Certificate III in EAL (Access) course is for students from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. You will improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking English skills. The course will also cover employment and living skills, knowledge of Australian society, and strategies to successfully move into work or further study
Learn moreIf you are looking to enter the construction industry or get a taste of the carpentry trade before undertaking an apprenticeship, then this pre-apprenticeship course is designed for you. You will learn fundamental hands-on skills that you will need in the building and construction industry, along with specific training for carpentry. When finished, you'll increase your potential to gain an apprenticeship. Once you secure an apprenticeship contract with an employer, you can continue your training as an apprentice in carpentry.
Eligible Victorian students who elect to use their one Free TAFE opportunity will not incur any tuition fees. Material and resources fees still apply.
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