New buildings have been officially opened at Geelong’s The Gordon TAFE, as part of a $10 million boost from the Victorian Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Training Minister Gayle Tierney joined teachers, students and community members to open the new student hub and library building.
The upgrades include a new student service centre, improves library and courtyard, digital screen and a computer lab that can be used after hours, a new auditorium and updated learning facilities.
“The new digital screen and improved façade is a benefit for all people in Geelong,” Tierney said.
“It visibly demonstrates the state-of-the-art facilities available to train up people in the local community.”
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It is part of the City Campus Rejuvenation Project, which aims to rebuild The Gordon to improve training for local students.
“We said we’d save The Gordon TAFE and we’ve delivered,” Andrews said.
“Whether it’s world-class new facilities or free TAFE, we’re making sure The Gordon is better than ever.”
Free TAFE has been popular in Geelong, with The Gordon seeing a 41 per cent increase in enrolments, moving from 734 in June 2018 to 1032 in June 2019.
“Thanks to free TAFE, more students than ever across the Geelong region are getting the training and skills needed to get a job to help keep Geelong and Victoria moving,” said Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville.
The State Budget 2019/20 also provided $23.5 million for a new culinary school at The Gordon to help deliver free TAFE courses for Victoria’s hospitality sector. It will include a social enterprise café and a new bakery training facility.
This project includes a $10 million contribution from The Gordon and is expected to be completed in 2021.
“When you support TAFE and training you give kids a future – and that’s exactly what we’ve done at The Gordon,” said Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman.