The Gordon leads the way in accessible and inclusive training
Victoria’s TAFEs are improving training for people with disabilities.
TAFE enrolments by people with a disability are lower than for people without a disability. So, TAFEs are finding ways to make their world-class training more inclusive and accessible.
For example, The Gordon is developing a disability awareness program and piloting it for automotive apprenticeships.
It will create digital resources for employers and teachers in the automotive industry to support more inclusive workplaces and training. This will create a better TAFE experience for apprentices with disability. It could lead to better training outcomes too.
The Victorian Skills Authority is supporting this initiative with a $150,000 grant through the Local Skills Partnerships Program. The program supports training providers to collaborate with industry to address training challenges.
The Gordon is also making good progress on its Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion. This will open in 2027.
The new centre has been co-designed with people who have lived experience with disabilities. It sets a new benchmark for accessible vocational training for disabled people.
Since 2024, a series of workshops have shaped the centre’s shared vision for more inclusive training for students with a disability. These workshops included:
- students
- families
- disability advocates
- educators
- employers
- government partners.
The Gordon is now working with these groups to develop the centre’s operating model.
The Victorian Government is supporting the centre with a $36 million investment.
To learn more about the support available while studying, visit the TAFE Victoria website.
