Geelong students living with a disability will soon have improved access, inclusion and employment outcomes with a new TAFE centre.
Construction began on The Gordon’s $36 million Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion with a sod-turning ceremony on 12 February.
The Gordon chief executive Joe Ormeno said the centre’s design was guided by lived experience to provide support, comfort, accessibility and wellbeing for all learners.
“By elevating the lived experience of people with disability, we’ll lift training outcomes, open up pathways to secure jobs, and share effective practice across Victoria’s TAFE Network,” he said.
“As a Victorian TAFE Network Centre of Excellence, The Gordon will work alongside TAFEs across the state to share what works, build capability and drive lasting change across the system.
“By centring the lived experience of people with disability at every stage of design and delivery, we are setting a new benchmark for how TAFE can support learners with disability to learn, belong and succeed.”
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said the centre, which is expected to be open next year, will help drive improvement, innovation and system-wide change in disability inclusion across the TAFE sector.
“This centre will support people with disability to access real skills and employment opportunities,” she said.
“Free TAFE has benefited more than 225,300 students in Victoria and trains our disability workforce. That’s why we are protecting it.”
Centre facilities will include inclusive learning environments, student services hubs, meeting rooms, low-stimulation spaces, a sensory courtyard and an industry showcase area.
