Gordon bucks fees trend

Kim Waters
Geelong’s Gordon Institute of TAFE has bucked a trend of declining enrolments following a controversial State Government student fees hike last year, according to an education spokesperson.
Victorian TAFE association executive director David Williams said Gordon enrolment numbers for diplomas and advanced diplomas increased 15 to 22 per cent.
He credited the increase with Gordon’s “strong community ties” and a lack of private sector competition in Geelong.
“In other areas there are a lot of private providers who offer diplomas and advanced diplomas for cheaper rates,” Mr Williams said.
“Gordon also has a really good working relationship with its community and with Deakin University.”
Various TAFE institutions in Melbourne have suffered enrolment slumps of up to a 60 per cent this year.
The Government has reformed TAFE funding, adding thousands of dollars to fees for some diploma students.