Gordon up there with the very best

THE Gordon has cemented its status as one of the nation’s top training providers.

The Geelong-based TAFE has been short-listed in the prestigious Australian Training Awards and will compete for the nation’s top vocational education and training award against the Canberra Institute of Technology and Charles Darwin University later this month.

The accolade is the second in recent times for The Gordon, which was named the state’s best large training provider in the Victorian Training Awards in October.

The Gordon chief executive officer Lisa Line said the national awards recognised “the best of the best” in the vocational and education training sector and credited an organisation’s ability to provide innovative student-based learning.

“What an incredible experience this has been for our staff and students,” Ms Line said.

“We are honoured to be acknowledged as Victoria’s best, and now to be a finalist in the national awards is an absolute highlight.

“It is an achievement we should all be very proud of.”

Conservation and land management graduate Louise Nicholas, who was named Victorian vocational student of the year, will also be in the running for the national student of the year award.

Ms Nicholas, who now works at Melbourne Water, chose to study at The Gordon to expand her opportunities.

Ms Line said Ms Nicholas was a worthy finalist.

“We … know her incredible efforts and commitment support her case for the title of Australian Vocational Student of the Year,” Ms Line said.

The awards will be held on the November 23 at Canberra’s National Convention Centre.