Free TAFE lifts Gordon enrolments
THE Gordon has benefited from the introduction of free TAFE courses, with enrolments soaring by almost 30 per cent in the past year.
The surge is led by a 41 per cent increase in female students and a large increase in enrolments from mature-aged students. The Gordon recorded an overall 27 per cent jump in new enrolments in 2019 compared with the same courses at the end of 2018.
New State Government data released on Tuesday showed its $172 million free TAFE rollout introduced last year had helped local students start training needed for “indemand” jobs.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the program aimed to fill skills gaps and get more locals into work. “As we respond and recover from the coronavirus crisis here in Geelong, free TAFE at The Gordon will provide the next wave of essential workers for our local industry,” she said.
The Gordon courses in nursing, community services and individual support courses proved most popular. The free TAFE program enables students to save up to $10,000 for diplomalevel courses, $5000 for certificate IV courses, and $2500 for pre-apprenticeship courses.
A MAJOR artistic collaboration between the Wadawurrung people and developer Villawood Properties will highlight this year’s National Reconciliation Week.
Perched above the Geelong Ring Road at Wandana, a striking 3x3 metre artwork by indigenous artist BJ O’Toole sits beside giant metal letters spelling out Wadawurrung Country.
An initiative of Committee for Geelong leadership students working with the Wadawurrung, the collaboration was facilitated by the Aboriginal business Arranyinha’s director Marsha Uppill.
The project is aimed at raising the profile, awareness and recognition of the Geelong region’s first people.
Entitled Wadawurrung Country, the artwork speaks to the layers and depth of the Geelong, or Djilang, region, O’Toole said, such as the earth, coastline and rivers.
The painting also depicts Waa the crow — the tribe’s protector watching over Wadawurrung Country and speaking to its inhabitants.
Villawood’s 3m high metal letters are regularly used by the developer to highlight social issues.
National Reconciliation Week began yesterday and will run until June 3. The artwork will remain until the completion of NAIDOC Week in July.