The next generation of food and hospitality professionals will soon train at a multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art facility in Geelong thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today turned the first sod at the site and announced Kane Constructions as the builder for the new $23.5 million Culinary School designed by Architects Gray Puksand for The Gordon Institute of TAFE Geelong City campus.
It will feature cutting-edge food training kitchens, a bakery training facility, barista academy and café, and an al fresco dining area.
The Gordon’s existing training facility, the Davidson Restaurant, will also undergo a renovation.
Four hundred jobs will be created during construction, 70 per cent of which have been allocated to workers from regional Victoria. Works will be undertaken in stages to minimise disruption on campus and is expected to be completed in 2022.
The new facility will be available to students studying Commercial Cookery and Patisserie. The Gordon will also offer short courses, including barista training, to create a pipeline of skilled hospitality workers for the region.
The Labor Government has invested $13.5 million towards the project with The Gordon investing $10 million.
Since 2015, the Government has invested to rebuild TAFE, refurbish campuses, launch Free TAFE for Priority Courses and support disadvantaged students into training and jobs.
In the Victorian Budget 2020/21, we invested a record $1 billion to make sure the state has the training and skills system it needs to emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic.
Work has already begun on a number of reforms to support those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, create pathways for apprentices and trainees to Victoria’s Big Build projects, provide rapid retraining for in-demand jobs and grow the workforce for new and innovative sectors, including clean energy programs.
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“TAFE is a ticket to skills, jobs and a stronger Victoria – which is why we’ve invested in this state-of-the-art facility at The Gordon.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong MP Christine Couzens
“This facility will give local students the very best training experience and also bolster the hospitality industry in Geelong and along the Surf Coast.”
Reviewed 02 May 2021