Professional Development

The Gordon's renowned professional development program provides staff with opportunities to develop new skills, enhance their knowledge and make the most of their experience at The Gordon.

During recent years the Institute has invested heavily in professional development opportunities for teaching and non-teaching staff. A program of activities and training programs is offered annually including:

• Teacher training (Certificate IV Training and Assessment and Diploma Vocational Education and Training Practice)
• Management skills and qualifications
• Computer and information technology training
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Self-management skills
• Occupational health and safety training
• Project management
• Annual stress buster

Staff also have access to approved external training and education, conferences and networking activities.

 Many staff have taken advantage of opportunities to train or teach interstate and overseas. The Institute conducts training throughout Victoria and in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. We also run programs for international students off-shore. 

Career Paths

Staff at the Gordon have access to professional career mapping, advice and structured support.  At the Gordon you will be encouraged to grow your skills base, identify short term and long term goals and pursue them.  Funded professional development is also available in teacher training, vocational competency, communication skills, risk management and more.

Performance Planning and Review

Genuine two-way communication between staff and managers is encouraged through the Performance Planning and Review process. Employees have an opportunity to discuss their professional development requirements and career path in a formalised way and progress is reviewed. 

Staff Wellbeing

An Employee Assistance Program is in place, offering free external counselling to staff experiencing difficulties that may impact on their work. Team building activities can also be facilitated where appropriate.

An annual stress buster is organised for the last day of the working year, which involves a fun and interactive presenter to provide some light relief. 

Flexibility

The Institute provides flexible working options such as:

• 50/52, 48/52 or 46/52 Employment Cycle for PACCT staff. This is an arrangement which will enable a staff member to take extra leave in addition to the normal four week annual leave in a year and receive 50, 48 or 46 weeks salary, which would be averaged and payable over 52 weeks.
• Reduction of time-fraction
• Leave without pay
• Rostered Days Off