Building practical AI skills

The project was announced at The Gordon’s City Campus on Thursday by Christine Couzens MP, Member for Geelong. It is one of four innovative initiatives to receive funding through Round Three of the Victorian Government’s Skills Solutions Partnerships program.

The Gordon will lead the project in partnership with Barwon Water, KENSTRA, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce and the Geelong Manufacturing Council to co-design and pilot industry-aligned training focused on building practical AI capabilities across advanced manufacturing, utilities and related industries.

The initiative responds to growing demand for AI skills in the workplace, helping businesses improve productivity, embrace innovation and ensure the responsible use of emerging technologies.

The Skills Solutions Partnerships program supports collaboration between industry and training providers to address workforce skills gaps through targeted, short-course training designed to meet current and future industry needs.

This program will help equip Victorian workers with the skills required to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Quote attributable to Christine Couzens MP, Member for Geelong:

“Geelong has always been a place that adapts, innovates and gets things done. This partnership brings The Gordon and local industry together to give workers practical AI skills they can use in their jobs, while helping our region’s businesses grow, compete and create new opportunities.

“It is a great example of local organisations working together to make sure Greater Geelong’s workforce is ready to benefit from the technologies shaping the future of work.”

Quote attributable to Joe Ormeno, Chief Executive Officer of The Gordon:

"The Victorian Government's investment in this program is exactly the kind of industry-education partnership that gets results. We know two-thirds of businesses are using AI but workforce training has not kept pace - and that gap is real. Working alongside Geelong employers, The Gordon will help address that gap by delivering hands-on skills to the workers and businesses who need them most."

The project further strengthens The Gordon's commitment to delivering training that responds directly to workforce needs while supporting regional economic growth and innovation.