Geelong Inclusive Employment Compact

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC), WorkSafe Victoria, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and Barwon Health have signed on as foundation partners of the newly established Geelong Inclusive Employment Compact, an initiative of The Gordon's Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion.

The Compact will see partners work collaboratively to build organisational capability, improve employment practices and create stronger pathways for students with disability as they transition from training into the workforce.

The initiative forms part of the Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion, which is already driving sector-wide change and supporting more inclusive vocational education and employment outcomes across Victoria's TAFE network.

Backed by a $36 million Victorian Government investment through the Building Better TAFE Fund, the Centre is helping transform The Gordon's Geelong City Campus into a national leader in disability inclusion, innovation and workforce participation.

Through the Compact, partner organisations will explore practical approaches to inclusive recruitment, job design, onboarding and workplace adjustments, while identifying new opportunities to support students as they move from education into employment.

The work will generate evidence-informed models and practical resources that can be shared across industries and training providers, helping create more inclusive workplaces throughout Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Training, Gabrielle Williams: 

"The Gordon's Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion is helping to ensure students with disability have the support they need to succeed in training and move into meaningful careers."

"The TAC, WorkSafe, the NDIA and Barwon Health are among Geelong's largest employers, and this compact will help create stronger pathways from TAFE into good local jobs."

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

"This partnership will strengthen connections between training and employment, helping more people with disability in Geelong build rewarding careers close to home."

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

"The Gordon is leading the way in creating a more inclusive TAFE system, ensuring students have every opportunity to gain skills, confidence and secure employment."

Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George

"This investment will create better opportunities for people with disability while helping employers build more inclusive and diverse workforces."

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

"Victoria's TAFE network is opening doors for more people, ensuring students with disability have access to the support, training and employment opportunities they deserve."

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

"A qualification should open doors, not lead to another barrier. Through this Compact, The Gordon, the TAC, WorkSafe, the NDIA and Barwon Health are committing to practical action that strengthens pathways into meaningful employment and creates more inclusive workplaces, informed by the expertise of people with disability."