Build your future: Careers in Trades at The Gordon

2025-11-03

If you’re someone who enjoys working with your hands, creating, building or fixing things, a career in the trades could be the start of something great, and there’s no better place to begin than with us at The Gordon.

For more than 138 years, we have been helping people across our region gain real skills through hands-on training and strong industry connections. 

With courses in Building and Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, Automotive and Engineering, our students are supported to explore their trade interests and build the foundation for a long and rewarding career on the tools.

The Gordon attracts a wide range of students, from teenagers fresh out of school to adults looking for a new start. Some are taking their first steps toward an apprenticeship, while others are returning to study after years in a different industry. Regardless of background or age, our supportive teachers and practical learning environment help every student build confidence and find success in their chosen trade.

Image of Trades student with teacher engaged in plumbing training

Not sure if a Trade career is right for you? 

One of the best ways to start is with a pre-apprenticeship course, designed to give you the basic skills and experience employers are looking for. These short, practical courses are taught by our expert teachers and allow students to try out a trade before committing to a full apprenticeship. They’re also a great way to build confidence, make industry connections and even earn credits towards an apprenticeship. Employers also love hiring candidates who’ve completed a pre-apprenticeship. It shows initiative and readiness for the workplace.

Once you’ve found the trade that suits you, the next step is securing an apprenticeship. Apprentices work in the industry while completing their training with us at The Gordon, earning an income and gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Our strong relationships with local employers help make those connections easier, with many students moving quickly from training to employment.

Image of Trades student with teacher engaged in automotive training
Image of Trades student with teacher engaged in engineering training
Image of Trades student engaged in carpentry training
Image of Trades student engaged in carpentrytraining

But a career in the trades doesn’t always mean being on the tools.

We also offer Certificate and Diploma courses in Building and Construction, ideal for those looking to move into supervision and project management or for builder’s to gain their registration. For people wanting to enter the industry without an apprenticeship, the Diploma of Building and Construction provides a direct pathway. Students learn how to plan and manage residential and commercial projects, understand contracts and regulations and coordinate teams, finishing job-ready for roles such as construction manager or estimator.

With the demand for skilled tradespeople continuing to grow across the Geelong region, now is the perfect time to start planning your future.

If you are interested in a career in Trades, we are hosting our December Info Nights events soon. These give future students the chance to meet teachers and employers, explore trade training options and find out how to kickstart their career aspirations in 2026.

Our Info Nights events include dedicated trade sessions as well as opportunities to join a campus tour or attend a Q&A session focused on what it’s like to take on a trade apprenticeship. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for The Gordon’s learning environment and discover which trade pathway is right for you.

Image of Trades student with teacher engaged in Electrical training training

Our trade sessions will be held at our East Geelong Campus on Wednesday, 3 December. 

Find out more or to apply and study with us in 2026