Trade careers

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Trades Image

Ready to start your career in the Trades?

For over 138 years, we have been helping people build real skills through hands-on training and industry connections, giving you the confidence to build the trade career you want.

Your path to a Trade career

 
Step 1 

Explore the trade areas

At The Gordon we offer a wide range of trades including Building and Construction, Electrical, Plumbing and Engineering.

Think about what you enjoy, working with your hands, building, creating or fixing things. Choose a trade that suits your interests.

 
Step 2 

Get job-ready with a Pre-Apprenticeship at The Gordon and you will:

  • Learn the basics from expert teachers
  • Gain practical skills employers value
  • Make industry connections
  • You could even earn credit towards your apprenticeship.

Employers love candidates who’ve completed a pre-apprenticeship!

 
Step 3 

Find an employer. Once you’re confident in your career choice, look for an employer who can take you on as an apprentice.

If you don’t know where to start, our Skills and Jobs Centre offers a wide range of careers services including, resume writing, interview practice and personalised apprenticeship advice.

 
Step 4 

Earn while you learn! 

As an apprentice, you’ll work in the industry earning a pay check while completing your training at The Gordon, leading to a nationally recognised qualification and a rewarding career.

A career in trades doesn’t always mean working on the tools.

Our Diploma of Building and Construction is ideal for those looking to enter the industry without an apprenticeship.

You’ll gain up-to-date skills in planning and coordinating residential and commercial projects, along with knowledge in construction theory, contract administration, supervision and risk management.

You'll finish job ready and prepared to step into roles like construction management or estimating.

Info Nights

Join us at our December Info Nights events. We have trade sessions as well as an option to learn more about taking on a trade apprenticeship. Come along to explore your options, meet teachers and employers, and find out how to kickstart your trade career in 2026.

3 Dec

Automotive

03/12/2025
5:30PM
East Geelong Campus
1 Dec

Pre-apprenticeship - Building

01/12/2025
5:30PM
Geelong City Campus
3 Dec

Pre-apprenticeship - Electrical

03/12/2025
5:30PM
East Geelong Campus
3 Dec

Engineering

03/12/2025
5:30PM
East Geelong Campus
3 Dec

Plumbing

03/12/2025
5:30PM
East Geelong Campus

Programs

Engineering & Metal Trades

Our engineering courses, apprenticeships and diplomas specialise in fabrication, stainless steel fabrication, sheet metal fabrication & mechanical trade.

Mechanical

Our automotive and mechanical courses and apprenticeships specialise in on-the-job and workshop assessments for a career in the automotive industry.

Building Trades

Our building apprenticeships and construction courses provide students with hands-on skills and experience for a career in the building industry.

Electrical

Our electrotechnology courses & certificates include pre-apprenticeship & apprenticeship training for a career in electrotechnology

Plumbing

Our plumbing courses & certificates include pre-apprenticeship & apprenticeship training for a career as a registered plumber

Courses

Apply now and study in 2026!

Apply now Free TAFE

22569VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship~)

Our Certificate II in Plumbing course gives you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and improves your chances of gaining a plumbing apprenticeship
Apply now Free TAFE

22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship

This course introduces learners to construction trade callings and offers credit for further study in various qualifications.
Apply now Free TAFE

22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship - Bricklaying

This hands-on course provides comprehensive training in essential bricklaying and masonry techniques, preparing you for an Apprenticeship as a bricklayer or blocklayer.
Apply now Free TAFE

22632VIC Certificate II in Engineering Studies

Enrol now in our Cert II in Engineering Studies course to get the skills and knowledge needed to work in the industry or gain an apprenticeship
Free TAFE

22682VIC Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)

This Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to gain practical skills and knowledge in the trade before committing to an apprenticeship.
Apply now Free TAFE

AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

Study our Cert II in Automotive Vocational Preparation "Mechanical" course & learn broad automotive knowledge & skills with a view to gaining an apprenticeship
Apply now Free TAFE

CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

Study our Building & Construction Building stream to get the additional skills you need to manage medium level construction projects and if you aspire to advance to a leader in the construction industry.
Apply now Free TAFE

CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management)

Study our Building & Construction Site Management stream to learn essential skills needed to effectively plan, supervise, manage and execute aspects of building and construction projects.
Apply now Free TAFE

CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) - Pathway

If you have completed the Certificate IV in Building and Construction consider studying our new Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) - Pathway to fast track your skills and qualifications.
Apply now

MEM50222 Diploma of Engineering - Technical

Apply now for our Diploma of Engineering (Technical) course to gain practical experience in engineering in order to undertake a university degree in engineering