The Gordon thrice crowned

THE Gordon Institute of TAFE has taken out three top honours at this year’s Victorian International Education Awards, including the Premier’s award of Best Provider.

Recognising the state’s most exceptional international students, alumni and education institutions, the state government ceremony also saw The Gordon receive awards for Excellence in International Student Experience and Excellence in International Education – TAFE.

“It’s a tremendous acknowledgement, especially on the back of what has been a challenging period,” The Gordon chief executive officer Joe Ormeno said.

“While our focus will always be on our students, awards like this serve as great recognition of our work.

“Our team has worked tirelessly over the past two years to ensure our international students stayed strongly connected to the Institute, the community and each other.”

The institution’s executive director of commercial business Jana Perera said as a regionally-based TAFE, it was an imperative that The Gordon ensured overseas students felt supported when they arrive “to mitigate any potential feelings of isolation and loneliness”.

“The international team minimised student withdrawals due to the pandemic’s lockdowns, through regular communication with students, providing a broad range of personalised support services internally and externally.

“Our commitment to providing a supportive living and learning environment also extends to connecting students with local employers to give them valuable opportunities to gain experience in their industry, while strengthening their connection to the community.”