A brand-new state-of-the-art facility for the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals in Geelong will significantly boost the local economy and support major events such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited the area to officially open the $23.5 million Culinary School and training restaurant at The Gordon Institute of TAFE Geelong City campus.
The new facility will be used by students studying Commercial Cookery and Patisserie and Bakery. It will also offer short courses, such as barista training, to help create a pipeline of hospitality workers for the region ahead of the Games.
Geelong will serve as one of four main regional hubs for the Games and increasing the number of workers in areas such as hospitality will be vital to supporting an influx of locals and visitors.
Cookery and hospitality jobs are also critical to Geelong’s economy, and the school provides high-quality education and training opportunities that engage all students and supports the industry.
The Culinary School features new cutting-edge food training kitchens, along with a new barista academy and café. It also includes a new central courtyard that will be available for dining by the end of the year and a new bakery training facility which will open in early 2023.
It will support an additional 579 new students over the next four years, including 275 new apprentices and trainees.
The Andrews Labor Government invested $13.5 million towards the project, with The Gordon contributing $10 million. Since 2014, the Government has made a record $3.5 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This new facility will give the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals the training they deserve and help create a pipeline of skilled workers for the region ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Shaun Leane
“Bringing the Commonwealth Games to Geelong in 2026 will provide a huge boost to tourism as well as the hospitality industry and that’s why we are investing in training and skills for the event right now.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This facility will give local students the very best training experience and deliver the skills needed to boost and support Geelong’s hospitality industry just in times for the Commonwealth Games.”