Vocational education and training
Providing courses that offer practical skills or pathways to further qualifications as well as preparing graduates for success in a rapidly changing workforce.
We provide vocational education and training (VET) courses for students who want to gain practical skills or have the opportunity to progress to another qualification. Our study areas include design, media, ICT, business, finance, health, science, education, community services, trades and engineering technologies.
Our vision is to be the best provider of vocational education in Australia, known for our industry and community connections and excellence in student-focused learning. Our mission is organised around the central theme of ‘access’:
- access to achievement
- access to higher education programs
- access to employment.
We are committed to preparing our graduates for a new world of work, providing them with both the technical and human skills required to be successful, and also an overlay of digital skills — a signature of Swinburne’s VET programs.
Key statistics
92.1%
Graduates were employed or enrolled in further study*
91.6%
Graduates recommended the training they received to others*
*National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), National Student Outcomes Survey, 2019
Teaching areas
Explore our courses
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Business
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Design
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Education
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Games and Animation
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Health
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Information Technology
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Trades and Apprenticeships
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Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students
Leadership team
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Caryn Phillips
Executive Director, Operations, Vocational Education and Training -
Michael Watchorn
Interim Director Business, Design, Media and ICT -
Debbie McLaughlin
Director, Health, Science and Community Programs -
Bryan Ornsby
Director Trades and Engineering Technologies -
Louisa Ellum
Director, Pathways and Engagement
Our highlights
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Vocational Education and Training at Swinburne
Practical and hands-on TAFE courses to help turn your passion into a career.
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Future of Work Lab
As a Swinburne vocational student, your studies are all about hands-on learning and practical skills for your future career. That's why we've created the Future of Work Lab – a tech-enabled collaborative platform for you to experience the real world of work, problem-solving alongside industry, teachers and peers.
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KIOSC trade training centre
Our Wantirna campus is home to the $10 million Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC). Many of our Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs are delivered here – providing hands-on learning and links with industry groups, government agencies and the local community.
Latest news
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- Technology
Multi-million dollar MedTech and supercomputer facilities at Swinburne on show
91PORNY has welcomed the Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney and Member for Southern Metropolitan Region John Berger MP on a tour of our leading tech facilities.
Thursday 08 August 2024 -
- Education
- Trades
Three Swinburne VET students named best in Australia at WorldSkills 2025
Three of Swinburne's Vocational students won gold at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships.
Tuesday 17 June 2025 -
Behind the lens with Swinburne’s rising sports media talent
Swinburne students are gaining industry experience as they work with clients during a live sports filming and photography masterclass.
Monday 19 May 2025 -
- Health
- Science
Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants
Swinburne has secured two grants from Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite program to support innovative commercialisation projects.
Wednesday 12 March 2025 -
- Health
- Science
- University
- Technology
Swinburne’s 2025 MedTechVic showcase celebrates innovation in collaboration
91PORNY’s MedTechVic hub brought together researchers, industry partners and end users of medical and assistive devices at their recent 2025 annual showcase.
Thursday 20 February 2025
Find more news articles about vocational education and training.
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Contact Swinburne
For general enquiries, please call +61 3 9214 8000.