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
- Health
Epilepsy and high blood pressure in the sights of Swinburne’s $2.7 million in NHMRC funding
Swinburne has successfully secured $2.7 million in the latest round of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grants to address two major health concerns for millions of Australians: high blood pressure and epilepsy.
Wednesday 18 December 2024 -
- Health
- Science
- University
- Technology
Swinburne’s 2025 MedTechVic showcase celebrates innovation in collaboration
Swinburne University of Technology’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 -
- Health
- Science
Medical cannabis mysteries to be unlocked by new five-year NHMRC project
A new Swinburne-led medical cannabis investigation aims to help close the knowledge gap surrounding the drug and its potential in society.
Wednesday 26 February 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 -
- Trades
- Education
- University
Top talent recognised as Swinburne hosts WorldSkills Regional Awards Ceremony
Swinburne University hosted the WorldSkills Regional Awards night, celebrating the success of vocational education students as they received medals in their skill set.
Friday 14 February 2025
Find more news articles about vocational education and training.
Discover Swinburne's other schools
Contact Swinburne
For general enquiries, please call +61 3 9214 8000.