The Geelong Tertiary Futures Program (GTFP)
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GTFP is an exciting initiative that engages Year 9 students in education by providing an in-depth preview of a broad range of tertiary studies. The program is delivered by The Gordon TAFE in partnership with Geelong secondary schools.
The flagship program is now widely recognised as an example of good VET pathways delivery and engagement and the Career Previews remain highly successful, with high engagement and positive feedback from both students and teachers.
Aims of the program
- To better equip Year 9 students to identify education and employment opportunities as they map their future pathways
- To improve students’ understanding that continuing education is essential for their future economic and employment aspirations and general wellbeing
- To help students build awareness of the career options available to them and what employers want
- To increase levels of educational attainment and school retention
- To promote a culture of lifelong learning.
Program highlights
The program combines theoretical and practical learning to assist students to understand vocational education and build skills for the world of work. The WorkSkills component of the program enables students who participate to achieve two accredited units in Work, Health and Safety and Communication in the workplace.
The students also prepare their resumes in preparation for making job applications in real life (Communication unit). This theory element of the program prepares students for the tertiary landscape as assessment tasks are quite different and challenge their organisational skills and attention to task.
For the practical learning component, students attend The Gordon for one half-day induction and then undertake five different Career Previews (choosing from approximately 23 options) either at the City or East Campus over three days.
Student survey results show that:
- 91% have a significantly improved knowledge of potential pathway opportunities
- 85% feel more engaged with future study and/or work opportunities
- 83% feel better prepared to plan for a future career
- 80% feel more motivated to continue their education
Program format in 2024
- Approximately 1500 students from 12 secondary schools in the Geelong region will undertake the program in 2024.
- Students undertake a blended learning model of online and face-to-face in their home school for immersion in TAFE education and complete two TAFE-accredited units in Work Health and Safety and Communication Skills to build their employability skills.
- Students select five Career Previews from approximately 23 different vocational options. The options are very broad in scope and include Graphic Design, Horticulture, Early Childhood Care and Carpentry to name a few.