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

Business

Design

Education

Games and Animation

Health

Information Technology

Trades and Apprenticeships

Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students
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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

- 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.

- Design
- Student News
- Technology
- Business
Creative Intersections: Building a better world through creativity and technology
Creative Intersections showcases the innovative fusion of creativity and technology, highlighting Swinburne VET students' achievements through exhibitions, workshops, and screenings at ACMI from 6–8 December 2024.

- Education
- University
Celebrating vocational excellence at Swinburne’s 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards
Swinburne’s inaugural 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards celebrated exceptional vocational education staff who exemplified innovation, dedication, and excellence, driving industry-relevant learning, student success, and community impact.

- University
- Media and Communication
Real connections and support at Swinburne helping Tony succeed
Swinburne University of Technology’s Moondani Toombadool Centre has helped Bachelor of Nursing student Tony Ryder find cultural connection and community 3000km from home.

- Design
- Trades
- Engineering
Swinburne vocational students take on the world at WorldSkills International Championships in France
Three Swinburne University of Technology students represented Australia at the 2024 WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon, France
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- 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 -
- Design
- Student News
- Technology
- Business
Creative Intersections: Building a better world through creativity and technology
Creative Intersections showcases the innovative fusion of creativity and technology, highlighting Swinburne VET students' achievements through exhibitions, workshops, and screenings at ACMI from 6–8 December 2024.
Wednesday 04 December 2024 -
- Education
- University
Celebrating vocational excellence at Swinburne’s 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards
Swinburne’s inaugural 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards celebrated exceptional vocational education staff who exemplified innovation, dedication, and excellence, driving industry-relevant learning, student success, and community impact.
Monday 24 March 2025 -
- University
- Media and Communication
Real connections and support at Swinburne helping Tony succeed
Swinburne University of Technology’s Moondani Toombadool Centre has helped Bachelor of Nursing student Tony Ryder find cultural connection and community 3000km from home.
Wednesday 25 September 2024 -
- Design
- Trades
- Engineering
Swinburne vocational students take on the world at WorldSkills International Championships in France
Three Swinburne University of Technology students represented Australia at the 2024 WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon, France
Monday 16 September 2024
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.