GOTAFE
GOTAFE is a publicly funded Victorian TAFE institution delivering nationally recognized vocational qualifications (Certificate II through Diploma) across nine physical campuses in northern Victoria plus a Mobile Campus and Online Campus, serving adult learners, secondary school students, apprentices, and regional industry employers through government-subsidized and fee-for-service training.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersShepparton, Australia
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What GOTAFE does
GOTAFE (legally Northern Victoria Institute of Technical and Further Education) is a publicly funded Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution operating as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) across northern Victoria, Australia. Headquartered at 152-200 Fryers Street in Shepparton, GOTAFE delivers nationally recognized vocational qualifications from Certificate II through Diploma level across nine study areas: Business & IT, Creative, Education, Hair & Beauty, Health & Community, Hospitality & Baking, Manufacturing & Work Safety, Land & Animals, and Technical Trades. Its service portfolio spans apprenticeships and traineeships, short courses for industry upskilling, Free TAFE programs in priority courses, and youth pathways including VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) and school-based apprenticeships. Course delivery uses a blended learning model combining online theoretical instruction with hands-on practical workshops and workplace-based training, supported by purpose-built facilities such as the Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre, the National Centre for Equine Education at Tone Road, and a campus grooming salon and veterinary clinic equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy.
The institution operates a multi-modal distribution network that includes nine physical campuses across Shepparton (3), Wangaratta (2), Benalla, Seymour (2), and Wodonga, plus an Online Campus and a Mobile Campus (a repurposed semi-trailer outreach facility) that travels to underserved regional and remote communities such as Kilmore and Kyabram. GOTAFE generates revenue primarily through government-subsidized training under the Skills First program, free TAFE funding for eligible priority courses, full-fee student tuition (e.g., Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing full fee AUD 21,708), short course fees (AUD 430-690), and Recognition of Prior Learning assessment services. Strategic customers and partners include Benalla Health (integrated nursing education), Actrol and Reece Group (HVAC&R equipment donation), Dr Paws Veterinary Clinic (practical placements), and pathway universities La Trobe and Charles Sturt. The institution is led by CEO Kristie O'Brien (appointed 2024) and is governed under the Victorian Education and Training Reform Act, with the Victorian Government as primary funding source (including an AUD 1.99m Agriculture TAFE grant in 2024).
GOTAFE firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GOTAFE
- Legal name
- Northern Victoria Institute of Technical and Further Education
- Website
- https://gotafe.vic.edu.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- GOTAFE is a publicly funded Victorian TAFE institution delivering nationally recognized vocational qualifications (Certificate II through Diploma) across nine physical campuses in northern Victoria plus a Mobile Campus and Online Campus, serving adult learners, secondary school students, apprentices, and regional industry employers through government-subsidized and fee-for-service training.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GOTAFE industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vocational Education and Training (TAFE)
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Educational Services (611), Apprenticeship Training (611513)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Career Coaching, Mentoring & Placement Support Services (EDAAAKAO)
Keywords
Where GOTAFE is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shepparton
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices10 records
Markets served
GOTAFE business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funded Training: GOTAFE receives government funding for subsidized training places under the Skills First program and other government initiatives. Students may be eligible for government-subsidized fees based on their circumstances.
- Student Tuition Fees: Fees charged to students including Full Fee paying students, concession rates, and materials fees. Fees vary by course and student eligibility status.
- Free TAFE: Free TAFE program covers tuition fees for eligible students in priority courses, funded by Victorian Government.
- Short Course Fees: Short course offerings such as Thermostatic Mixing Valves ($690), Backflow Commissioning ($430), and Dog Grooming courses generate fee revenue.
- Skills Recognition / RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning assessment services for individuals with existing skills and knowledge from work or life experience.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Free TAFE for eligible students in priority courses |
| Subscription | Annual | Government Subsidised Standard |
| Subscription | Annual | Government Subsidised Concession |
| Subscription | Annual | Full Fee Paying |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short Courses - Thermostatic Mixing Valves |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short Courses - Microchipping |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short Courses - Basic Dog Grooming |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short Courses - Introduction to Dog Grooming |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels9 records
GOTAFE product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GOTAFE is a publicly funded Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications from Certificate II to Diploma level across nine study areas. It offers apprenticeships, traineeships, short courses, Free TAFE programs, and youth pathways through nine physical campuses across northern Victoria, an Online Campus, and a Mobile Campus outreach. The institution provides hands-on practical training with industry-standard equipment and supports pathways to university through credit arrangements with La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University.
Product overview
GOTAFE (Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) providing vocational education and training services across northern Victoria. The organization operates as a single unified educational institution offering diverse course portfolios rather than a platform-plus-modules software architecture. Its core offerings span certificate-level vocational qualifications, diploma programs, apprenticeships and traineeships, short courses for industry upskilling, and specialized programs for youth pathways. Key product lines include Technical Trades (Plumbing, Engineering), Animal Sciences (Veterinary Nursing, Animal Care, Pet Grooming), Health & Community Services (Mental Health, Community Services), and general vocational education across nine study areas. GOTAFE delivers training through multiple modalities: fixed campuses (Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla, Seymour, Wodonga), an Online Campus, a Mobile Campus for remote communities, workplace-based traineeships, and block release programs. The organization also operates Free TAFE funding programs for eligible students and is developing the Wangaratta Tech School (opening 2026) in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education to expand STEM learning access across the region.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GOTAFE: Primary trading brand for vocational education and training services including apprenticeships, traineeships, certificates, diplomas, and short courses.
Products and services
- Vocational Education and Training Courses Nationally recognised vocational qualifications from Certificate II through Diploma level across nine study areas: Business & IT, Creative, Education, Hair & Beauty, Health & Community, Hospitality & Baking, Manufacturing & Work Safety, Land & Animals, and Technical Trades. Delivered through on-campus, online, traineeship, and apprenticeship formats.
- Plumbing and Gasfitting Programs Comprehensive plumbing and gasfitting qualification pathway including Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship), Certificate III in Plumbing, Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, and multiple VBA licensing short courses for backflow prevention, thermostatic mixing valves, drainage, gasfitting, roofing, and sanitary work.
- Engineering Programs Engineering qualifications including Certificate II in Engineering Studies (pre-vocational pathway), Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade, Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade, and Certificate IV in Engineering covering skills in CNC programming, fluid power, welding, machining, and CAD.
- Animal Sciences Programs Animal care and veterinary nursing qualifications including Certificate II in Animal Care, Certificate III in Animal Care Services (pet grooming), Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, plus short courses in dog grooming and microchipping. Training includes campus grooming salon and veterinary clinic with digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy technologies.
- Mental Health and Community Services Programs Community services qualifications including Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) and Diploma of Community Services (CHC52025) focusing on recovery-oriented support, trauma-informed care, and crisis response for individuals with mental health challenges.
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships Apprenticeship and traineeship programs combining on-campus training with workplace learning across trades including plumbing, electrical, automotive, engineering, and more.
- Free TAFE Government-funded vocational education covering tuition costs for eligible students in priority courses including health, community services, trades, and other in-demand fields.
- Youth Pathways Programs for young people including VPC and VCE - Vocational Major, VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS), and School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.
- Short Courses Compact skills-based courses for industry professionals and individuals seeking rapid upskilling in specific areas such as dog grooming, plumbing licensing, electrical CPD, thermostatic mixing valves, backflow commissioning, and microchipping.
- Mobile Campus A fully-equipped mobile training facility housed in a repurposed semi-trailer traveling to regional and remote communities to provide career counselling, Free TAFE information sessions, and course information, extending GOTAFE's reach beyond its fixed campuses.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 800 attendees at Open Days across three campuses in August 2024
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use GOTAFE
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
GOTAFE technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
GOTAFE partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- La Trobe UniversitycorePartnership for Open Days co-hosting and education pathway development. La Trobe representatives attend Mobile Campus visits and Open Days to provide information on university pathways. Collaboration enables seamless transition from vocational education to higher education.
- Charles Sturt UniversitycorePathway partnership where GOTAFE Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing provides four subject credits towards Bachelor of Veterinary Technology at Charles Sturt University. CSU representatives participate in Mobile Campus visits and Open Days.
- Department of EducationcoreCo-ownership and operation of Wangaratta Tech School (proposed for 16-18 Cusack Street). The facility will provide free STEM programs to local students while they remain enrolled in their local secondary school. Working with 26 partner schools across multiple local government areas.
- Benalla HealthcoreIntegrated education partnership delivering priority health courses on-site at Benalla Health facility. Provides students with purpose-built learning space and access to industry-standard equipment in modern healthcare setting.
- Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI)majorPartnership with BKI and HVAC&R industry bodies to improve education opportunities for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industries. Joint development of training programs and facilities.
- Goulburn Murray Local Learning Employment Network (GMLLEN)majorCurated Find Your Passion in Agriculture or Horticulture program developed in partnership with GMLLEN. Allows secondary students to immerse themselves in dynamic activities centered around agriculture and horticulture sectors.
- Yea High SchoolminorPartnership to host three agriculture and horticulture taster days, introducing students to career pathways in these industries.
- Greater Shepparton Lighthouse ProjectmajorPartnership to support the wellbeing of young people in the community through collaborative programs and initiatives.
- Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurs (ACRE)majorPartnership for social enterprise education where ACRE takes students through the process of social enterprise from ideas to reality. Particularly focused on VCAL students learning entrepreneurial skills.
- GV Pride SheppartonminorCommunity partner for diversity and inclusion events including Wear it Purple Day celebration with 15+ local organisations.
- Actrol and Reece GroupminorAustralia's leading refrigeration, air-conditioning and allied industries wholesaler donated equipment and training valued over $8,000 to support HVAC&R training at GOTAFE.
- Viega AustraliaminorIndustry partner visiting plumbing apprentices with mobile training showroom to demonstrate revolutionary installation technology. Provides hands-on training support for students.
- The Tax ShopminorFinancial literacy partner visiting plumbing apprentices to educate on tax obligations, rights, and tax-effective practices for tradespeople.
- Dr Paws Veterinary ClinicminorVeterinary clinic providing practical placement venue for GOTAFE Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing students to complete final assessments.
- MawsonsminorMajor regional employer receiving contextualised training from GOTAFE. One of the first businesses to benefit from tailored training programs.
- Ovens and Murray Football Netball LeagueminorCommunity sports organization partnering for Open Day events, hosting marquee and handball competition at Wangaratta Open Day.
- Goulburn Valley Football Netball LeagueminorCommunity sports organization partnering for Open Day events at Shepparton.
- Music VictoriaminorPartnership for EMERGE flood recovery event featuring The Cat Empire headline performance to support community recovery.
- WorldSkills AustraliamajorWorldSkills competition participation providing students opportunity to compete regionally and nationally. GOTAFE students have won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals across trades including automotive, motorcycle mechanics, and engineering.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
GOTAFE competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Holmesglen Institute: Victorian TAFE with strong trades, health, and hospitality offerings. Comparable in vocational course mix and government-subsidised delivery model across multiple campuses.
- Bendigo Kangan Institute: Major Victorian TAFE delivering vocational education across trades, health, and community services with regional campuses. Directly comparable as a regional Victorian VET provider; an existing GOTAFE partner for HVAC&R training collaboration.
- Chisholm Institute: Victorian TAFE offering certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and short courses across multiple campuses. Comparable in scope of vocational offerings and government-funded operating model.
- Box Hill Institute: Victorian TAFE providing vocational education and training with strong trades and English language programs. Comparable in course portfolio breadth and Skills First funding dependency.
- Federation University Australia: Regional Victorian university with significant TAFE operations (formerly FedUni TAFE). Comparable as a regional dual-sector institution combining vocational and higher education pathways.
Regional players
- Wodonga TAFE (formerly Learn4Life, now part of TAFE NSW-aligned network): Border regional TAFE serving north-east Victoria and southern NSW. Comparable as a nearby regional TAFE operating in adjacent catchment to GOTAFE's Wodonga and Wangaratta campuses.
- Sunraysia Institute of TAFE: Regional Victorian TAFE serving the Mildura/north-west region with similar agricultural and trade training focus. Comparable as a regional Victorian TAFE with overlapping trade and agriculture portfolios.
Broad incumbents
- RMIT University (Vocational Education): Large Victorian university with substantial TAFE division offering trades, design, and vocational programs. Comparable in course categories and government funding model, though broader portfolio includes higher education.
- Swinburne University of Technology (TAFE): Melbourne-based dual-sector institution with TAFE operations in trades, technology, and design. Comparable as a Skills First funded provider competing for apprentice and vocational enrolments.
- TAFE NSW: Largest Australian TAFE with comprehensive vocational offerings across NSW. Comparable in operating model, RTO status, and government funding structure; provides a useful scale benchmark.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GOTAFE social profiles
Digital presenceGOTAFE financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GOTAFE leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
GOTAFE funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GOTAFE M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GOTAFE
What does GOTAFE do?
GOTAFE is a publicly funded Registered Training Organisation (RTO 3094) delivering nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications from Certificate II to Diploma level across nine study areas. It offers apprenticeships, traineeships, short courses, Free TAFE programs, and youth pathways through nine physical campuses across northern Victoria, an Online Campus, and a Mobile Campus outreach. The institution provides hands-on practical training with industry-standard equipment and supports pathways to university through credit arrangements with La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University.
Is GOTAFE a public or private company?
GOTAFE is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was GOTAFE founded?
GOTAFE was founded in 1996. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is GOTAFE based?
GOTAFE is headquartered in Shepparton, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does GOTAFE make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Government Funded Training is the primary driver. The others are student Tuition Fees, free TAFE, short Course Fees and skills Recognition / RPL.
Who are GOTAFE's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Holmesglen Institute, Bendigo Kangan Institute, Chisholm Institute, Box Hill Institute and Federation University Australia. Regional players are Wodonga TAFE (formerly Learn4Life, now part of TAFE NSW-aligned network) and Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. Broad incumbents are RMIT University (Vocational Education), Swinburne University of Technology (TAFE) and TAFE NSW.
Does GOTAFE have an API?
No public API is recorded for GOTAFE.
What industry is GOTAFE in?
GOTAFE's product category is Vocational Education and Training (TAFE). Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAKAO, Career Coaching, Mentoring & Placement Support Services. Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.