GOTAFE

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).

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

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

• Vocational education training
• Apprenticeship traineeship programs
• Technical trade courses
• Tafe certificates diplomas
• Workforce skills training

Headquarters

HQ city

Shepparton

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Free TAFE: Free TAFE program covers tuition fees for eligible students in priority courses, funded by Victorian Government.
4. Short Course Fees: Short course offerings such as Thermostatic Mixing Valves ($690), Backflow Commissioning ($430), and Dog Grooming courses generate fee revenue.
5. Skills Recognition / RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning assessment services for individuals with existing skills and knowledge from work or life experience.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• La Trobe UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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 UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPathway 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 EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-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 HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegrated 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)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurated 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 SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership to host three agriculture and horticulture taster days, introducing students to career pathways in these industries.
• Greater Shepparton Lighthouse ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support the wellbeing of young people in the community through collaborative programs and initiatives.
• Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurs (ACRE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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 SheppartonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner for diversity and inclusion events including Wear it Purple Day celebration with 15+ local organisations.
• Actrol and Reece GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAustralia'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 AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry partner visiting plumbing apprentices with mobile training showroom to demonstrate revolutionary installation technology. Provides hands-on training support for students.
• The Tax ShopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial literacy partner visiting plumbing apprentices to educate on tax obligations, rights, and tax-effective practices for tradespeople.
• Dr Paws Veterinary ClinicminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVeterinary clinic providing practical placement venue for GOTAFE Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing students to complete final assessments.
• MawsonsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMajor regional employer receiving contextualised training from GOTAFE. One of the first businesses to benefit from tailored training programs.
• Ovens and Murray Football Netball LeagueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity sports organization partnering for Open Day events, hosting marquee and handball competition at Wangaratta Open Day.
• Goulburn Valley Football Netball LeagueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity sports organization partnering for Open Day events at Shepparton.
• Music VictoriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for EMERGE flood recovery event featuring The Cat Empire headline performance to support community recovery.
• WorldSkills AustraliamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorldSkills 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/gotafe
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHOwlljSO2ZevnXPQs0eHDw
• Facebookfacebook.com/gotafe
• LinkedInau.linkedin.com/company/gotafe
• Instagraminstagram.com/gotafe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GOTAFE