A Decade of Excellence: Orange College Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Lives Through Education

A Decade of Excellence: Orange College Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Lives Through Education

Today marks a momentous milestone as Orange College celebrates its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of dedication to vocational education, community engagement, and student success. From humble beginnings to becoming a recognised leader in trade training and education, Orange College’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering students.

A Journey of Growth and Achievement 

What started as a vision to provide quality vocational training has blossomed into a thriving educational institution that has transformed countless lives. Over the past ten years, Orange College has not only educated students but has also forged strong partnerships with industry leaders, government bodies, and local communities.

Reaching our 10th anniversary is an incredible achievement for everyone at Orange College. This milestone represents a decade of hard work, dedication, and the collective effort of our staff, students, and partners. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the future.

The Orange College Story: A Timeline of Growth

2015: The Foundation

On October 14, 2015, Orange College was officially registered as a CRICOS RTO, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Operations commenced in November 2015 with Management courses (Diploma and Advanced Diploma) and ELICOS programs on scope, laying the foundation for what would become a comprehensive educational institution.

2016: Building Momentum

Orange International College was introduced to the student community through our valued agent partners, marking the beginning of significant growth. In September 2016, our journey into digital learning began with the introduction of the LMS platform and Google Classroom, developed and implemented through our own in-house efforts. In December 2016, a pivotal addition to our scope (Certificate II in Building & Construction) signaled our entry into trade training provision, a sector that would become central to our identity.

2017: Expansion and Recognition

May 2017 brought successful re-registration approval following our Post Initial Audit, validating our commitment to quality education. This year also saw geographical expansion with the addition of a campus in Hobart, Tasmania, extending our reach beyond Victoria.

2018: Innovation and Infrastructure

Orange College introduced the Blended Learning Policy, demonstrating early adoption of flexible delivery methods. The Diploma of Building and Construction and Certificate III in Carpentry were added to scope, prompting the establishment of a new campus on Turner Street in Port Melbourne to accommodate our growing trade programs.

2019: Diversification

The Certificate III in Painting & Decorating joined our course offerings at the Port Melbourne Turner Street campus. As student numbers grew, we began searching for a larger campus within Port Melbourne to meet increasing demand.

2020: Essential Skills and New Horizons

In March 2020, thanks to our early adoption of the LMS Platform, Google Classroom, the College swiftly transitioned from face-to-face to online learning during COVID-19, ensuring uninterrupted training for students and continuation of all staff roles.

The White Card (CPCWHS1001) course was added to scope, providing students with essential construction industry safety credentials. In November 2020, we applied for the addition of our Ingles Street campus in Port Melbourne, anticipating continued growth.

2021: Business and Beyond

Orange College broadened its educational portfolio with the addition of Certificate IV in Business, Diploma of Business, and Diploma of Project Management. We also organized Traineeships and added Certificate IV in Building and Construction to scope, responding directly to student and agent partner needs.

2022: Validation and Vision

A successful Performance Assessment Audit resulted in CRICOS re-registration approval for another seven years. This was a strong endorsement of our educational quality. The Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) was added to scope, and we launched our first Build and Drive Trade Career Expo, establishing what would become a signature event.

2023: Specialized Skills

On 30 May 2023, Orange College’s Smart and Skilled application was approved, marking a significant milestone and reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality vocational education and training. That same year, the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology was added to our scope, providing students with specialized pathways in fine woodworking and further expanding our trade training offerings.

2024: Recognised for Excellence in Education and Leadership

In September 2024, Orange College’s leadership was recognised as a finalist for the Victoria Top 100 Asia Innovation Business Leaders Awards, acknowledging our commitment to innovation, excellence, and impact in both education and business. The following month, in October 2024, Orange College received further recognition for its outstanding achievements in learning and education, reinforcing our dedication to delivering innovative and high-quality educational experiences.

2025: A Year of Remarkable Milestones

The past year has been particularly significant for Orange College, marked by numerous achievements and expansions that have strengthened the institution’s position as one of the leaders in vocational education in Melbourne, Victoria.

Industry Recognition and Partnerships

In July 2025, Orange College achieved a significant milestone by gaining Organisational Membership with Carpentry Australia. This recognition validates the college’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in carpentry education and strengthens its connection to the broader carpentry industry.

Bridging Students and Industry: Signature Events

Orange College has established itself as a connector between students and the trade industry through signature events that have become cornerstones of the college’s community engagement strategy.

Since 2022, Orange College has hosted four Build and Drive Trade Career Expos, creating invaluable opportunities for students to meet industry professionals, explore different trade sectors, and discover the latest industry innovations. These events feature hands-on workshops, product demonstrations from industry partners, and direct engagement with employers—providing students with insights into real-world career pathways and helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

The Easter BBQ & Industry Connect Event has become another hallmark occasion, transforming the vibrant Port Melbourne campus into a hub of networking and opportunity. This event brings together students and industry professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, fostering meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom. On April 9, 2025, this year’s Easter BBQ proved particularly valuable as Orange College facilitated on-site registration for Bunnings PowerPass and Carpentry Australia memberships, with Nathan from Carpentry Australia in attendance. This initiative demonstrated the college’s dedication to connecting students directly with industry resources and networks that will support their career development.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Orange College’s commitment to community engagement was honoured by Port Phillip Men’s Shed (PPMS) during their Open Day. We were recognised as a valued supporter of PPMS, an acknowledgment that reflects our dedication to giving back to the community. The event provided an opportunity to learn more about PPMS’s vision and activities while connecting with members, sponsors, Federal MP for Macnamara Josh Burns, and Councillor Alex Makin (Montague Ward).

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming moments of 2025 came on August 19, when Orange College was featured on Channel 7’s Sunrise Helping Hand Program. Under the expert guidance of our trainers, our Carpentry and Painting and Decorating students built a Dream Play House for Botanic Ridge Primary School, transforming the school playground in just two weeks. This project showcased not only the technical skills of our students but also their generosity and community spirit.

Orange College’s decade of service and contribution to the Melbourne business community was formally recognised on October 2, 2025, when Orange College received a 10+ years Small Business Achievement Award from the Melbourne City Council. This was fitting recognition just days before this anniversary celebration.

Government Partnerships

Orange College’s commitment to accessible, quality education was reaffirmed with the renewal of the NSW Smart and Skilled contract, ensuring continued delivery of government-subsidised training to eligible apprentices throughout New South Wales. This partnership enables Orange College to provide Certificate III qualifications in high-demand trades, with eligible apprentices receiving government funding over their apprenticeship journey.

Student Success Initiatives

Recognising that student success extends beyond the classroom, Orange College implemented the Academic Progress Coach (APC) initiative in April 2025. This program provides additional support structures to help students navigate their educational journey, overcome challenges, and achieve their academic and career goals. The APC initiative represents Orange College’s holistic approach to student wellbeing and success.

Strategic Collaborations

On July 2, 2025, Orange College expanded its educational offerings through a collaboration with Ozford College for the delivery of Certificate III in Business Training. This partnership demonstrates Orange College’s commitment to diversifying its course offerings and meeting the evolving needs of students seeking qualifications beyond the trades.

Expanding into Community Care

On May 30, 2025, Orange College took a significant step in diversifying its course portfolio by launching CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) for domestic students. This nationally recognised qualification addresses Australia’s growing demand for skilled workers in the care and support sectors. The program reflects Orange College’s signature approach of combining hands-on training with real-world experience, providing students with direct pathways to meaningful careers in aged care and disability support. 

Family Growth: Sister Institutions Thrive

The Orange College family continues to grow and flourish. On September 2, 2025, Orange English College, an offshoot of Orange College, achieved a significant milestone by joining English Australia as a full member. Having celebrated its second anniversary on June 30, 2025, Orange English College has quickly established itself as a provider of quality English language education, empowering international students to achieve their language learning goals.

Mars Institute, another member of the Orange College family, celebrated three years of operation on September 14, 2025. This sister institution continues to expand the educational opportunities available within the Orange College network, contributing to the organisation’s mission of accessible, quality education.

A Foundation Built on Values

Over its ten-year journey, Orange College has been guided by core values: excellence in education, practical training, industry relevance, community engagement, and student-centered support. Our DICE values — D – Dynamic Culture, I – Innovation, C – Collaboration, E – Empowerment — further shape our approach to learning, leadership, and community engagement.

With a focus on real-world application, students graduate with both qualifications and practical skills, learning from industry professionals in workplace-mimicking environments across trades such as carpentry, cabinet making, and painting.

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade

As Orange College celebrates this significant milestone, the focus is firmly on the future. With plans to expand course offerings, strengthen industry partnerships, and continue investing in innovative student support programs, the next decade promises to be even more exciting than the last.

Our 10th anniversary is not just a celebration of where we’ve been, but a launching pad for where we’re going. We remain committed to our mission of providing exceptional vocational education and training that changes lives and strengthens communities. The best is yet to come!

Gratitude and Celebration

Orange College extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. This includes students past and present, dedicated staff members, industry partners, agent partners, government agencies, and the broader community. Each has played a vital role in making Orange College what it is today.

As the college commemorates ten years of educational excellence, we invite the community to join in celebrating this milestone. Here’s to a decade of achievement, growth, and transformation, and to many more decades of empowering students to build their futures.