Holmesglen is a large government institution situated across three campuses in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, close to shops, parks and public transport and only 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Acknowledged as a leader in the field of vocational and higher education in Australia, Holmesglen offers degrees in:

 
Accounting

 
Business administration

  
Marketing/management

       
Executive administration

    
Early childhood education

      
Nursing

      
Building surveying

       
Construction management and economics

      
Facilities management

        
IT (programmer/analyst)

        
Screen production

 

Holmesglen also offers two Charles Sturt University degrees, in business studies and hotel management. The Institute also provides specialised training in a wide range of trade and technical fields, including:

        
Air-conditioning & refrigeration

        
Bricklaying

        
Cabinet-making

        
Carpentry

        
Cookery, bakery and pâtisserie

        
Electronics and mechatronics

       
Glass and glazing

        
Horticulture

        
Metal fabrication

        
Painting and decorating

        
Plastering

        
Stonemasonry

        
Wall and ceiling lining

        
Wall and floor tiling

 

Services

Holmesglen is open seven days a week, which allows students to do additional studies at the weekend, or to use the excellent resources such as computing labs, engineering workshops, graphic design studios, and the Learning Commons, which houses a library, conference rooms, classrooms and computers.

The Institute provides a wide range of support services to assist international students, including recreational activities that help them to meet local students in a relaxed and friendly environment.

 

Other courses offered include:

        
Administration

        
Advertising

        
Biotechnology

        
Building

        
Children’s services

        
Commerce

        
Community services

        
Conservation and land management

        
Dental technology

        
Furniture design

        
Graphic design

        
Hospitality

        
Human resources

        
Information technology

        
Interactive digital media

        
Interior design

        
International business

        
Laboratory technology

        
Management

        
Marketing

        
Professional writing

        
Recreation

        
Remedial massage

        
Screen and media

        
Sports management

        
TESOL

        
Tourism

        
Visual arts

        
Youth work

 

Jack Avison, 22, is studying cabinet-making at Holmesglen

 

"I first visited Australia on a working holiday visa. I fell in love with Melbourne and, after staying for nine months, decided I wanted to learn a new trade and live here. The decision was a tough one because I was leaving family and friends back home but now I can honestly say it is the best decision I ever made.

Melbourne is a fantastic place to live with a huge array of sport, nightlife and outdoor activities on offer. And coming from England, I appreciate the sunshine! The diverse range of cultures means that there is always a chance to do something new and meet interesting people. There is rarely a day where I’m not involved in some social activity – everyone is so welcoming and I found it very easy to make friends.

I’ve been studying Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Certificate IV in Furniture Design for just over 18 months and have acquired the range of skills needed for a career in this field. Holmesglen only uses the best equipment, and every student is equipped with the right tools to ensure we only have to concentrate on our skills. I came into this course with no experience but the staff make sure that everyone is well supported. I’m now in my second year and feel confident that my new abilities will take me a step closer to a successful career. I’m genuinely excited at my future prospects.

The teachers are fantastic. They explain procedures patiently, and are approachable when we have questions. They also offer advice on work experience and give us the contacts needed to move into the industry. If I had to give advice to anyone moving to Australia to study, I’d say just go for it – you will never look back. Not only will you acquire new skills and abilities but you will also gain experiences and memories that will stay with you forever.”