Director appointed to Wangaratta Tech School
GOTAFE is pleased to announce Xavier Norden has been appointed as Director of Wangaratta Tech School.
The Tech School will be hosted by GOTAFE and located at the Docker Street, Wangaratta Campus site.
Luke Surace, Acting Executive Director Education at GOTAFE, said Mr Norden brings a wealth of experience and leadership in driving STEM education.
"Xavier’s passions, experiences and values strongly align with both the future Wangaratta Tech School and GOTAFE’s strategic direction."
"Tech Schools are hubs of innovation that inspire local students with cutting-edge STEM programs, with the benefit of the student staying enrolled in their own secondary schools," Mr Surace said.
“They provide skills required for the jobs of both today and tomorrow.”
Mr Norden has extensive experience in the education sector, most recently as Assistant Principal at Wangaratta West Primary School.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the GOTAFE team and working alongside the Department of Education to be part of this innovative project,” Mr Norden said.
“I am truly grateful to have been selected for the Director role of this new school and I am passionate about providing equitable resources and experiences to our rural students in the areas of STEM.”
Mr Norden will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Wangaratta Tech School, leading a team to co-create and develop programs in consultation with key stakeholders ahead of a launch in 2026.
The Wangaratta Tech School is one of six Tech Schools across Victoria being funded as part of the 2023-24 State Budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wangaratta Tech School?
Tech Schools provide free, high-tech STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) programs to students who remain enrolled in their local secondary school. A Tech School will open in Wangaratta in 2026, on the site of GOTAFE’s Docker Street Campus.
Why are STEM programs important?
STEM programs are delivered in dynamic, empowering environments where students can take on real-world problems and design their own solutions. They provide students with skills that will support them in the jobs of both today and tomorrow.
Who will run the Tech School?
Xavier Norden is the Wangaratta Tech School Director. Mr Norden has extensive experience in the education sector, most recently as Assistant Principal at Wangaratta West Primary School.
What is the timeline for the Tech School to open?
The Tech School will open in 2026. Over the course of 2024 and 2025, the Tech School Director will work with schools and other stakeholders to co-design the facility and program, with construction to occur during this time.
Where will the Tech School be located?
The Tech School will be located at GOTAFE’s Docker Street Campus, in a new purpose-built facility.
Are there any other Tech Schools?
Some 10 Tech Schools are already in operation in Victoria. Wangaratta is among six locations to have received funding for a new Tech School in 2023.
How can I find out more?
The Victorian Government has extensive information available on its website.
Find out more