Chisholm has a proud history of delivering technical training in the south east of Melbourne.

At the start of the 20th century technical colleges were established in both Frankston and Dandenong and through the 50’s and 60’s other technical colleges were set up in the region. In 1974 the State Government introduced the term ‘technical and further education’ to Victoria and the acronym TAFE was born.
 In 1998 all the TAFE colleges located in SE Melbourne were amalgamated into Chisholm Institute of TAFE. Chisholm was named in honour of Caroline Chisholm a champion of the poor and needy in the early Australian colony. Her motto "I promise to know neither country nor creed, but to serve all justly and impartially" fits comfortably with the present day Chisholm’s philosophy.

Chisholm today operates through six Study Areas.

Exciting study options like virtual and simulated workplaces are keeping pace with the real lifework changes. Our students can see how their area of study integrates with others, and with industry directly. They learn in a safe, controlled, yet ‘hands on’ environment.

Our network of locations are in the south-east region of Melbourne, a culturally diverse region that is home to over 600,000 people. It is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, and is of significant social and economic importance to Melbourne and Victoria. Chisholm is strategically positioned to serve this population growth corridor. Students are involved directly in the needs and issues of the community around them.

Chisholm courses are specifically designed to ensure students are ready for employment or new careers.  These courses can be a basis for entry to further study including university degree courses, but increasingly students come to Chisholm after completing their degree to gain skills in demand in the workplace.. Chisholm also offers over 300 vocational, technical and recreational short courses as well as industry workplace training tailored to employer requirements.