Acting chief operating officer Jamie Eckett spoke about the changes ahead as Bendigo TAFE merges with the Kangan Institute.

Mr Eckett said the presence of Kangan Institute had helped Bendigo TAFE appear in a stronger position than before.

"There's been a lot of uncertainty around Bendigo TAFE," Mr Eckett said.

"We plan to be here for the long haul." 

Mr Eckett told guests the future was about "creating something new and something special".

He said the two institutes would take 18 months to two years to fully merge.

Steps towards the two becoming one include arranging how courses will be delivered, creating a process for enrolment and making strategic partnerships with industry.

Bendigo TAFE business development manager James Masters said a key focus for the institute was to find "fee for service opportunities rather than government funding". He said this would mean offering short courses with upfront payment, such as barista courses for school leavers.

Mr Masters said he was looking to secondary schools and careers advisors to tailor course offerings and programs. 

"We're looking for any opportunities in the market," he said.