The program, a commitment made by the Government during the 2022 election and introduced in 2023, encourages Australians to upskill with qualifications that local communities need, helping to address skills shortages in key areas like construction, care, and manufacturing.
The data also revealed that there have now been more than 190,000 courses completed – seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.
In Victoria, among the most popular Free TAFE courses are the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), Diploma of Nursing and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Victorians are benefitting from significant savings as a result of Free TAFE, with a student undertaking a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) able to save up to $15,300 on their course, while a student training in a Diploma of Nursing can save up to $17,100.
Across Australia there have been more than 185,000 enrolments in Care sector courses, helping more Australians towards careers in nursing, aged care and disability care.
Early Childhood Education and Care courses have seen more than 53,000 enrolments, with Construction courses also seeing significant enrolment numbers at more than 52,000.
Free TAFE offers dozens of courses across local communities. To find out about courses available through Free TAFE, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“The Albanese Labor Government will always stand up for Free TAFE and the opportunities it is providing for Australians to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.
“Shockingly, we’ve seen the Liberals continue to stand against Free TAFE, keeping the program on their chopping block. Only Labor can be trusted to back Free TAFE.”
Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters MP:
“Across Bendigo locals are benefitting from Free TAFE, which is breaking down the barriers to people accessing qualifications in areas as diverse as nursing, community services, cyber security and construction.
“As a member of the Albanese Government I’ll continue to stand up for Free TAFE and the pathways it’s opening up for locals to pursue their dream career.”
