Free TAFE Completions Surge Past 170,000
Australians are making the most of the opportunity to gain new qualifications and skills through the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE program, with new data revealing more than 170,000 Free TAFE courses have now been completed.
Free TAFE is removing financial barriers for students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) courses, saving Australians thousands of dollars and helping to set them up for new careers with secure, well-paid work.
Data from states and territories shows that from the commencement of Free TAFE in January 2023 and March this year there were more than 170,000 courses completed.
It also finds that there have been more than 650,000 Free TAFE enrolments in the same period, demonstrating significant interest from Australians in the program.
The Albanese Government’s Free TAFE policy focuses on priority areas agreed between the Government and states and territories to help in addressing skills shortages. Priority areas include construction, health and aged care, manufacturing and technology and digital.
The Albanese Government last year legislated permanent Free TAFE to ensure Australians can continue to access courses without the cost barriers.
The legislation locks in 100,000 Free TAFE places each year, from 2027.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“Every day, more Australians are enrolling in Free TAFE courses – and every day, more Australians are completing much-needed qualifications.
“Free TAFE is changing people’s lives. It’s opening doors to new careers and giving Australians the chance to find secure, well-paid work that they’re passionate about.
“This latest data confirms what I’ve been hearing on the ground from students right around the country. Australians want to take up the opportunities to work in industries like construction, nursing and manufacturing, without the cost barriers they’ve faced previously.
“We know how Sussan Ley and the Liberals and Nationals feel about Free TAFE – they call it ‘wasteful spending’ and say that people don’t value it because it’s free. Australians are proving them wrong.
“The Liberals and Nationals ripped $3 billion out of TAFE and training when they were in office; the Albanese Government is investing in the skills and training Australians want and need for their future.”
https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/giles/170000-and-counting-free-tafe-completions-continue-rise