Fee-Free TAFE (Technical and Further Education) provides more Tasmanians access to valuable skills and training, according to a 1 May 2023 joint media release by Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Australia’s Minister for Skills and Training, and Hon Felix Ellis MP, Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth.
Since January, more than 2,200 students have taken advantage of the 3,800 available Fee-Free TAFE training places, which aim to support secure and rewarding employment in areas of critical skills shortage such as Aged and Disability Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Technology. These enrolments represent nearly half of the available spots and help address the future demand for skilled workers.
More specifically, over 2,200 students have enrolled in the program since January.
Albanese Government Invests $23 Million in Tasmania’s Critical Skills
The Albanese Government has allocated $23 million to provide essential skills training, including 1,000 Fee-Free places in the care sector and various other priority sectors such as hospitality and tourism (450), agriculture (350), technology and digital (250), construction (200), sovereign capability (150), and foundation skills (around 1400).
One of the program’s most significant benefits is keeping money in students’ pockets while making studying more accessible to people throughout the state.
Tasmanian students studying a Fee-Free TAFE course can save over $1,000 for Certificate III in Individual Support, over $1,600 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and over $1,200 for Certificate IV in Information Technology.
Tasmania to Benefit from 2 TAFE Technology Fund Projects
The Albanese Government has allocated an extra $50 million to enhance and extend various facilities through the national TAFE Technology Fund, including laboratories, workshops, and IT services.
Tasmania will benefit from two TAFE Technology Fund projects, the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, and upgrading the spray booth at the Devonport campus of TasTAFE. They expect to complete both projects by 2024.
Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor stated that Fee-Free TAFE is a significant step towards resolving the skills shortages in Tasmania, especially in education, hospitality, and the care economy. The program provides more meaningful opportunities for Tasmanians to receive high-quality training and develop new skills, which will help them to reskill, upskill, and improve their employability.
O’Connor said the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub would help build the local workforce through reskilling and up-skilling workers for secure, well-paid jobs.
Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Felix Ellis acknowledged the partnership with the Federal Government to provide more training opportunities to Tasmanians in critical areas such as construction, agriculture, and aged care. Ellis emphasised the importance of upskilling Tasmanians who contribute to the growth of Tasmania’s economy, stating that 2,212 individuals have already enrolled in fee-free training programs.
A joint effort between the Australian and Tasmanian governments has led to the allocation of $1.5 million towards the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, with the project’s total budget amounting to $3 million.
Conclusion
Investing in vocational education and training cannot be overstated, especially when addressing skills shortages and creating secure, rewarding job opportunities.
The Albanese Government’s commitment to Fee-Free TAFE is crucial to ensuring that more Tasmanians have the skills and training they need to build their careers and support their communities.
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