The Australian Government’s Fee-Free TAFE program, including fee-free Tasmania courses, has been warmly welcomed in Tasmania, where almost half of the available 3,800 training places have been taken up since January 2023. This fee-free TAFE in Tasmania aims to provide access to secure and rewarding employment opportunities in areas where skills shortages are likely to occur in the future.
With more than 2,200 students enrolled in the program, it has proved especially popular in areas such as Aged and Disability Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Technology. The program has enabled students to save up to $1,653.57 on a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, $1,233.50 on a Certificate IV in Information Technology, and $1,149.52 on a Certificate III in Individual Support.
$23 Million Agreement Creates 1,000 Fee-Free TAFE Places in Priority Sectors
The program’s $23 million agreement has created 1,000 Fee-Free places in the care sector, including 450 in hospitality and tourism, 850 in aged care, 350 in agriculture, 200 in construction, 250 in technology and digital, 150 in sovereign capability, and approximately 1400 in other priority sectors, including foundation skills.
The fee-free TAFE in Tasmania not only addresses skills shortages but also makes education more accessible and affordable to Tasmanians across the state. Furthermore, the Australian Government is investing millions more in Tasmania with a share of $50 million national TAFE Technology Fund, which aims to upgrade facilities such as workshops, laboratories, and IT services.
Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub: A Step Towards Upskilling and Reskilling
Two projects have been agreed upon and authorised, the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, which will receive a $1.5 million contribution from the Australian Government, and the Devonport campus of TasTAFE, which will have its spray booth upgraded with a $1 million Australian Government contribution. The Sorell Trade Training Centre aims to upskill and reskill the local workforce for secure, well-paid jobs, while the Devonport project will create a purpose-built spray painting facility.
Both projects support the Government’s commitment to training Australians for well-paid jobs in the future. They are expected to be completed in 2024, providing access to valuable training opportunities for Tasmanians seeking to upskill or retrain for the workforce’s future demands.
Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, on Fee-Free TAFE and Skills Shortages in Tasmania
According to Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, Fee-Free TAFE is a vital component of addressing the skills shortages in Tasmania, particularly in education, hospitality, and the care economy. The program aims to increase access to high-quality training for all Tasmanians seeking to skill, reskill, or upskill, thus providing valuable opportunities to prepare for the workforce’s future demands.
Fee-Free TAFE is Increasing Access to High- Quality Training
With 180,000 places already made available across the country, the government’s budget for this year will invest another $400 million to support an additional 300,000 TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) Fee-Free places, further increasing access to valuable training opportunities.
In addition, the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub will help increase access to training and associated services, creating employment opportunities for Tasmanians in the area to meet the growing demand. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to investing in the future of Australia’s workforce and providing valuable opportunities for all to acquire the necessary skills and training for a rewarding career.
Felix Ellis, Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training, and Workforce Growth, on Partnership with the Federal Government and Fee-Free Training in Tasmania
Felix Ellis, Tasmanian Minister for Skills, Training, and Workforce Growth, highlights the importance of partnering with the Federal Government in delivering more training opportunities for Tasmanians. By working together, they aim to provide the necessary training for individuals who build homes, provide food, and care for loved ones, ensuring a skilled workforce to support Tasmania’s nation-leading economy.
Fee-Free Training Enrolments Reach 2,212 in Tasmania
The Minister reports that Tasmania has already recorded 2,212 enrolments in fee-free TAFE training, offering opportunities for individuals to grasp the potential of the state’s growing economy. The Tasmanian Government is investing $1.5 million towards the Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, and with the additional Australian Government funding, the total funding for the project reaches $3 million.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality training for all Tasmanians, supporting the development of a skilled workforce to contribute to Tasmania’s continued growth and prosperity.
