Free TAFE fortuitous for staff-starved sectors

NEW data has revealed there has been 2626 free TAFE enrolments at Bendigo TAFE since the introduction of the zero-cost program in 2023.

The initiative encourages prospective students to upskill with qualifications their local communities need, helping to address shortages in key industries like construction, care and manufacturing.

The data also revealed there has now been more than 190,000 free courses completed across all TAFEs nationally, seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.

In Victoria, among the most popular courses have been the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), Diploma of Nursing, and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Notably, a student undertaking a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) can save up to $15,300 on their course thanks to the program, while a student training in a Diploma of Nursing can save up to $17,100.

Across Australia there has been more than 185,000 enrolments in care sector courses, 53,000 in early childhood education and care courses, and 52,000 in construction courses.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said across Bendigo locals are benefitting from the program, which is breaking down the barriers to people accessing qualifications in areas as diverse as nursing, community services, cyber security and construction.

“I’ll continue to stand up for Free TAFE and the pathways it’s opening up for locals to pursue their dream career,” she said.

To discover more about opportunities available through Free TAFE, visit the Your Career website.