Free TAFE to continue in Bendigo

FEDERAL Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles joined Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters at Bendigo TAFE’s McCrae Street Campus early this week to “lock in free TAFE for the people of Bendigo” for selected courses.

Since the Federal Government started its program in 2023, there’s been 2627 no-cost enrolments in Bendigo in crucial under-resouced areas such as construction, health and early childhood education.

During the visit, Bendigo Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain said among Bendigo’s student cohort studying for free, 65 per cent are women, which she said is “very important.”

“We’re providing access to training for skills that are in the highest possible demand,” she said.

Examples of student fee savings include a student enrolled in a Diploma of Community Services in Bendigo could save up to $10,303.02, and a student enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing in Bendigo up to $19,785.93.

Additionally, a student enrolled in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care locally could save up to $5,168.69, and student enrolled in a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in Bendigo up to $3,567.73

“Free TAFE is making a huge difference in people’s lives, a huge difference to communities,” Mr Giles said.

“When we think about skills that affect people’s lives, there’s two areas of work that are most important – nursing and early childhood care.

“What a difference their education journey has made for them, particularly (students) balancing other work and caring for other people.”