Free TAFE still growing in Geelong as minister marks success

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Corangamite MP met with hospitality and nursing students at The Gordon last week. Photos: FACEBOOK/LIBBY COKER

FEDERAL Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles joined Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker at The Gordon last week to celebrate the impact the free TAFE program has had on local students.

About 5,800 students across the Geelong region, saving on average $4,400, have enrolled in the program since its introduction in January 2023, a number the Albanese Government said is continuing to grow as the policy responds to the needs of the local labour market.

Mr Giles confirmed the free TAFE policy is here to stay and “shouldn’t be taken for granted”, pushing back against the Liberal Party’s calls during the federal election campaign for the program to be scrapped.

“Labor’s free TAFE policy has opened doors for hundreds of thousands of Australians, including thousands here in Geelong,” he said.

About 5,800 students across the Geelong region have enrolled in the free TAFE program since its introduction in January 2023,, saving on average $4,400.

“It’s a strong foundation but we know there’s always more to do if we want every Australian to get the skills they want, for the job we need.”

More than six in 10 free TAFE places have been taken up by women, while one in three have been taken up by students in regional and remote Australia, figures Ms Coker said reflected the need for the program across the regions.

“We know free TAFE is working for thousands of locals across our region – it’s opening the door of opportunity for people to lead fulfilling lives,” she said.

“Throughout the campaign, I spoke with hundreds of free TAFE students and their families who said this program is a game-changer.”