The Andrews Labor Government’s signature Free TAFE initiative will grow to more than 60 courses in 2022 – giving more Victorians training for more jobs as the state moves through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, was pleased to announce that the free course offerings at local TAFEs will include seven new courses next year. This expansion will include the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – giving jobseekers access to world-class training and boosting the veterinary industry by alleviating workforce demands in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The new additions are part of a regular review of the Free TAFE list, ensuring training meets key government priority areas and skills demands while also boosting the Victorian economy.
Other new courses include the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, supporting the recreational and tourism industry, and the Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, funnelling more experts into the health and aged care system.
The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety will also join the free courses, ensuring every Victorian has a safe experience in their workplace, as well as the Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
The Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program began in 2019 to remove barriers to training by allowing eligible students to apply for fully subsidised courses that directly lead to jobs now and into the future. Ninety-three thousand students have started courses – saving $150 million in the first two years.
Last year, the Government announced an investment of $631.4 million to drive economic recovery and increase access to training, which includes $163 million for a Skills for Economic Recovery package announced in July 2020.
This investment will create up to 60,000 new training places over four years in Free TAFE courses and builds on the additional 10,000 Free TAFE places announced in July 2020 as part of the Skills for Economic Recovery Package.
The Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment in TAFE and training to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Explore your options with Free TAFE at freetafe.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP
“Free TAFE has been such a successful program and it’s no secret why as it gives everyday Victorians the opportunity to train and study in key areas which will drive our recovery and empower more people to return to work post-pandemic.”
“These seven new courses will help address the demand for trained workers in areas such as veterinary nursing, information technology and recreational and tourism sectors. So many of our community members are reskilling and finding new career pathways.”
“Our economic recovery from the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic is a priority for this government as we see restrictions start to ease and a re-opening up of businesses on the back of vaccinations continuing to increase.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney MP
“Free TAFE provides high-quality training to get Victorians into some of the state’s most rewarding and in-demand jobs. We heard the calls for veterinary nursing to be added to the Free TAFE list – and we listened.”
“We’ve made a record investment in TAFE and training – including expanding the Free TAFE list to more than 60 courses – which means there’s never been a better time to explore your new career pathway.”
28 September 2021