New data released by the Albanese Labor Government has revealed there have been nearly 10,000 Free TAFE enrolments across Tasmania since the start of the program.
The program, a commitment made by the Government during the 2022 election and introduced in 2023, encourages Australians to upskill with qualifications that local communities need, helping to address skills shortages in key areas like construction, care, and manufacturing.
The data also revealed that there have now been more than 210,000 courses completed – seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.
In Tasmania, some of the most popular Free TAFE courses have been for:
- Care sector courses – 3,514 enrolments
- Agriculture sector courses – 1,463 enrolments
- Construction sector courses – 938 enrolments
- Early Childhood Education and Care courses – 579 enrolments
Tasmanians are benefitting from significant savings as a result of Free TAFE, with a student undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support able to save almost $2,400 on their course, while a student training in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can save almost $2,600.
Across Australia there have been more than 198,000 enrolments in Care sector courses, helping more Australians towards careers in nursing, aged care and disability care.
Early Childhood Education and Care courses have seen more than 56,000 enrolments, with Construction courses also seeing significant enrolment numbers at more than 59,000.
Free TAFE is a joint initiative of the Australians and Tasmanian Governments and offers dozens of courses across local communities. To find out about courses available through Free TAFE, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“The Albanese Labor Government will always stand up for Free TAFE and the opportunities it is providing for Australians to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.
“Shockingly, we’ve seen Federal Liberals continue to stand against Free TAFE, keeping the program on their chopping block. Only Labor can be trusted to back Free TAFE.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lyons, Rebecca White:
“Free TAFE is delivering for Tasmania. It’s getting people into jobs and making sure our businesses and essential public services have the skilled workforce they need.
“Thanks to Free TAFE, nearly 10,000 Tasmanians have been able to gain skills in aged care, early childhood education, construction and agriculture. These are all critical industries for our state’s future.
“Our Free TAFE program will continue to help Tasmanians get the qualifications they need to follow their dream career.”