The Andrew 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 Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing announced that the following courses will be added to the Free TAFE list at TAFE Gippsland next year:

• Certificate III in Information Technology
• Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
• Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
• Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

It is among seven new courses for next year, headlined by 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 Labor 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.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Free TAFE at TAFE Gippsland has been a game-changer for thousands of students who are starting their careers, or upskilling in one of our many growth industries.” 

We are absolutely determined to provide more opportunities for everyone to access the right training and pathways to employment closer to home, and these new additions to the Free TAFE course list will have a really positive and long-term impact.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“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.”