Wednesday, 30^th January 2019

Students and job seekers from Gippsland can now take up Free TAFE training under the Andrews Labor Government’s $172 million program to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses tuition fee free from this year.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, said almost 3000 Free TAFE students have started their training in January at TAFEs across Victoria – close to three times the number who commenced training in the same courses in January last year.

Commencement data shows that about 800 of those starting their Free TAFE course in January were in pre-apprenticeship classes, putting them on the pathway to a full-apprenticeship.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses reduces the financial barrier for eligible students wanting to train in the courses that lead to the jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers.

Free TAFE will mean more Victorians get the skills they need for jobs working on major road and rail projects, building schools and hospitals and caring for our loved ones.

TAFE institutes across Victoria are continuing to take enrolments for Free TAFE courses, with classes starting throughout 2019. For the full list of Free TAFE courses, visit freetafe.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“We said we would deliver Free TAFE and now thousands of Victorians are enrolled at the start of term.”

“We’re rebuilding TAFE in Victoria and Free TAFE is now filling campuses across the state.”

“This means more locals working in the most in-demand jobs, delivering vital services.”

Background: Top Five Free TAFE Courses

The Top 5 courses for January Free TAFE commencements are:

• Diploma of Nursing
• Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Certificate IV in Disability
• Certificate III in Individual Support