Tasmania’s reception to the Australian government’s Fee-Free TAFE program has been well-received, with almost half of the 2023 available training places taken up since January 2023, with more than 2,200 students enrolling in the 3,800 available Fee-Free TAFE training places that seek to address the skills shortage in the country. Read on to learn more about Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania.
High Demand Courses
The demand for Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania is highest for courses like Aged and Disability Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Technology. A Certificate III in Individual Support, for instance, has seen over 280 students enrolling in it.
These courses not only secure a future Tasmanian workforce in areas of need, but they also make studying more accessible to people right across the state.
Money-Saving Benefits
One of the key benefits of the Fee-Free TAFE program is that it keeps money in the pockets of students. Students studying a Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania can save as much as the following:
- $1,149.52 for students undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support
- $1,653.57 for students undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- $1,233.50 for students undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology
Critical Skills
The $23 million Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania agreement provides critical skills, including the following:
- 1,000 Fee-Free places in the care sector (including 850 in aged care)
- 450 in hospitality and tourism
- 350 in agriculture
- 250 in technology and digital
- 200 in construction
- 150 in sovereign capability
- Around 1,400 in other priority sectors including foundation skills
Investment in Facilities
A $50 million national TAFE Technology Fund will be invested to improve and expand facilities in Tasmania, which includes laboratories, workshops, and IT services.
Two projects have already been authorised:
- The Sorell Trade Training Centre and Jobs Hub, With a $1.5 million Australian Government contribution
- Upgrading the spray booth at the Devonport campus of TasTAFE, with a $1 million Australian Government contribution
Both projects will help build the local workforce through re-skilling and up-skilling workers for secure, well-paid jobs.
Budget for 2023
The government has already made available 180,000 Fee-Free places across the country, and this year’s budget will invest another $400 million to support another 300,000 TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) Fee-Free places. This is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to providing high-quality training opportunities for Tasmanians.
The Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania Initiative Can Address Skills Shortages and Accessibility Concerns
Overall, the Fee-Free TAFE in Tasmania has been welcomed by the students and employers alike, as it offers a chance for people to gain new skills and improve their employability without having to worry about the financial burden. With almost half of the 2023 places already filled, it is evident that the demand for this program is high, particularly in areas like Aged and Disability Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Technology.
This initiative not only addresses the future workforce demand and skills shortages but also makes studying more accessible to people right across the state. The $23 million agreement, along with the investment in the TAFE Technology Fund, proves the government’s commitment to skilling Australians for well-paid jobs for today and the future.
With the ongoing funding and commitment from the Federal and Tasmanian Governments, the future looks bright for TAFE students in Tasmania.
