The state government has announced the free TAFE initiative will add an additional 60 courses next year.
Altona MP Jill Hennessy last week announced that the Certificate III in Information Technology and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment would both be added to the Free TAFE list at VU (Victoria University) Polytechnic, while The Gordon will offer the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at its Werribee campus next year.
The new additions are part of a regular review of the Free TAFE course 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 and the Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.
The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety will also join the free courses, as well as the Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
The Free TAFE program began in 2019 to remove barriers to training by allowing eligible students to apply for fully subsidised courses.
More than 93,000 students have since started TAFE courses, worth around $150 million in training.
“Melbourne’s west is blessed with some brilliant training institutions and with some big investments in booming industries to boot so whether you have your sights set on health care, IT, teaching others or even outdoor leadership, the training and the pathways to jobs are available,” Ms Hennessy said.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said that 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,” she said.
“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.”
Details: freetafe.vic.gov.au.
