The Allan Labor Government is moving to see Free TAFE in Victoria more affordable for future generations of Victorians to build the skills they need for the rewarding careers they want.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney announced recently she is introducing a Bill that will change the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to ensure a Free TAFE Guarantee is included in the Act.
More than 225,300 students have benefitted from Free TAFE in Victoria since it began in 2019, saving them more than $727 million in tuition fees – that’s more than $3000 per student on average.
Free TAFE addresses workforce shortages in areas important to Victorians, like construction, education, caring and clean energy.
The Free TAFE program has played a critical role in making the skills and training sector more inclusive. More than 67,200 Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have benefitted from Free TAFE since it was introduced in 2019, alongside more than 57,000 learners in regional areas and 59 per cent of all students are women.
The Bill aims to ensure 70% of all government Vocational Education and Training funding will be allocated to TAFE, and to protect Free TAFE and the benefits it delivers for Victorians now and into the future.
“Only Labor Governments fully support TAFE, and Free TAFE started in Victoria – and we will always protect it,” said Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney. “This Bill will ensure future generations of Victorians can benefit from cost-of-living relief while preparing to join the pipeline of skilled workers we need to meet Victoria’s goals.”
To learn more visit vic.gov.au.