Australians looking to upskill in priority areas will have access to more cost-of-living support in 2025, as the Albanese Government's Free TAFE program expands to more courses.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $410 million to help more Australians access study for free, with the program already benefiting priority groups including First Nations Australians, women facing economic insecurity, young people aged 17-24, unpaid carers, people with a disability, and people who are out of work or receiving income support.
Being able to train, retrain and upskill in priority areas, without added financial barriers, is changing the lives of individual Australians.
For example, in 2024 a new student studying for a Certificate III in Carpentry in NSW would usually be required to pay up to $2,990 but thanks to the Albanese Government's Free TAFE, the course is free.
In Victoria, a student training in the Diploma of Nursing could save up to $17,150.
And in Queensland, a student training in the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician was able to save up to $12,660.
Starting from today, TAFE and industry-registered training organisations will be able to offer an extra 20,000 free training places throughout 2025 and 2026, including 5,000 pre-apprenticeship places.
The pre-apprenticeship places provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of what it is like working in an industry before making the commitment to become an apprentice.
Recently, Minister Giles has announced an $86.4 million investment to provide extra Free TAFE places in construction courses, to build the workforce needed to deliver the houses and infrastructure the nation needs.
Free TAFE is giving Australians the training they need to get well-paid, secure jobs. People can study an accredited diploma, a certificate or short course which will be fee-free for the duration of the course.
The Albanese Government has introduced legislation to make Free TAFE enduring to ensure future generations of Australians can continue to gain the valuable skills that our community needs.
