TAFE SA enrolments are continuing to soar - bolstered by the Malinauskas Labor Government's Fee Free TAFE - with a rise of 65 per cent compared to two years ago.
More than 10,600 places were used for fee free study at TAFE SA in 2023 creating more skilled workers in areas that directly align with the Malinauskas Government's priorities including investing in our health system, preparing for universal 3-year-old preschool, delivering the infrastructure South Australia needs and building the defence workforce for AUKUS.
The State Government is opening doors for South Australians and there has been a strong response from priority student groups including people with a disability (9%), women in non-traditional fields (30%), First Nations students (5%), veterans (13%) and students speaking a language other than English at home (11%).
Health-related courses have been popular with Fee Free TAFE students including the Certificate III in Pathology Collection, which has recorded a 16% increase in enrolments since the introduction of the fee-free initiative. In 2023, 113 students were enrolled in this course under Fee Free TAFE.
There has also been strong interest in courses such as:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood and Care.
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.
- Diploma of Nursing.
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start).
2023 was the first-time enrolments have increased year on year since 2012, and demand is continuing to be strong with applications to study in 2024 up 65% from two years ago.
In October 2023, a new five-year National Skills Agreement was announced which will see a $2.289 billion investment in training and skills for South Australia.
It will include a boost for TAFE SA to fund extra training places, capital works upgrades and extra support services for students.
The Malinauskas Government commissioned a Roadmap for the Future of TAFE SA to engage with industry, unions, government, TAFE SA staff and students on the long-term changes needed to ensure TAFE SA is best placed to deliver the skills needs for the State.
Undertaken by tertiary education expert and Associate Professor at Victoria University, Jeannie Rea, the Roadmap set out an ambitious 10-year plan to place TAFE SA as the public training provider, back at the centre of South Australia's training system.
For course and application information, please call TAFE SA on 1800 882 661 or go to the website www.tafesa.edu.au
As put by Blair Boyer
It is fantastic to see such a significant increase in the number of enrolments at TAFE SA especially among priority cohorts.
We have been working tirelessly to rebuild TAFE SA over the past two years and we are seeing the results with more South Australians getting the skills they need for the jobs we're creating.
We will continue to invest in rebuilding TAFE SA for the benefit of future generations of South Australians.
As put by TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman
We are thrilled with the response to Fee Free TAFE and this has contributed to a return to growth in enrolment numbers over the past 12 months.
With the support of State and Federal Governments, we have over 4,500 additional Fee Free TAFE places for the next three years and it has been wonderful to hear the stories of many new students who have been able to enrol in study thanks to this initiative.
It demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to skills development and will ensure all South Australians can participate in the incredible new and exciting employment opportunities that are emerging in South Australia.
We're working closely with industry to ensure we're delivering training that is relevant and addresses in-demand skills, with our training also aligning with the state government's priority sectors to ensure we're meeting future workforce needs.
