The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are supporting thousands of Victorians to access free training for a rewarding career in construction - with the announcement of more than 5,000 Fee-Free TAFE places in construction and housing sector courses.
The Albanese Government is contributing $22.2 million in funding, partnering up with the Allan Government to address critical skills shortages.
From January 2025, 5,200 new Fee-Free TAFE places will be available to Victorians, including up to 1,300 pre-apprenticeship places.
Across Australia, the Albanese Government is delivering 20,000 extra places in Free TAFE construction courses.
These Fee Free TAFE places will provide cost of living relief for thousands of Victorians to train in the housing and construction sector.
Victorians have voted with their feet with 91,200 enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE courses, over 11,400 enrolments were in the Construction sector.
The announcement comes as more than 508,000 Australians have enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE since its launch with 35,000 enrolments in the construction places across the country.
The delivery of more priority Fee Free TAFE places comes as Peter Dutton and Liberal Party refuse to support Fee Free TAFE students across Australia.
While the Albanese Labor Government invests in new construction places, Peter Dutton and the Liberals will cut the Fee Free TAFE program and slash support for vital cost of living measures for students right around Victoria and Australia.
The announcement today builds on the commitment of the Albanese and Allan Governments to address housing supply as a national priority under the National Skills Agreement.
As stated by Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles
"Today's announcement will help more Victorians get into the construction industry.
"Victoria has embraced Fee-Free TAFE, with over 91,200 Victorians enrolling to get a free tertiary education since January last year, building solid skills and a path to a secure, well-paid job.
"But let's be clear - Fee-Free TAFE is at risk. There is a clear choice - under Peter Dutton and the Liberals there will be no Free TAFE. With Anthony Albanese and Labor Free TAFE is here to stay."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"Free TAFE has opened doors to new training and career pathways for nearly 190,000 Victorians since 2019, including 33,300 students in construction courses - saving aspiring tradies over $71 million in tuition fees and preparing them for jobs in the high-demand construction industry."
"More homes mean more opportunity that's why we're partnering with the Albanese Labor Government to give more Victorians the chance to build rewarding careers while helping build homes for our future."
As stated by Minister for Housing Harriet Shing
"By expanding Free TAFE construction courses, we're giving more Victorians a chance to build rewarding careers while helping deliver on our ambitious housing agenda - helping more Victorians into safe, secure and modern homes."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"This boost to Free TAFE construction training is fantastic news for our community, opening doors for locals to gain valuable skills and build rewarding careers while supporting the delivery of much-needed homes right here in Northcote."
