Upskillers and school leavers are urged to learn for free under TAFE’s fee-free courses this year.
“Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and those running through Queensland reflect the specific characteristics of the state’s labour market,” federal skills and training minister Brendan O’Connor said.
“These include health and community services (to support the NDIS and aged care sectors); agriculture; and tourism and hospitality.
“It is vital that we support people locally to obtain the skills they need to fill job vacancies.”
State minister for training and skills development Di Farmer said Fee-Free TAFE is a great opportunity for recent graduates to create a pathway to their dream career.
“Fee-Free TAFE training in 2023 will provided a wonderful stepping stone to an ideal career for recent school leavers, especially if they’re currently undecided about what they’d like to do,” Minister Farmer said.
The most popular courses being studied include:
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Community Services
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Nursing (*eligible to First Nations Australian, people with disability or people from cultural and linguistically diverse background)
- Certificate III in School Based Education Support
- Certificate III in Information Technology
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
- Certificate IV in Cyber Security
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Ms Farmer said 84% of TAFE Queensland graduates go into employment or further study.
“On our frontline, we need more nurses supporting better health outcomes right around the state which is why we’re offering the Diploma of Nursing to eligible cohorts – First Nations Australians, people with disability and people from diverse backgrounds,” she said.
“Diversifying our workforce is a key aspect of the Palaszczuk Government’s Good people. Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 which implements a variety of programs, including those that encourage employers to broaden their scopes on who they would consider hiring into their teams.”
She said as more people train in the available courses, it will assist these sectors to fill their jobs gaps, and address workforce shortages.
“At a time when our employers need more skilled workers, I urge all Queenslanders to learn about these free courses and change your life by training for a career you are passionate about,” she said.
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said Queenslanders eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding will have the opportunity to enrol in one of over 80 skill sets, certificates and diploma level qualifications currently on offer at TAFE Queensland.
“Child care workers, welfare support workers, office managers and ICT technicians are all in high demand throughout Queensland, so it’s encouraging that the majority of our current enrolments are in sectors with recognised skills shortages,” Mrs Campbell said.
“The most popular Fee-Free TAFE qualifications people are currently enrolling in at TAFE Queensland include our Diploma of Business, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma of Community Services.”
