New data reveals strong enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education courses across New South Wales, thanks to a landmark agreement between the Australian and New South Wales Government.

The Australian Government partnered with the NSW Government to invest $319 million in the state, as part of a 12-month Skills Agreement, to deliver up to 120,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places in 2023.

New figures show that about 65,000 students have enrolled in TAFE NSW under the Fee-Free initiative, highlighting the demand for education and training.

This week the Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips represented The Hon Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training in a visit Nowra to TAFE.

Accompanying the Member for Gilmore was the NSW Member for South Coast, Liza Butler.

Mrs Phillips and Mrs Butler visited the classes for first year Commercial Cookery and Carpentry, both courses are a part of the new Fee-Free TAFE arrangements.

Students in carpentry, construction, hospitality, and other specified courses are set to save thousands in course fees:

• Students undertaking a Certificate III in Carpentry in NSW can save up to $3,580.
• Students undertaking a Certificate III in Hospitality in NSW can save up to $1,750.
• Students undertaking a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) in NSW can save up to $8,220.

Fee-free TAFE courses align directly with areas where Australia needs to address skills shortages such as construction, childcare and health.

As well as addressing skills shortages, Fee-Free TAFE places provide cost of living relief to people who are retraining for the in-demand careers of the future.

Whether in the care sector, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, or technology, it is vital that we continue to deliver skills training in an effective and accessible way.

Fee-Free TAFE will play a fundamental role in the plan to reduce skills shortages in critical areas, while at the same time putting downward pressure on the rising cost of living for people looking to retrain.

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips:

“Fee-free TAFE spots provided by the Australian Government align directly with areas where we need workers locally, such as aged-care and construction”

“As well as addressing skills shortages, Fee-Free TAFE courses ease the cost of living, as they train in the areas we need most”

“As a former TAFE teacher the benefits of TAFE are clear to me, which is why I was so excited to attend Nowra TAFE to meet some of 2023’s new Fee-Free TAFE Students.”

Quotes attributable to Liza Butler:

“TAFE is such an important part of our community, providing amazing opportunities for everyone. The damage that was done to TAFE under the previous NSW Liberal Government will take a while to fix.”

“That’s why I am so pleased that Fiona Phillips MP and the Albanese Government are making TAFE Fee-Free for so many people.”