- Classes have commenced at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute for some of the region's newest health heroes, enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing under Free TAFE.
- The Diploma of Nursing program is expected to save future over $24,000 in fees.
- Students on the Sunshine Coast will receive training at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute – a partnership between the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and TAFE Queensland.
Thousands of future nurses will receive free training as part of the Miles Government's $87.5 million investment in the Diploma of Nursing under Free TAFE.
There are 3,500 Diploma of Nursing places on offer this year, with more than 1,700 students enrolled for Semester One.
The Free Diploma of Nursing is being delivered by TAFE Queensland, CQUniversity and Mater Education at locations across the state.
On the Sunshine Coast, training will be facilitated by the Sunshine Coast Health Institute.
Last year, more than 3,100 students commenced a Diploma of Nursing under Free TAFE, including more than 150 in the Sunshine Coast region.
There continues to be strong interest in the Diploma of Nursing across Queensland, with more than 2,500 people expressing an interest in studying the qualification this year.
Health Care and Social Assistance is the fastest growing industry on the Sunshine Coast region, with Jobs Queensland data projecting the local industry will grow 22.3% by 2025-26.
It is estimated that the industry will employ almost 40,000 local people by 2025-26, with the largest occupational groups including registered nurses.
The National Skills Partnership between the Queensland and Australian Governments will see 43,400 Free TAFE places available in Queensland over the next three years – backed by a $170 million investment.
