Recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to upskill or change careers are being encouraged to enrol in one of the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available in 2023.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O'Connor encouraged Queenslanders to make 2023 their year.
"If you've been thinking about studying something new, or upskilling, now is the time as Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training courses in Queensland are open for enrolments," Mr O'Connor said.
"Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and those running through Queensland reflect the specific characteristics of the state's labour market.
"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."
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
Minister Farmer said 84 per cent of TAFE Queensland graduates go into employment or further study.
"We want young Queenslanders seizing good job opportunities and enjoying our state's great lifestyle, which means training now for the jobs of the future," the Minister said.
"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.
"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."
Minister Farmer said the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places had been chosen to address Queensland's current and future skills needs and places would be demand driven.
"Queensland's Good people. Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032 ensures we are positioned to seize the job opportunities available now and into the next decade.
"This joint investment with the Australian Government in Fee-Free TAFE is further proof of our commitment to delivering good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for Queenslanders," she said.
Fee-Free TAFE in Queensland in 2023 is being delivered by TAFE Queensland and the Central Queensland University.
