Federal Minister for Skills and Training the Hon Brendan O'Connor and ACT Minister for Skills Chris Steel are encouraging eligible applicants to enrol in Fee-Free TAFE courses on offer through the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, which will inject more than $16.5 million into the ACT skills and training sector.
Minister O'Connor encouraged Canberrans to make 2023 their year by signing up to study.
"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 the ACT are open for enrolments," Minister O'Connor said.
"Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and the ACT is no exception. It is vital that we support people locally to obtain the skills they need to fill job vacancies.
"The Australian Government's agreement with the ACT Government will deliver immediate support for over 2,500 fee-free training places at CIT in 2023. This will ensure access to a wide range of training opportunities in skills needs areas for eligible Canberrans, to support vital and emerging industries in the ACT economy.
"CIT is uniquely placed to support the roll out of Fee-Free TAFE in the ACT as it offers a huge range of quality training options and facilities and provides students the best opportunities for their future careers."
Minister Steel welcomed support from the Australian Government and encouraged Canberrans to enrol and make use of the quality training and facilities.
"Enrolments are open for a range of Fee-Free TAFE courses at CIT and I encourage Canberrans to check out the list of available courses and apply," said Minister Steel.
"Fee-Free TAFE initiative is about removing barriers to study and setting students up for employment in industries where their new skills are in high demand."
Minister Steel said that, under the agreement with the Australian Government, a total of 46 qualifications and pre-apprenticeships are available fee-free at CIT to eligible students.
"The qualifications include early childhood education and care, mental health, cyber, construction and hospitality, among others.
"The wide variety of courses on offer provide exciting opportunities to learn new skills in a supportive environment at CIT, setting students up for their future careers. I encourage prospective students to look at their Fee-Free TAFE options for 2023," Minister Steel said.
CIT will provide approximately 840 fee-free places in the care sector, 600 in hospitality and tourism, 400 in technology and digital, 50 in construction, 40 in sovereign capability, including space trades, and 600 in other priority sectors, including foundation skills.
CIT already has 110 fee-free enrolments to date, with 331 applications and 512 enquiries.
Details of fee-free courses and enrolment requirements are at cit.edu.au/study/fee_free_tafe.
