New Free TAFE data has revealed just how popular the Albanese Government program is with Australians, as enrolments and course completions reach new milestones.
Hundreds of thousands of Australians are directly benefitting from the program, with Free TAFE enrolments now over 725,000 and course completions now over 210,000 since the program began.
Construction sector courses have seen a surge in sign-ups - with 59,000 enrolments - making them the third most popular type of Free TAFE courses after care sector courses (198,000 enrolments) and technology and digital sector courses (69,000 enrolments).
The new data clearly shows that the Albanese Government's Free TAFE program is breaking down the barriers to Australians accessing the skills they want, for the jobs we need, especially in areas of national priority.
Women comprise nearly 62 per cent of enrolments, First Nations people make up six per cent of enrolments, and people with disability make up 8.5 per cent of enrolments - all demonstrating that Free TAFE is reaching Australians right across communities.
Regional Australians have also shown strong interest in Free TAFE, with enrolments from regional and remote communities making up more than 34 per cent of overall enrolments.
With the passage of the Free TAFE Act by the Albanese Government during its first term, Free TAFE will be made permanent from the start of 2027.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"Every week, more Australians are enrolling in Free TAFE courses and more are getting qualified to make their contribution.
"The Albanese Government made Free TAFE permanent to send a message to Australians that we'll always back them in to access the skills they want for the jobs we need.
"Australians are making the most of Free TAFE, and we're seeing strong growth in enrolments and course completions.
"Critically, there has been strong take-up in construction sector courses like Carpentry, Plumbing, Building and Construction, and Electrotechnology.
"While the Liberals and Nationals fight among themselves and plan cuts to programs like Free TAFE, their communities are making it clear that they value Free TAFE and want it to stay."
