The McGowan Labor Government will significantly reduce TAFE fees for selected high priority qualifications from next year, making training more affordable for thousands of local students.
The $53.5 million 'lower fees, local skills' policy will ensure Western Australians can get the training needed for the jobs of tomorrow, supporting the WA economy.
The 50 per cent fee reductions have been targeted to align with emerging skills shortages, the State's economic diversification strategy and important sectors of the local economy including aged and disability care, METRONET and civil construction, defence, hospitality and tourism.
The State Government works closely with industry to identify skills priorities, which will support new apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities in Western Australia.
As part of the investment, TAFE facilities in Broome, Karratha, Rockingham and Bunbury will be upgraded to support NDIS training.
TAFE fees skyrocketed under former Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey with some courses increasing by as much as 510 per cent, having a devastating impact on the sector and putting TAFE out of reach for many young people.
Enrolments collapsed by nearly 25 per cent and as a result the McGowan Government froze fees when elected in 2017, delivering on an election promise.
For more information on the TAFE policy, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Unfortunately the cost of training skyrocketed, that's why we froze fees and now with the Budget back on track, we are slashing fees for specific courses by 50 per cent to make them affordable.
"Not only are we investing in job-creating projects across WA, we're investing in the people we need to build them.
"We can do this because we got the Budget back into surplus and as a result, students can get the training they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
"Young Western Australians deserve the best possible chance to get into training, or pick up an apprenticeship or traineeship.
"The significant fee reductions will make training more affordable for students wanting to do courses that lead to jobs in demand in Western Australia."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Investing in TAFE means more local skills, and more local jobs.
"More than ever the skills we need are learnt at TAFE and training institutions.
"This is a great opportunity for young people to kickstart their careers by getting the skills that employers want, without the hefty course fees.
"For these courses, the maximum annual fee students will pay is capped at $400 for concession students and youth and $1,200 for non-concession students.
"This policy begins to reverse the legacy of the failed former Training Minister Liza Harvey."
