The NSW Government's fee-free TAFE NSW short courses has passed 100,000 enrolments since being introduced in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the enthusiasm for upskilling during this period of restrictions shows TAFE NSW is a vital educational provider.
"To pass 100,000 enrolments in such a short time is truly a remarkable result. Every part of NSW has embraced the 21 fee-free courses on offer in some way," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This program is assisting people look for a new job or allowing career progression at a time when we are facing enormous economic and social challenges."
Some key points about the initiative include:
- 54 per cent of enrolments are from regional NSW
- 46 per cent of enrolments are from metropolitan NSW (Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong)
- 'Statement of Attainment in Medical Administration Skills' was the most popular course in regional NSW
- 'Statement of Attainment in Team Leader Skills Set' is the most popular course in metropolitan NSW
- 48 per cent of students are studying with TAFE NSW for the first time.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee took the opportunity to note the Queensland Labor Government copied the idea to offer fee-free TAFE courses as part of their COVID-19 response.
"As happy as I am for the Queenslanders to pass 7000 enrolments at their last check, if it was a State of Origin match, the score would show a big win for the Blues by a mere 93,000 enrolments," he said.
For more information on the fee-free courses, visit TAFE NSW.
