Following reports of a continued shortage of qualified tradespeople, last week’s Budget has delivered some welcome news in the form of fee-free TAFE places so tradies can study without worrying about the cost.
“If we want to build more homes, we need to train more tradies”, Prime Minister Albanese tweeted on Monday, adding “so whether it’s painting or flooring, bricklaying or carpentry, there’s fee-free courses available across Australia.”
Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor added that the program will boost existing measures already put in place in 2022.
“We are already delivering 180,000 Fee Free TAFE and Vocational Education and Training (VET) places in 2023, along with investing in financial support for apprentices, particularly those choosing to take on a New Energy Apprenticeship”, O’Connor said.
“Our new skills investments build on over $400 million provided in the October 2022 Budget for a further 300,000 Fee Free TAFE and VET places in high-skill needs areas from 2024 to 2026 – subject to agreement with states and territories”, he concluded.