Free TAFE and apprenticeships extended until June 30, 2023

Free TAFE and apprenticeship programs will be extended through to next year in a bid to upskill thousands of Queenslanders amid dire labour shortages.

Free TAFE and free apprenticeship programs will be extended through to next year in a bid to upskill thousands of Queenslanders amid dire labour shortages.

The move will guarantee that 26 TAFE and 139 apprenticeship programs will remain free of charge to enrol in through to June 30, 2023 for Queenslanders who are under the age of 25.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland’s low unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent meant employers needed workers to fill the jobs that were on offer.

“For many people, that may mean upgrading skills and training which is why free TAFE is so important,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We also want to make sure Queenslanders have the skills they need to take up the opportunities that are there for those good jobs.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The free TAFE and apprenticeships program was initially meant to end in September this year, after providing training to 56,000 people since 2018.

The most popular free TAFE courses have included the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, and the Certificate III in Education Support.

The top free apprenticeships included carpentry, light vehicle mechanical technology, hairdressing, as well as the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer said 83.9 per cent of TAFE graduates went onto employment or further training.

“At a time when our employers need more skilled workers, my message to young Queenslanders is find out about these free courses and change your life by training for a career they are passionate about,” she said.

“On offer is great training, delivered by great training providers ready to prepare you for a great job, in industries with the greatest demand – you just need to take the first step.”

Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Ms Farmer also announced on Sunday that the government would extend its micro-credentialing pilot program for another two years in a $5.9m investment aimed at upskilling more workers.

It comes ahead of the government unveiling its new workforce strategy on Tuesday.

“We know that in every industry, in every community, in every region in Queensland, we are seeing critical workforce shortages,” Ms Farmer said.