Free TAFE, VET places offered to address skill worker shortages

Free TAFE and vocational education places will be offered to tens of thousands of Queenslanders in a $200m bid to tackle a national skills shortage that’s reached crisis levels.

TAFE places will become more accessible under the plan. (File picture)

Free TAFE and vocational education places will be offered to thousands of Queenslanders in a $200m bid to tackle a national skilled worker shortage that’s reached crisis levels.

The state and federal government investment into Queensland’s skills and training sectors will support nearly 40,000 placements next year.

The groundbreaking 12-month agreement for fee-free TAFE is being pitched to drive enrolments across industries battling major skills shortages.

Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said the agreement would help the state address “one of its greatest economic challenges in decades”.

Construction, hospitality and tourism and care sectors have been some of the hardest hit industries in recent years on the back of the pandemic.

“Whether it’s in care sector, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, technology, or a need for sovereign capability in manufacturing, we need to deliver these skills at a time of acute skills shortages,” Mr O’Connor said.

“These training places will provide Queenslanders with opportunities to train for the jobs in demand now and in the future as well as delivering to business the skilled workers they need.”

Mr O’Connor said the agreement would increase opportunity for priority groups including young people, First Nations Australians, people with disabilities and some visa holders.

State Minister for Training and Skills Di Farmer said encouraged Queenslanders to consider a potentially life-changing new career.

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

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement would create improved employment prospects for students, many of whom graduated in recent weeks.

“Fee-Free TAFE is making sure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need and that Queenslanders have the skills they need to take up the opportunities that are there for those good jobs,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The qualifications to be provided under the agreement will reflect Queensland’s diverse workforce and regions including in marine ecosystems, film, business and education.

It will also deliver free qualifications as part of apprenticeships for young people.

Based on historical enrolments, it is estimated more than 10,000 places will support the care sector, more than 12,000 places aligned to technology and digital sectors, 5300 in construction and 1600 in hospitality and tourism.

An estimated 3000 aged care enrolments will be supported to provide a pathway of entry for the critical entry including tuition free access.