1500 fee-free TAFE places will pump $9.4m into NT economy

The NT will receive 1500 fee-free TAFE places as part of the federal government’s $1.1bn training blitz.

More than 1000 free training courses will be offered to Territorians under the federal government’s billion-dollar initiative to address skill shortages and bolster workforces around the country.

In September, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1.1bn “training blitz” that would have the fees of 180,000 TAFE places slashed across the country in 2023, with spots allocated on a per-capita basis.

The deal, struck between the federal government, premiers and chief ministers ahead of a two-day jobs summit, included the creation of 60,000 new places and dropping the fees of another 120,000.

The free places are in addition to 465,000 already promised by Mr Albanese in a pre-election pledge, with the cost to be split evenly between the federal government and each state or territory.

As part of the NT’s share of the 12-month deal, 1500 fee-free places in TAFE and Vocational Education and Training courses will be available next year across sectors including hospitality, tourism, aged care, agriculture, technology and construction.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1.1bn “training blitz” that would have the fees of 180,000 TAFE places slashed across the country. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The care sector will receive about 600 fee-free places, while 200 will be allocated to construction, 150 to agriculture, 120 to hospitality and tourism, 80 to transport, logistics and manufacturing, 50 to the digital and technology sector and 300 for other sectors including foundation skills.

The deal is expected to pump $9.4m into the Territory’s skills and vocational education training sectors.

Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby said the cash injection would help grow the number of Territorians receiving training faster.

“Skilling our future workforce is one of the highest priorities for this government,” Mr Kirby said.

“Not only will it grow our economy, it gives our next generation the best chance to fulfil their potential and succeed.”

Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby said the cash injection would help grow the number of Territorians receiving training faster. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

The majority of training, particularly in the remote and health sectors, will be delivered by public providers.

Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said he was thrilled to expand opportunities for Territorians.

“If we want to provide greater opportunity in the Northern Territory for secure and rewarding employment, we must be able to skill and re-skill our workforce, “ Mr O’Connor said.

He said skills needed to be delivered “at a time of acute skills shortages”.

Charles Darwin University VET strategy and growth director Michael Hamilton said access to fee-free courses was a “game changer” for Territorians.

South Australia was the first state or territory to strike a deal, with 12,500 places worth about $65 million allocated in its agreement, which was announced in November.