Fee-free TAFE, VET places to get a boost with new $155m federal funding

More than 870 Territorians have taken up fee-free training in just six months, with that figure expected to rise thanks to a new funding agreement. Here’s which jobs they will fill.

A new National Skills Agreement pumping $155m into the Territory’s training sector over five years is expected to lead to more fee-free TAFE and VET places. Picture: Tourism NT

More than 870 Territorians have this year enrolled in fee-free training to fill critical shortages in construction, childcare and agriculture, with that number expected to rise as part of a new funding agreement.

The commonwealth has committed $155m over the next five years to the Territory’s training sector as part of a new National Skills Agreement.

It marks an increase of about $80m on previous funding arrangements, which Solomon MP Luke Gosling said had not been updated in more than a decade.

“This is an unprecedented investment in the skills of our people, our young Territorians, our not so young Territorians – anyone who wants to get skilled up and take advantage of all the jobs that are out there in our marketplace,” he said.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling (pictured) said the funding agreement was a gamechanger for the Territory. Picture: Supplied

The new agreement with the NT government, which rolls out from January 2024, means training providers can offer more fee-free places.

Already there are 1500 places offered across Charles Darwin University and the Batchelor Institute annually, and more than 870 of those spots were filled in the first six months of this year.

Of those, 156 took up agricultural training, 133 enrolled in the care sector and 72 in construction courses.

Construction is another major sector expected to benefit from fee-free TAFE provided through government funding. Picture: Contributed

Another 68 enrolled in early childhood education and care, while hospitality and tourism courses saw an increase of 47 trainees.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said TAFE and VET courses were a “realistic pathway to a high-paying job”.

“Jobs that we need right now and jobs into the future,” she said.

“It’s getting young people, particularly as they start to finish school but also people that might be looking for a career change.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“A pathway through VET and TAFE can be just as successful as going into higher education.”

Charles Darwin University TAFE deputy chief executive Robert Scherwdt said the new funding agreement provided “guaranteed training for the next five years”.

“In life we’re all touched by TAFE in one way or another, whether we’re going out to dinner or getting a car fixed,” he said.

“We’re super excited about all of the trades areas such as auto, auto electrical and non-traditional trades areas such as baking and hairdressing.”

It comes as a deal was struck between the NT and Kerala governments to bring 20 nurses from India to the Territory.

Each nurse will be offered visa sponsorship and a $10,000 incentive to undertake postgraduate training in areas such as mental health and renal care, all while filling critical vacancies in the health system.