A hundred veterans take up free TAFE in Queensland

One hundred veterans have taken advantage of subsidised TAFE apprenticeships in Queensland. See how the scheme works.

ADF vets have completed apprenticeships in cybersecurity, plumbing, building, nursing, business and youth work by way of a Queensland government subsidy scheme.

A fully subsidised TAFE course for veterans has marked a milestone of 100 servicemen and women hitting the books.

The free program began in 2021, and 41 veterans now have an apprenticeship while 61 are enrolled.

Their new qualifications include skills in cybersecurity, plumbing, building, nursing, business and youth work.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said servicewomen and men gave so much to the country and their transition to civilian life was not necessarily easy.

“Veterans learn a lot of skills in the military and with the help of this TAFE program, we can make the move into a different line of work a little easier,” the Premier said.

The Defence to Civilian Success Training Program started in 2021 with an eye to support 300 veterans transition to civilian employment.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said Townsville was Australia’s largest garrison city and it was important to continually support veterans who gave so much to the region.

The state government committed $1.1m to the program.

To be eligible a veteran must be leaving or have left the ADF within the past two years.

The maximum amount an individual veteran can access under the scheme is $3000.

Originally published as A hundred veterans take up free TAFE in Queensland