Charles Darwin University students save thousands in fee-free TAFE places

Territorians looking to take the next step in their career, or learn a new skill could save thousands of dollars to complete a course. Here’s how.

CDU Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman announces the beginning of construction for the Charles Darwin University Trades Training Centre. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Territorians looking for their next chapter in life could save thousands when getting a headstart thanks to an influx of free course spaces.

Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the institution’s TAFE programs had gone from “success to success” in just one year of operation thanks to the launch of fee-free places last year.

To date, more than 1500 Territorians have enrolled in one of the free courses.

For example, students enrolled in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care would save $22,832 in course fees.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Business, Jobs and Training Minister Joel Bowden with Aged Care students ahead of additional Fee-Free TAFE places at CDU. Picture: Adnan Reza

Mr Bowman said the success of fee-free TAFE removed financial barriers to education and followed industry demand to deliver homegrown staff to the sectors with the highest need.

CDU TAFE pro vice-chancellor and chief executive Michael Hamilton said enrolments would be delivered to a “priority cohort”.

Mr Hamilton said that cohort included First Nations Australians, young people under the age of 25, women facing adversity, and people entering a non-traditional field for their gender “like women in trades”.

Business, Jobs, and Training Minister Joel Bowden in December announced an additional 2200 fee-free TAFE courses would be on offer for Territorians from 2024-2026.

Mr Bowden said students hoping to work in high-demand industries could access more than 80 free courses.

He said the in-demand sectors included childcare, healthcare including aged and disability care, technology and digital, hospitality and tourism, construction, agriculture, and sovereign capability.

“These priority training areas have clear job outcomes in the Northern Territory and support a $40 billion economy by 2030,” he said at the time.