Thousands take up free TAFE courses as aid boost revealed

More than 6000 students have enrolled in fee-free TAFE courses in Cairns since 2023, the federal government says, as paid placements for eligible students begin.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth speaks with Cairns TAFE nursing students and TAFE Queensland North community and health faculty manager Melanie Clarke in Cairns on Wednesday, July 16. Picture: Molly Frew

More than 6000 students have enrolled in fee-free TAFE courses in Cairns since 2023 as paid placements for eligible students begin.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth and Leichhardt MP Matt Smith met with Cairns TAFE nursing students enrolled in the fee-free scheme on Wednesday.

“We know that there is a critical shortage of nurses in our rural and remote areas, and things like fee-free TAFE get people locally staying,” Mr Smith said.

“We know when they learn here, they stay here, they work here, they raise their children, and it’s a fantastic outcome for the entire community.”

Ms Rishworth said the passion of the students to help others through nursing was on display.

Cairns TAFE nursing students with Leichhardt MP Matt Smith, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth and TAFE Queensland North community and health faculty manager Melanie Clarke in Cairns on July 16. Picture: Molly Frew

“Hearing how important fee-free TAFE was to give (the students) the confidence to take up this upskilling or extra opportunity was really wonderful,” Ms Rishworth said.

Fee-free TAFE courses were introduced in January 2023 by the federal government in partnership with states and territories, for courses in priority industries, including health care, agriculture and early childhood education.

More than 110,000 Queenslanders have enrolled in the free courses since the scheme began, with the Diploma of Nursing proving to be the most popular course.

Nursing student Marissa Robertson, who is six months away from finishing her diploma, said the choice to study at TAFE was influenced by the scheme.

“The fee-free (course) swayed my entire decision to come to TAFE,” she said.

“It’s made something unattainable, attainable.”

Paid practical placements for a number of TAFE students through the Commonwealth Prac Placement scheme also began on July 1.

Cairns TAFE nursing students with MP Matt Smith, Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth and TAFE Queensland North community and health faculty manager Melanie Clarke in Cairns on July 16. Picture: Molly Frew

Under the scheme, eligible students enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing or a bachelor or masters degree in teaching, nursing and midwifery or social work, will receive $331.65 per week as they complete compulsory placements.

“We know at times, particularly if you’re working already … deciding to take that step into study and upskilling can be pretty daunting,” Ms Rishworth said.

“But knowing that you’ll get paid while you are actually on prac is really important and another step to encouraging more people to get skills that we need right across this region.

“Whether it’s fee-free TAFE or whether it is this paid placement, we are trying to break down the barriers that stop people pursuing a career in nursing and other important skills areas.”

TAFE Queensland North community and health faculty manager Melanie Clarke said she was “excited” the initiative had begun.

“We hear it from our students on many occasions how much of a struggle it is for them to attend their placement,” Ms Clarke said.

“So this adds another level of incentive and support to the students who are going to be out in our community looking after us.”

Originally published as Thousands take up free TAFE courses as aid boost revealed