Fees slashed on another 107 TAFE courses to continue recovery

  • Fees slashed for 107 additional TAFE courses under the McGowan Government’s Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative
  • $103.4 million State and Commonwealth investment in training to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers for the State
  • 180 courses in total now form part of the successful Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative
  • Applications for TAFE courses are now open for Semester 1, 2021
  • The McGowan Government will slash fees on an additional 107 TAFE courses, as part of the new JobTrainer Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.

    Under the highly successful Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative, the McGowan Government has now slashed fees by up to 72 per cent for 180 courses in total, to make training more affordable for Western Australians after the price hikes by the previous government.

    People under 25 or eligible people of all ages looking for work will pay no more than $400 in annual course fees.

    Lower Fees, Local Skills has already seen enrolments in eligible priority vocational education and training (VET) courses increase by 20 per cent.

    The State and Commonwealth governments have signed a new $103.4 million agreement that will see fees reduced in an additional 107 courses.

    The investment in WA’s training sector builds on the $229.2 million WA Recovery Plan TAFE infrastructure and training package to create a pipeline of skilled workers to help with WA’s economic recovery.

    Lower Fees, Local Skills has been expanded in consultation with industry to engage job seekers, women and young people to meet immediate and emerging skill requirements.

    The 107 additional reduced-fee courses will deliver training in sectors including building and construction, manufacturing, information technology, mining, engineering, aquaculture, agriculture, horticulture and logistics. 

    More free TAFE short courses will also be added to meet emerging skill needs. These skill sets are completely free for those looking for work or people under 25 to help get them into jobs.

    Reduced course fees for the additional 107 courses will be available from January 1, 2021. This program is funded by JobTrainer – a joint initiative of the Western Australian and Australian governments.

    For more information, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64, TAFE college or training provider.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Our Government has made TAFE a priority, and this announcement means we have now reduced TAFE fees for a total of 180 courses.

    “This is all about ensuring Western Australians are given the best possible opportunity to undertake training, enter the workforce and play a part in WA’s economic recovery.

    “The success of the first and second rounds of Lower Fees, Local Skills courses has supported our partnership with the Federal Government to expand the initiative.

    “Our investment in training has already had a strong response from students and employers, and I am pleased that we can capitalise on the momentum created to support WA’s recovery.

    “Our training-led plan is preparing Western Australians to get back into jobs to meet the economy’s immediate workforce needs following the impacts of the pandemic.”

    As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

    “We have seen training enrolments increase by 20 per cent in eligible priority courses as a result of heavily reduced course fees, so we’re on our way to growing WA’s skilled workforce to help fill the significant number of jobs that are being created.

    “Training is vital in creating skilled workers to support our local businesses and communities. We will continue to invest in training to ensure Western Australia is well positioned to bounce back as the economy recovers and can meet the job demands of local industry.”

    As stated by Federal Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Michaelia Cash:

    “JobTrainer will play a central role in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, not just here in Western Australia but right across the nation.

    “The Commonwealth Government has been working closely with jurisdictions to establish the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, including a $500 million investment from the Australian Government to be matched by the State and Territory governments.

    “This will fund up to 340,700 additional free or low-fee training places to help Australians upskill and reskill in areas of demand.”

    Education and Training Minister’s office – 6552 5700

    /Public Release. View in full here.