Free TAFE Starts At GOTAFE Shepparton

  • Minister for Training and Skills

Students and job seekers in Shepparton are starting courses through the Andrews Labor Government’s Free TAFE program, with almost 200 students having begun their training at GOTAFE in Shepparton.

This is a 15 per cent increase in the number of students undertaking those courses compared to the same time last year.

Minster for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited GOTAFE in Shepparton to announce a boost of more than $5.6 million for courses in baking, dental assistance, nursing, cabinet making, engineering fabrication and health services.

A new program will also be developed for new and existing workers in the region’s air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

These courses and programs will be delivered under the Labor Government’s Regional and Specialist Training Fund and Workforce Training Innovation Fund, which aims to address skills gaps in regional areas and improve training outcomes.

GOTAFE has more than 420 students enrolled in Free TAFE courses across its five campuses and is offering 47 Free TAFE courses including in nursing, accounting and bookkeeping, education support and community services.

Thousands of Victorians are on the way to getting the skills they need to secure jobs in high demand industries, with 13,500 students enrolled Free TAFE courses, driving a 60 per cent increase in commencements compared to the same TAFE courses at the same time last year.

Underlining the importance of TAFE to regional communities and industries, almost one quarter of Free TAFE commencements were in regional Victoria

Students can save up to $2,500 for some pre-apprenticeship courses and up to $5,000 for Certificate IV courses. For higher level courses such as a Diploma in Nursing or a Diploma in Building and Construction, students will save more than $10,000 through the Free TAFE initiative.

As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“The jump in the number of students at GOTAFE is showing the popularity – and importance – of Free TAFE.”

“We are making training more accessible and affordable so that Victorians can the skills they need for the jobs that are most available.”

As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp

“Free TAFE in Shepparton is enticing more locals to enrol in training that will lead to employment in the local area.”

“We’re rebuilding TAFE in Victoria and reducing the barriers to training so that job seekers can apply for the jobs that are most in-demand.”

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