Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
New national Free TAFE data reveals that Western Australia has exceeded enrolment targets by almost 400 per cent for Tranche 2 (2024-2026).
WA smashed its target for enrolments, reporting 87,004 Free TAFE enrolments between 1 January 2024 and 31 March 2026 – well ahead of the target of 22,200 enrolments due by the end of 2026.
This demonstrates the depth of interest from WA learners in the opportunities provided by Free TAFE.
Free TAFE is being delivered in WA by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, after its introduction in 2023 to grow the pipeline of skills in industries critical to the state’s workforce needs, including early childhood education and care, individual support, nursing and work health and safety.
Since the commencement of Free TAFE in 2023, the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the state’s favourite Free TAFE course with 14,108 enrolments, recognising the state’s continuing push to meet demand for educators to kickstart the learning journeys of WA kids. A student studying at TAFE in WA can save up to $3,452 on their course thanks to Free TAFE.
Other popular courses including the Certificate III in Individual Support with 13,605 enrolments, and the Diploma of Nursing with 6,792 enrolments, with students in WA able to save up to $2,795 and $10,451 on these courses respectively.
The Albanese Government has legislated permanent Free TAFE to commence in 2027, ensuring that alongside the Cook Government, West Australians can continue to benefit from Free TAFE.
To learn more about Free TAFE, visit www.tafe.wa.edu.au(link is external)
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“WA is racing ahead in Free TAFE enrolments – exceeding target enrolments in the latest data by almost 400 per cent.
“This incredible result demonstrates that West Australians value Free TAFE and are making the most of the opportunity to get the skills they want, to do the jobs we need.
“Only Labor is delivering the real change Australia needs – building the pipeline of skilled workers for our future, and setting Australians up for good, secure jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Western Australia is entering a jobs boom – we will need thousands of workers to build our homes and clean energy projects, deliver quality care in our hospitals and aged care facilities and help educate WA kids.
“We want to see Western Australians take up these important, well paying jobs which is why we are working with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver fee free TAFE.
“Today’s figures highlight how important this initiative is and how much it has been welcomed by Western Australian students, apprentices and trainees.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Patrick Gorman:
“Free TAFE is changing lives across the country – including here in WA.
“That is why it is so disappointing that the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation continue to stand against Free TAFE.
“They voted no to permanent Free TAFE and continue to say no to Western Australians benefitting from the opportunities Free TAFE is providing.
“Free TAFE is breaking down the cost barriers that have held too many Australians back.
“Our governments are determined that no one is held back from getting a qualification, or a job in the industries where we need more workers.”
