New Free TAFE courses have been announced by the Victorian Labor Government, in an initiative that will provide more Free TAFE courses in the Sunraysia region in 2022.  These additions to the SuniTAFE Free TAFE list will provide an increase in the opportunities for training to boost the economy and fill workforce shortages as the region moves beyond COVID-19.

Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney, has announced an expansion of the SuniTAFE Free TAFE program, which began in 2019.  

Free TAFE was established by the Victorian Government to remove barriers to training, by allowing eligible students to apply for fully subsidised courses that directly lead to jobs now and into the future.

These new additions are part of a regular review conducted by the Victorian Government of the Free TAFE list.  The review ensures that training meets key government priority areas and skills demands, while also boosting the regional economy.

The new courses on the SuniTAFE Free TAFE list will join a long line of other courses that have already led to career changes and job outcomes for hundreds of students in the region. Previous course areas have included accounting, construction and trades, hospitality and commercial cookery, health and community services, education support, horticulture and agriculture.

Details on the additional Free TAFE courses are currently being finalised in preparation for the opening of 2022 enrolments later this year.

Anyone interested in Free TAFE and ‘focusing their career where the jobs are’ is encouraged to visit www.sunitafe.edu.au/courses/free-tafe/ for information.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney:

“Free TAFE provides high-quality training to get Victorians into some of the state’s most rewarding and in-demand jobs. We heard the calls for veterinary nursing to be added to the Free TAFE list – and we listened.”

“We’ve made a record investment in TAFE and training – including expanding the Free TAFE list to more than 60 courses – which means there’s never been a better time to explore your new career pathway.”

Quotes attributable to SuniTAFE CEO, Geoff Dea:

“The State Government investment in SuniTAFE and Free TAFE ensures our region has access to high quality education, rewarding career pathways, and that our local industry can source a job-ready workforce.”

“We welcome this announcement from the Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney, which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to Free TAFE in our region.”