Four new Free TAFE courses added as part of regional Victoria's COVID-19 recovery

GOTAFE CEO Travis Heeney warmly welcomed the continuation of the Free TAFE program. “Free TAFE has been a vital stepping-stone for hundreds of people in regional Victoria. It’s provided the opportunity for students to follow their career goals, change their lives, and enter the workforce without being held back due to their financial circumstances.”

“Free TAFE is really changing lives, we see it here every week” said Natasha McCormick, Director for Health, Wellbeing and Community. “We see students coming through our nursing, allied health, early childhood and disability courses, who won’t just help themselves, but many others through their line of work. They’re amazing, inspiring people going on to contribute to our towns across the region.”

Demand for Free TAFE courses remains at record levels for GOTAFE, with enrolments in health and trade courses in particular exceeding expectations. In 2021 alone GOTAFE saw more than 1,000 students participate in Free TAFE across a range of courses.

“We’ve got a great range of trade apprenticeships available on Free TAFE in 2022, and we know the jobs are out there waiting for qualified people.” Explained Brett Ambrosio, Director for Technology and Built Environment. “Demand for trade qualified workers in regional Victoria is huge, we’re ready to equip the next generation with the skills to get cracking in a job they really enjoy.”

Julie Speechly from Little Stars Florina Early Learning in Shepparton said working with TAFE trained staff was key to the success of their business. “We’re seeing huge demand for staff in the early childhood sector. Free TAFE will hopefully encourage more people to enter the profession and support this growing industry in regional areas.”

“We have staff who would not be able to afford to complete the training without Free TAFE, it’s creating opportunity for individuals and for our business to grow and meet the community’s needs.” Julie added.

Enrolments are already coming in for courses starting in 2022, and GOTAFE are anticipating an enthusiastic return to study for many who have been affected by lockdowns and remote learning.

“Free TAFE provides a compelling reason to invest in yourself and build a fantastic future.” Travis Heeney said. “GOTAFE are excited to welcome students back to campuses once we’re able, and we know 2022 will be a fun and fantastic year for our students and our staff.”

GOTAFE will deliver Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing as part of the Free TAFE program, along with existing courses.

GOTAFE offers 31 Free TAFE courses covering areas such as accounting and bookkeeping, a range of trade apprenticeships, a range of health and community courses, agriculture, early childhood education, hospitality, and cookery, along with many more.