540 Ipswich students are benefiting from Fee-Free TAFE programs, courtesy of a joint initiative delivered by the Palaszczuk Government and the Albanese Government.
The Fee-Free TAFE initiative allows recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to upskill or change careers to undertake one of 86 priority qualifications at TAFE Queensland.
To date over 3,000 TAFE Queensland students from Ipswich have commenced fee-free training, emphasising the growing demand for specialised education.
The most sought-after courses among these students include:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Diploma of Nursing
The Fee Free TAFE joint initiative commenced on the 1st of January this year and was due to end on the 31st December this year.
The recent announcement that it would be extended through to December 2026 gives us an indication of just how successful the initiative has been and reaffirms the Government's commitment to providing accessible education and fostering skills development.
You can find more information through TAFE Queensland.
Quotes attributable to Jennifer Howard MP:
"We know that Ipswich school graduates keenly pursue further education and training when they complete their formal education.
“By providing Fee Free TAFE, we are sending a clear message that this Government wants all young people to reach their full potential and in return, fill critical roles in our local economy. like Nursing – a profession the Palaszczuk Government is particularly committed to with the recent announcement we will be boosting Fee Free TAFE for nursing students, with an extra 3,500 Diploma of Nursing placements set to be available for free in 2024.
“The fee free Diploma of Nursing will be available through TAFE Queensland, CQUniversity and Mater Education.
“As a proud former TAFE student, I’m delighted to see this continued investment in TAFE. It’s good for our local kids, as well as for our economy.”
Quotes attributable to Lance McCallum MP:
“We’re backing locals into good jobs with world-class free training and skills.
“TAFE is an essential publicly funded vocational training provider and its wonderful to see so many local gaining new skills through our free courses.
“We want to skill locals for the good jobs of today and tomorrow, so whether its working as a nurse at our new Ripley Satellite Hospital or an energy worker at the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub, you can get the skills you need absolutely free.”
