The State Government’s Free TAFE initiative will grow to more than 60 courses in 2022 as the state moves through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
Member for Monbulk James Merlino MP today announced Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, and a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership will be added to the Free TAFE list at Box Hill Institute – Lilydale Lakeside Campus next year.
“The expansion of Free TAFE at Box Hill Institute – Lilydale Lakeside Campus is great news for jobseekers in the Dandenong Ranges, there has never been a better time to get training for a great job in one of Victoria’s most in demand industries,” MP James Merlino said.
It is among seven new courses for next year, headlined by the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, giving jobseekers access to training and boosting the veterinary industry by alleviating workforce demands in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The new additions are part of a regular review of the Free TAFE list, ensuring training meets key government priority areas and skills demands while also boosting the Victorian economy.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said free TAFE aims to get Victorians into rewarding and in demand jobs.
“We heard the calls for veterinary nursing to be added to the Free TAFE list – and we listened,” Minister Gayle Tierney said.
“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.”
Other new courses include the Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, supporting the recreational and tourism industry, and the Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, funneling more experts into the health and aged care system.
The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety will also join the free courses, as well as the Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
The Labor Government’s Free TAFE program began in 2019 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. Some 93,000 students have started courses, saving $150 million in the first two years.
