People in Ballarat will benefit from the expansion of the Victorian Government’s signature Free TAFE program, as part of a major new to create jobs and drive the state’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced $163 million in targeted investments that will make it easier for people with pre-existing qualifications to retrain so they can get work in sectors that need more skilled workers.

It includes funding to get more Victorians impacted by coronavirus into training – particularly women and young people – in the second half of this year, for jobs in industries that will drive economic recovery.

The package will create 10,000 more Free TAFE places, and expand Free TAFE to include new full qualifications linked to jobs and government priorities.

Federation TAFE will be among those to benefit as the Government creates an extra 10,000 Free TAFE places, and expands Free TAFE to include new full qualifications that are linked to jobs and government priorities.

These qualifications include the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, and the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations.

Today’s announcement will also increase the availability of targeted short courses to support upskilling for existing employees, and help retrenched workers and job seekers join professions where there are jobs available.

This includes the Course in Introduction to the NDIS (skill set), as well as $3.9 million for an additional 11,000 places in accredited short courses and skill sets in construction across TAFE and industry-owned Registered Training Organisations until June 2021.

The Government is also allocating $1.25 million to improve literacy, numeracy and digital skills to help more Victorians progress to further study or employment.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“This package will ensure more Victorians – particularly those hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic – can get new skills and a good job.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison

“Free TAFE is playing an important role in setting our community up for recovery. This additional funding and the inclusion of these courses will empower more people in Ballarat to re-train or discover a new career. “

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle

“Free TAFE has been life changing for Ballarat. Today’s announcement will give more residents the opportunity to study close to home and get a good local job.”