New data released by the Albanese Labor Government has revealed there have been more than 685,000 Free TAFE enrolments across Australia since the start of the program.

The program, a commitment made by the Government during the 2022 election and introduced in 2023, encourages Australians to upskill with qualifications that local communities need, helping to address skills shortages in key areas like construction, care, and manufacturing. 

The data also revealed that there have now been more than 190,000 courses completed – seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.

In the ACT, among the most popular Free TAFE courses are Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate IV in Cyber Security, and Certificate III in Community Services.

Canberrans are benefitting from significant savings as a result of Free TAFE, with a student undertaking a Certificate IV in Cyber Security able to save up to $3,400 on their course, while a student training in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can save up to $2,500.

Across Australia there have been more than 185,000 enrolments in Care sector courses, helping more Australians towards careers in nursing, aged care and disability care. 

Early Childhood Education and Care courses have seen more than 53,000 enrolments, with Construction courses also seeing significant enrolment numbers at more than 52,000.

Free TAFE offers dozens of courses across local communities. To find out about courses available through Free TAFE, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher:

“The Albanese Labor Government’s investment in Free TAFE, is helping Canberrans gain the skills they need for secure jobs and supporting local businesses that need trained workers.”

“Free TAFE is helping people across Canberra build new careers, from early childhood educators to cyber security specialists and community service workers. These are the jobs that keep our city running, and people are saving thousands of dollars while getting qualified for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“The Albanese Labor Government will always stand up for Free TAFE and the opportunities it is providing for Australians to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.

“Shockingly, we’ve seen the Liberals continue to stand against Free TAFE, keeping the program on their chopping block. Only Labor can be trusted to back Free TAFE.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh:

“From wiring a new home to caring for our kids, Free TAFE is opening doors for Canberrans. We’ve seen apprentices pick up the tools as electricians and carpenters, and others step into early learning centres, kitchens and aged care homes - building the skills that keep our community running and our economy strong.”

Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra:

“Free TAFE has opened doors for many people in a range of areas that are vitally important for our economy and community such as Early Childhood Education and Care, Cyber Security and Community Services. By removing the barriers to these qualifications, we can ensure our workforce is best prepared to serve Australians.

The Albanese Labor Government understands the importance of vocational education, and that's why we've made Free TAFE and the pathways it opens for people to get their dream job permanent.”

Quotes attributable to David Smith MP, Member for Bean:

“Free TAFE is a great program that is delivering, training more nurses, healthcare workers, tradies and construction workers.” 

“It’s also a great investment to support the new Woden CIT campus in my electorate of Bean in the south of Canberra.”