THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP

ASSISTANT TREASURER

MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES

MEMBER FOR WHITLAM

MEDIA RELEASE

Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones has today toured TAFE NSW Moss Vale to speak with local students participating in Fee-Free TAFE.

Mr Jones met with students enrolled in Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to listen to feedback about Fee-Free TAFE, as well as observe a skills workshop.

Through the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, the Commonwealth Government has partnered with states and territories to deliver over $1.5 billion funding for 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) places across Australia over 2023 to 2026.

Fee-Free TAFE provides tuition-free courses to students wanting to train, retrain or upskill in priority areas.

It has supported more than 355,000 student enrolments, including over 182,000 in New South Wales.

As part of the Budget, the Albanese Government has also announced $88.8 million for 20,000 new Fee-Free TAFE places, including increased access to pre-apprenticeship programs, in courses relevant to the construction sector.

Eligible students can study for an accredited diploma, certificate, or short course without incurring a cost for the tuition fees.

More information on Fee-Free TAFE is available at www.yourcareer.gov.au/fee-free-tafe.

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones:

“It was fantastic to speak with TAFE students in Moss Vale and hear directly from them about their learning experiences. We need more people working in healthcare, and I’m pleased to see so many locals taking part in Fee-Free TAFE.

“After a decade of neglect under the Liberals, our government is working with the states and territories to support students across the region get the training and skills they need to get into the workforce. I would encourage those seeking a career change to consider signing up to a Fee-Free TAFE course.”

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