The Western Australian Government has unveiled a $57 million recovery package for the TAFE and training sector. The new package will deliver free short courses and cut TAFE fees by up to 72 per cent.
The package includes:
- $25 million for free TAFE short courses
- $32 million towards reduced TAFE fees
- Fees for high-priority courses slashed by up to 72%
- Fees for youth and concession holders will be capped at $400
Lower Fees, Local Skills
The $57 million package forms an expansion of the current Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative and will include fee reductions for another 39 high-priority courses.
The selected courses will focus on current and emerging job opportunities that will help the state’s economic recovery post-COVID-19. These include:
- Diploma of Nursing
- Diploma of Community Services
- Certificate courses in electrical trades, fabrication and health services
Support for pre-apprenticeships
As part of the Western Australian Government’s commitment to apprentices and trainees, six pre-apprenticeship courses in automotive electrical technology, engineering, plumbing and construction will have fees reduced by up to 67%.
Free training for Western Australians
The new package includes $25 million towards free short courses, designed to engage up to 13,500 workers displaced by COVID-19. This will provide a platform for workers to upskill and re-enter the workforce. The available courses cover a range of industries including (but not limited to) hospitality, agriculture, cybersecurity and construction. For more information on the new recovery package, click here.