The State Government is delivering more free TAFE courses to build Victoria’s most in-demand industries, with new courses available in emergency healthcare, mental healthcare, family violence and agriculture in 2023.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney announced a Diploma of Emergency Health Care would be one of four new free TAFE courses and six new short courses supported by the government from next year.
The diploma course is currently delivered at Victoria University and Swinburne University and qualifies students to work in non-emergency patient transport as ambulance transport attendants, patient transport officers and ambulance community officers – as well as providing a pathway into university paramedicine courses.
Other new courses to be added to the Free TAFE list for 2023 include level three qualification in production horticulture, and a graduate certificate in client assessment and case management, which upskills health and community services workers in the family violence field.
Six short courses will also be made available next year under free TAFE, including courses in mental health, agricultural chemical handling and electric and hybrid automotive maintenance
The program has seen enrolments grow in Victoria’s most in-demand industries – with 2021 commencements growing by 56 per cent in the Diploma of Nursing, 80 per cent in the certificate IV in Disability and more than 113 per cent in early childhood courses.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said there had never been a better time for anyone across northern Victoria to start studying at TAFE.
“Free TAFE has helped more than 122,000 Victorians embark on a rewarding new career – we’re adding courses in in-demand industries to make sure students can get a great job straight out of their training,” she said.
