VICTORIAN school-leavers are being urged to seize the opportunity presented by the expanded eligibility for Free TAFE at GOTAFE. Following the second round of Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) offers, thousands of secondary school graduates have already secured spots in their preferred TAFE or University courses. However, for those still awaiting results, four more VTAC rounds are yet to come.
GOTAFE’s acting executive director education, Luke Surace, emphasised the advantage of Free TAFE, noting that it equips students with valuable skills for high-demand careers without the burden of tuition fees. The increased eligibility introduced in 2023 has persisted into 2024, offering additional courses and opportunities for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students.
According to the Victorian Skills Plan, a third of jobs in 2026 will require skills aligned with Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications. Free TAFE addresses this demand, supporting training in areas facing shortages.
GOTAFE Information Technology (IT) student, Alistair Wall, highlighted the positive impact of Free TAFE, allowing him to focus on his studies without financial stress. Alistair expressed excitement about industry growth and plans to pursue further studies in Cyber Security.
Key changes in Free TAFE eligibility for 2024 include the removal of specific age, upskilling, or reskilling requirements, making most community members eligible for the program. Additionally, Free TAFE course offerings at GOTAFE have expanded to include Hospitality and Commercial Cookery certifications. The complete list of Free TAFE courses is available on the GOTAFE website.
Furthermore, both new and continuing students identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander can now access free tuition. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore the diverse courses offered by GOTAFE in 2024. The training is made possible through funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments for eligible individuals.
For more information, visit GOTAFE’s website: www.gotafe.vic.edu.au/youve-got-this.
