Push to fund more than 100,000 free TAFE places each year

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Australians could soon get access to thousands of free TAFE courses, with new laws currently being debated in federal parliament.

In an effort to address skill shortages across various key industries, the federal government is advocating for new legislation to provide funding for over 100,000 free course places annually from 2027.

A bill was passed by the house of representatives the other day.

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The proposal is currently before the senate and is being resisted by the Coalition.

The program is experiencing over 500,000 enrolments in high-priority courses such as disability, aged care, technology, construction and early childhood education and care.

One bloke in favour of the move is butcher Matt Tyqui.



The 25-year-old has been working behind the counter at Ashburton Meats in Victoria for a decade, having started out doing dishes at the shop when he was just 15.

After finishing a Bachelor of Biomedicine, Tyqui decided it wasn't for him and went to TAFE to switch careers.

He's gone up the ranks ever since and became the first Aussie to be crowned Champion Apprentice at the World Butcher's Challenge in 2022.

He has since been awarded the title of Australia's 2024 Apprentice of the Year.

"Going to TAFE was the best decision I've ever made," Tyquin said to 9News.

I reckon it's essential that people know there are heaps of opportunities out there, you just gotta go look for them.

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