Australians looking to upskill now have access to an extra 20,000 free vocational training places across the country.
The extra spots, which include 5000 pre-apprenticeship places, will be offered through TAFE and industry-registered training organisations throughout 2025 and 2026.
Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said the support would apply to priority areas and groups.
Minister Giles said courses could be taken sectors such as clean energy, care and support (including aged care, health care and disability care), construction technology and digital, and early childhood education and care.
He said the program would benefit priority groups including First Nations Australians, women facing economic insecurity, young people aged 17-24, unpaid carers, people with a disability, and people who are out of work or receiving income support.
“Being able to train, retrain and upskill in priority areas, without added financial barriers, is changing the lives of individual Australians.”
Minister Giles said the 5000 pre-apprenticeship places provided students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of what it was like working in an industry before making the commitment to become an apprentice.
Learn more about fee-free TAFE on the Federal Government website..