Tuesday, 10 September 2024

TAFE enrolments

Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (18:11): (1119) I would love to talk about renewable energy projects, and you know what, they are powered by workers that learn their skills in Victoria’s TAFEs, so my adjournment tonight is for the Minister for Skills and TAFE. I have got to tell you that Victoria’s TAFEs are regarded as some of the best in the country, and they offer practical, hands-on education that aligns with industry needs and workplace shortages. They have a wide range of vocational courses available to Victorians, young and old, and these institutions provide pathways into various fields such as health care, construction, engineering, business and creative industries, and they are also fuelling the renewable energy future. One of the key advantages of Victoria’s TAFEs is their focus on employability, with strong links to local industries and employers. Students gain some real-world experience, enhancing their job prospects upon graduation.

These institutions are spread across the state. They are just about everywhere. I heard today in the minister’s statement that we are in fact building a new TAFE in Sunbury, which I am delighted to hear about. These TAFEs offer flexible learning options, including part-time, online and on-campus classes. They allow students from diverse backgrounds, including those balancing work and family commitments, to pursue further education. Government investments in TAFE, including initiatives like free TAFE, are for priority industries to further elevate their appeal by removing financial barriers to key courses. We are encouraging more people to upskill or retrain in fields with strong job growth. Victoria’s free TAFE initiative offers over 80 courses that are free of tuition fees. These cover some really high demand industries and aim to address skill shortages across the state. In 2024 new courses have been added into fields such as hospitality, youth work, kitchen management and tourism – I know all are being taken up with gusto.

There are also opportunities for multiple study pathways within the same occupational field – for example, from a certificate III in individual support you can progress to further qualifications like a diploma of nursing – allowing Victorians to progress their careers and education. Free TAFE in our state is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents living in Victoria, and you can enrol regardless of your prior qualifications, which I think is very important.

As I said, my adjournment matter today is for the Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney, and I would like the minister to update me on enrolment numbers generally, but also I am specifically interested in understanding enrolments for culturally and linguistically diverse students, women and people with disability in TAFE across our state.