Ministers statements: TAFE sector
Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:31): It is great that our TAFEs are recognised with their own National TAFE Day this month, a day that acknowledges the incredible work and commitment of the Victorian TAFE teachers, trainers and support staff and celebrates our TAFE students, many of whom could not have studied if it was not for free TAFE. Yesterday I was pleased to host TAFE students and leaders to launch the annual free TAFE advertising campaign with my parliamentary colleagues, because free TAFE makes it real. I spoke with Narissa, who travelled in from Bendigo to help us celebrate free TAFE. Narissa is studying a diploma of nursing at Bendigo TAFE. She was a manager in retail but found free TAFE, where she could reskill without the financial burden of tuition fees. Through her studies and placement opportunities Narissa is hoping to secure a part-time job in the hospital while she completes her studies. This is a great example of real outcomes that free TAFE delivers. I also had the opportunity to meet 17-year-old George from Geelong, and I mention George’s name because he is already doing his third free TAFE pathway qualification: a cert III in IT, a cert IV in cybersecurity and he has commenced his certificate IV in training and assessment. George was quick to point out that his friends are starting to worry about HECS debts and the job market, whereas he did not need to worry about tuition fees, and he has already secured an IT job that will lead to a rewarding career. I encourage prospective students, parents and families to go and see what TAFE has to offer in the upcoming open days. Find your passion, aspire to a great career and make it real with free TAFE.