Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced young Queenslanders will continue to have access to free TAFE and free apprenticeships until June 2023.
In a tweet, Palaszczuk said: “This will give young people access to 26 free TAFE programs and 139 free apprenticeship programs.”
The extension will see Queenslanders under the age of 25 will be able to apply for 26 free TAFE courses and 139 free apprenticeship programs until June 30, 2023.
As per the Queensland government, Queensland’s unemployment rate is at 3.8 per cent and this free TAFE and apprenticeships for under 25s initiative has already helped 56,000 Queenslanders get the skills and training employers value.
This initiative is an additional $21 million investment to provide young people with access to free certificate III TAFE courses across a wide range of specialities.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer told the media that she would urge “young Queenslanders is find out about these free courses and change your life by training for a career they are passionate about.” She added:
“With 83.9 per cent of TAFE graduates going on to employment or further study after completing their training it’s further proof of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for Queenslanders.”
The initiative from the Queensland Government comes ahead of a National Cabinet meeting and the Jobs and Skills Summit. This Summit will focus on the current acute skills shortages affecting the Australian workforce.
