People across Dandenong will get the skills they need for the jobs Labor is creating, with the biggest change to TAFE and skills training in Victoria’s history announced in the 2018/19 Labor State Budget.

From 2019, TAFE courses in priority areas will be free for students across Victoria.

Labor’s record investment in road and rail projects, new schools and hospitals, support for Victorians living with disability and historic action to curb family violence has created a massive demand for skilled workers.

More than ever, the skills required for these high-demand jobs are learned at TAFE.

We know that the cost of training can act as a barrier to getting the right skills so this Budget breaks down that barrier, delivering $172 million to make 30 priority TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses in these growth industries free.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, said Free TAFE for Priority Courses will reduce the financial barrier for Dandenong students wanting to train in courses that lead to jobs that are most in demand from Victorian employers.

From 1 January 2019, Free TAFE for Priority Courses pays tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses will initially be available for 20 priority non-apprenticeship courses, state-wide, with a further 10 priority courses to be confirmed following consultation with industry, in time for students to enrol for the 2019 training year.

A further 18 Victorian Government-subsidised apprenticeship pathway courses (also known as pre apprenticeships) will be free under the program.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will give Victorians the means to undertake a quality, accredited TAFE qualification, and get these good, skilled jobs building our state.

TAFE institutes, including universities that offer TAFE courses, across Victoria will take enrolments later in 2018 for Free TAFE for Priority Courses that begin in 2019.

For the full list of courses available or for more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/about/educationstate/Pages/freetafe.aspx