Free TAFE extended for under 25s in Queensland

Future early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals in Queensland have received a boost with the extension of Free TAFE and Free apprenticeships for under 25s.

56,000 Queenslanders have been supported under the initiative thus far, and while the program was due to finish in September this year, because of its popularity it has been extended until 2023. 

The Certificate III in Early Childhood is the most popular free TAFE course selected by Queenslanders, with Individual Support and Education Support rounding out the top three. 

Queensland’s Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said those aged under 25 could continue to enrol in 26 Free TAFE programs and 139 Free apprenticeships programs up to 30 June 2023 and pay no course fees.

“Our Free TAFE and Free apprenticeships for under 25s initiative is an additional $21 million investment to provide young people with access to free certificate III TAFE courses across a wide range of areas,” Minister Farmer said.

“At a time when our employers need more skilled workers, my message to young Queenslanders is to find out about these free courses and change your life by training for a career you are passionate about.”

“Every dollar we invest in skills and training for Queenslanders pays dual dividends – it enriches the lives and employment prospects of students, and it fuels the state’s economy through a highly trained workforce,” she added.

For more information about Free TAFE and Free apprenticeships for under 25s, please see here.