Free TAFE turns three: opening doors to early childhood education careers

Now in its third year, Free TAFE continues to provide fully subsidised pathways into early childhood education and care, supporting both aspiring educators and a sector in ongoing need of workforce growth.

Since its launch in January 2021, Free TAFE has helped more than 725,000 Australians enrol in qualifications across priority sectors, including thousands undertaking early childhood education and care (ECEC) training. The program has recorded more than 210,000 completions, with many more students balancing part-time study alongside work and family commitments.

Delivered through a partnership between the Australian Government and state and territory governments, Free TAFE removes the financial burden of tuition fees for eligible learners. It offers direct entry into key qualifications such as the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, both nationally recognised and essential for working in regulated early learning services.

Workforce shortages continue to place pressure on early childhood services across the country. By offering free qualifications, Free TAFE is helping to increase the number of skilled educators entering the sector, particularly in regional and outer metropolitan areas where demand is highest.

The program supports:

• School leavers looking to start their careers in early learning
• Career changers seeking meaningful, community-focused work
• Culturally diverse learners and mature-age students returning to study
• Parents and carers, who can access flexible, part-time study options

The accessibility of Free TAFE is critical for the early learning workforce, where many prospective educators face barriers such as cost, time constraints or limited local training options.

“In three years, Free TAFE has helped to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians,  including many who are now starting careers in early learning, helping children thrive and families feel supported,” said Minister for Skills and Training the Hon Andrew Giles MP.

The Australian Government has now made Free TAFE a permanent national program, recognising its value in addressing skills shortages and supporting workforce sustainability. Each jurisdiction maintains its own list of eligible courses, and early childhood education continues to feature prominently.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the National Children’s Education and Care Workforce Strategy, which calls for improved attraction and retention pathways, particularly for entry-level roles and regional workforces.

“The numbers don’t lie,” Mr Giles said. “Hundreds of thousands of Australians have said yes to Free TAFE and yes to the incredible new opportunities a TAFE qualification offers them.”

Free TAFE is helping shape the future of early childhood education, one educator at a time.

For services seeking to grow and stabilise their workforce, Free TAFE provides an accessible pipeline of new and upskilling educators entering the sector. For individuals considering a career in early learning, it offers a cost-free pathway into nationally recognised qualifications that meet regulatory workforce requirements.

Free TAFE early childhood education courses are available across most states and territories, typically including:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Entry-level skill sets in some jurisdictions

As workforce pressures continue across the ECEC sector, promoting Free TAFE pathways may support recruitment, career progression and long-term workforce sustainability.

To explore free early childhood education courses available in your state or territory, including Certificate III and Diploma qualifications, visit:
www.skills.gov.au