News
30 November, 2025
Free TAFE sparks high across QLD
New data released by the Federal Government has revealed there have been more than 4,700 Free TAFE enrolments in the Ipswich region during the January 2024 to June 2025 period.
New data released by the Federal Government has revealed there have been more than 4,700 Free TAFE enrolments in the Ipswich region during the January 2024 to June 2025 period.
On top of the 4,744 local enrolments, the data show there have been more than 685,000 Free TAFE enrolments across Australia since the start of the program.
The program, introduced in 2023, encourages Australians to upskill with qualifications that local communities need, helping to address skills shortages in key areas like construction, care, and manufacturing.
The data also revealed that there have now been more than 190,000 courses completed – seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.
In Queensland, among the most popular Free TAFE courses are the Diploma of Nursing, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said across Blair, locals are breaking down the barriers to people accessing qualifications in areas as diverse as nursing, community services, cyber security and construction. .
“We need more nurses and early education workers to care for older Australians and children, and more construction workers to build more homes, so it makes sense to make it easier for people to gain these skills through TAFE,” he said.
“I’ll continue to stand up for Free TAFE and the pathways it’s opening up for locals to pursue their dream career.”
