More fee-free training will be available in priority industries thanks to a landmark 12-month agreement signed by the Australian and NSW Governments.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the $319 million agreement will deliver a significant boost to the NSW skills and training sector.
“This funding will deliver 120,000 fee-free training places across NSW, and will help local people get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Ms Cooke said.
“It will target priority industries and provide more opportunities for people in our community to get a first job, a new job or a better job.”
This will provide immediate support through approximately 120,000 fee-free training places in 2023.
The course list will see approximately 40,200 fee-free places in the care sector (including approximately 10,000 in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector), 9,900 in technology and digital, 6,900 in agriculture, 5,200 in construction, 5,000 in hospitality and tourism, 1,200 in sovereign capability, and 51,400 in other priority sectors including foundation skills.
The Agreement will increase opportunities and workforce participation of priority groups, including First Nations Australians, young people (17-24), people out of work or receiving income support, unpaid carers, women undertaking study in non-traditional fields, people with disability and certain categories of visa holders.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the additional $164 million from the Australian Government builds on the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion in the skills and training sector this financial year.
NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training and this additional investment from the Australian Government recognises our State as the economic powerhouse of the nation.
This additional investment in fee-free training places will target priority industries and help address skills and labour shortages that are hampering businesses across NSW. For more information about courses available, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ or https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw.
