Free course scheme lure for students

QUALIFICATIONS in engineering, early childhood, hairdressing and electrotechnology are among the most popular courses being undertaken for free across the Far North.

Year 12 graduates who enrol in a high-priority qualification within 12 months of leaving school are eligible to receive their courses for free under the State Government’s fee-free training initiative.

The program has run since 2014 and TAFE Queensland north region general manager Joann Pyne said 221 students were enrolled in the subsidised courses at the organisation’s Cairns campus this financial year.

The most popular courses include Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (65 students), Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (34 students), Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (33 students), Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (17 students), Certificate III in Hairdressing (17 students) and Certificate III in Airconditioning and Refrigeration (14 students).

Ms Pyne said recent high school leavers had plenty of options.

“The Cairns hospitality industry is currently experiencing an apprentice chef shortage and there is high demand for up-and-coming chefs,” she said.

“Certificate II in Kitchen Operations is offered under fee-free training and I would encourage recent high school leavers, who enjoy cooking, to consider it as a study and career option.

“Meanwhile, the healthcare sector is expected to experience strong jobs growth due to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which will become available in the Cairns region later this year.”

Year 12 fee-free training is available through two Queensland Government training investment programs, the Certificate 3 Guarantee and User Choice.

Students are urged to consider training options carefully before committing as this may exhaust entitlements to further subsidised training.

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