Free TAFE courses open
Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE is looking forward to welcoming hundreds of new students into its free courses.
Those include four newly added courses, as part of regional Victoria’s COVID-19 economic bounce back.
The Victorian Government has reconfirmed its commitment to free TAFE, funding scores of courses across the state.
GOTAFE chief executiv officer Travis Heeney warmly welcomed the continuation of the free TAFE program.
“Free TAFE has been a vital stepping-stone for hundreds of people in regional Victoria,” Mr Heaney said.
“It’s provided the opportunity for students to follow their career goals, change their lives, and enter the workforce without being held back due to their financial circumstances.”
GOTAFE director for health, wellbeing and community Natasha McCormick said free TAFE was changing lives.
“We see it here every week,” Ms McCormick said. “We see students coming through our nursing, allied health, early childhood and disability courses, who won’t just help themselves, but many others through their line of work.
“They’re amazing, inspiring people going on to contribute to our towns across the region.”
Demand for free TAFE courses remains at record levels for GOTAFE, with enrolments in health and trade courses, in particular, exceeding expectations.
GOTAFE director for technology and built environment Brett Ambrosio said in 2021 alone GOTAFE saw more than 1000 students participate in free courses.
“We’ve got a great range of trade apprenticeships available on free TAFE in 2022, and we know the jobs are out there waiting for qualified people,” Mr Ambrosio said.
“Demand for trade-qualified workers in regional Victoria is huge, we’re ready to equip the next generation with the skills to get cracking in a job they really enjoy.”
Enrolments are already coming in for courses starting in 2022, and GOTAFE is anticipating an enthusiastic return to study for many who have been affected by lockdowns and remote learning.
“Free TAFE provides a compelling reason to invest in yourself and build a fantastic future,” Mr Heaney said.
“GOTAFE is excited to welcome students back to campuses once we’re able, and we know 2022 will be a fun and fantastic year for our students and our staff.”
GOTAFE will deliver Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing as part of the free TAFE program, along with existing courses.
GOTAFE offers 31 free TAFE courses covering areas such as accounting and bookkeeping, a range of trade apprenticeships, a range of health and community courses, agriculture, early childhood education, hospitality, and cookery, along with many more.
● To enquire about free TAFE courses get in touch with GOTAFE via gotafe.vic.edu. au or phone 1300 468 233. ● For more questions, phone Sam Rouget on 0458 782 481, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or visit the website.