Free chance to skill-up at Albany TAFE as WA Government launches COVID-19 training sector recovery package

Albany students can enrol for 12 free short courses at the South Regional TAFE as part of a $57 million WA Government funding injection to upskill workers to reboot WA’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Premier Mark McGowan unveiled the recovery package for the training sector last week, including $25 million to deliver free short courses across WA. The courses aim to provide a “launch-pad” for workers displaced during the pandemic and will be accessible for eligible students including those aged 15-24 or receiving JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. The Government’s existing Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative will be extended to an additional 39 high-priority courses, with 24 set to be offered at the Albany campus. South Regional TAFE will slash fees by 72 per cent for three diploma courses in nursing, community services, and early childhood education and care. Six pre-apprenticeship courses will see fees cut by up to 67 per cent to prepare students or apprentices to join industries with a demand for skilled workers including engineering, plumbing and electrotechnology. From the second semester, the maximum annual fee for youth and concession holders will be capped at $400 and $1200 for non-concession students. South Regional TAFE managing director Sue Lapham said the free short courses would upskill students for jobs and offer a path to full qualifications. “The new skill sets and reduced fee courses are designed to encourage more people to enrol and gain the skills to get back into jobs,” she said. “Business operators and industries will also benefit from having job-ready people to employ when recovering from the current situation.” Premier Mark McGowan said TAFE was a “major part” of WA’s recovery from COVID-19. “Our training-led plan will prepare Western Australians to get back into jobs to meet the economy’s immediate workforce needs following the impacts of the pandemic,” he said. For details visit https://bit.ly/38wdaOc.