The Liberals and Nationals have followed Labor's lead in promising free additional TAFE courses ahead of the NSW election on March 23. The Coalition is promising an additional 100,000 free TAFE and VET places over the next four years. Read more: Labor lures young voters with free TAFE education in Central West NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this will help young job-seekers launch careers and benefit those looking to retrain, learn new skills or return to the workforce. “There is an unprecedented demand for more skilled workers in NSW thanks to our booming economy, record low unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent, and unprecedented $90 billion investment in new infrastructure,” Ms Berejiklian said. "This brings the total number of free TAFE and VET courses we are offering over the next four years to nearly 700,000 places." Read more: Jenolan Caves' Caves House hotel gets $10.4 million funding boost The Nationals' candidate for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said Labor is only promising to deliver 600,000 free courses over a 10-year period. “We know the costs associated with further education and training can be difficult for many in our community who are battling cost-of-living pressures," Mr Saunders said. "Today’s announcement is all about removing barriers, to ensure those who want to can access TAFE training to start their career or secure another job.” Read more: Mood change: Researchers to conduct trials on Central West inmates Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the new places were on top of the almost 150,000 free apprenticeship, TAFE and VET courses offered each year. “As a former tradie, I know firsthand just how rewarding a career in a trade can be, and how important it is to give people a chance to get a start in life,” Mr Barilaro said.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this will help young job-seekers launch careers and benefit those looking to retrain, learn new skills or return to the workforce.
“There is an unprecedented demand for more skilled workers in NSW thanks to our booming economy, record low unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent, and unprecedented $90 billion investment in new infrastructure,” Ms Berejiklian said.
"This brings the total number of free TAFE and VET courses we are offering over the next four years to nearly 700,000 places."
The Nationals' candidate for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said Labor is only promising to deliver 600,000 free courses over a 10-year period.
“We know the costs associated with further education and training can be difficult for many in our community who are battling cost-of-living pressures," Mr Saunders said.
"Today’s announcement is all about removing barriers, to ensure those who want to can access TAFE training to start their career or secure another job.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the new places were on top of the almost 150,000 free apprenticeship, TAFE and VET courses offered each year.
“As a former tradie, I know firsthand just how rewarding a career in a trade can be, and how important it is to give people a chance to get a start in life,” Mr Barilaro said.
