Less than a week since the opposition announced it would make good on a pre-election promise to offer free TAFE courses in skills shortage industries, the Liberal government has fired back with its own plan.
The NSW government says it will deliver an additional 100,000 free course including Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the next four years.
It comes after Labor announced last week it would make TAFE courses free for more than 600,000 certificate level places, starting with child care, disability, aged care, construction, plumbing and electrical trades across the next decade.
State premier Gladys Berejiklian wasn't going to let this one slide quietly, stating that her move will help young job seekers launch careers and benefit those looking to retrain, upskill 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.
“We know the costs associated with further education and training can be prohibitive, so these additional free courses will ensure people who wish to access training to start their career or secure another job have the best opportunity.”
The extra courses will be made up of 70,000 new fee-free courses for those doing traineeships and 30,000 for mature-aged workers seeking to retrain or re-enter the workforce.
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 already offered each year.
“As a former tradie I know first-hand 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.
Ausgrid electrical apprentice, Tahlia Keen, 18, of Mortdale, is one of 21 females part of the company's 28 new trainees - a new trend in pushing gender boundaries in a traditionally male dominated field.
The former student of Georges River College Oatley decided to switch careers after working in customer service at Sydney Airport.
"When I finished school I wasn't sure where I was heading, so I took a year off," she said. "Then I came across this opportunity with Ausgrid and realised how vast the learning opportunities were."
The apprentice is part of the company's new apprentice and trainee development Bright Spark program. Joining a trade was a natural step for Tahlia, who also has a particular interest in renewables.
"I've always loved mathematical problem-solving, and I'm a hands-on person," she said. "My dad and brothers work in trade industries so I've grown up around it.
"It's also great to get girls involved. I'd love to see more younger women realise that they can do this job. It's a great industry with a good future."
