THE State Government will reduce Tafe fees by half for selected qualifications from next year.
The 50 per cent fee reductions from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 will target important sectors of the local economy including aged and disability care, Metronet and civil construction, defence, hospitality and tourism.
“Unfortunately the cost of training skyrocketed, that’s why we froze fees (in 2017) and now with the Budget back on track, we are slashing fees for specific courses by 50 per cent to make them affordable,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
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Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said the fees would be capped at $400 per year for concession students and $1200 for non-concession students.
At North Metropolitan Tafe in Clarkson and Joondalup this will include courses such as Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician being reduced from about $3101 in 2017 to $1545 for 2020, Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies being reduced from about $975 in 2017 to $486 for 2020, and Certificate III in Commercial Cookery being reduced from about $2740 in 2017 to $1200 for 2020.
“More than ever the skills we need are learnt at Tafe and training institutions,” Ms Ellery said.
“This is a great opportunity for young people to kickstart their careers by getting the skills employers want, without the hefty course fees.”
Northern suburbs MPs Emily Hamilton (Joondalup), Sabine Winton (Wanneroo) and Mark Folkard (Burns Beach) said they were thrilled with the announcement.
“As a mother of two daughters currently studying in secondary school I am delighted Tafe fees are being significantly reduced and we are continuously investing in our young people to get them ready to take on jobs in industries where the demand is high,” Ms Winton said.
Mr Folkard agreed, saying the investment would mean people like his son, who is an apprentice carpenter, could “save a couple of grand they would otherwise have to find”.
“This announcement is also great news for businesses who support apprentices with their Tafe fees,” he added.
Ms Hamilton said she had spoken to people who wanted to study at Tafe but had been “put off by high costs”.
“Some are young people starting out their working life and some are people who have decided to change career paths later in life and learn new skills,” she said.
Visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au or contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
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