New data reveals that students have flocked to Chisholm Institute to start their training since the State Government’s Free TAFE program began.
There has been a 196 per cent increase in commencements at Chisholm Institute compared with the same courses at the end of 2018.
In 2019 at Chisholm Institute, Free TAFE commencements doubled for unemployed Victorians along with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with a disability.
The number of women studying in Free TAFE courses increased by 264 per cent.
The most popular Free TAFE courses in 2019 at the Chisholm Institute were Certificate IV in Building and Construction, Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, and Certificate III in Individual Support.
Almost 40,000 students commenced Free TAFE training across the state, making an 88 per cent increase in commencements compared with the same courses at the end of 2018.
The Free TAFE program is playing an important role in providing a pipeline of essential healthcare workers, such as nurses, during the coronavirus crisis and it is anticipated that the program will help to re-train those facing unemployment and underemployment as we move into the recovery phase.
State-wide, more than 25,000 students took up courses to bolster the NDIS, family violence and infrastructure workforces.
“As we respond and recover from the coronavirus crisis here in Narre Warren South, Free TAFE at Chisholm will provide the next wave of essential workers for our local industry,” said Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas.
“It’s fantastic to see so many more people undertaking tertiary education. It shows that once barriers are reduced people are very enthusiastic about learning new skills and upgrading their qualifications. These personal achievements ultimately benefit us all with high quality workers, greater productivity and a stronger economy.”
