Early data has shown that the 50 per cent cut to TAFE fees implemented by the Western Australian government has boosted student enrolments by 20 per cent, with strong results for engineering and cyber security courses.
The fee reduction has now commenced for 34 priority courses. The courses have been targeted to align with emerging skills shortages and important sectors of the local economy.
Preliminary data released by the state government shows that Certificate IV in Cyber Security has seen and additional 114 enrolments, an 85 per cent increase, while Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Heavy/Welding YH) has seen an additional 146 students enrol compared to 2019, an increase of 85 per cent.
WA premier Mark McGowan said that his government was making TAFE a priority.
“Our cut to TAFE fees is aimed at getting young Western Australians back into training after the huge increases inflicted by the previous Liberal National Government,” McGowan said.
“This is a key plank of our plan to bring TAFE back to its former glory, by encouraging more Western Australians to undertake training in key industries.”