QLD ministers highlight free TAFE for “high priority areas”, including ECEC

To support Year 12 graduates into work, the Queensland Government is offering free TAFE in “high priority areas” including early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman “We want to make sure our young Queenslanders have access to the best training for the jobs of the future.”

The state government has categorised childcare as a high priority area, with three qualifications included in the free TAFE offer:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care – Traineeship
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care – Apprenticeship.

Eligible applicants must:

• be a permanent resident of Queensland;
• have completed Year 12 in Queensland and hold a Senior Statement issued by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority or equivalent certification; and,
• enrol to start an apprenticeship or traineeship within 12 months of graduating.

At a visit to Rockhampton TAFE in Central Queensland, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga highlighted the importance of vocational education and training for Queenslanders to find work in existing and emerging industries.

“Vocational education and training is vital to so many jobs and launches people into rewarding careers.

“And more than half of all jobs by 2020 will require a VET qualification.

The Free TAFE for Year 12 graduates program will cover the full cost of training in high priority qualifications and aims to assist local employers to recruit apprentices and trainees.

More information about the eligibility criteria is available on the QLD Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.