Fee-free TAFE courses prove popular in Murray Bridge
Murray Bridge has proven one of the most successful regional locations for a fee-free program by TAFE SA.
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A fee-free TAFE initiative has proved to be a very helpful resource for Murray Bridge and surrounding communities.
More than 250 locals have taken advantage of the opportunity to gain a free qualification over the past two years, making Murray Bridge the most successful regional location for the joint state and federal program.
Qualifications are available in fields including aged and disability support, early childhood education and out-of-sch00l-hours care, community services, women's advocacy, training and assessment, hospitality, cyber security and automotive servicing.
Angie Kruger, TAFE SA manager of education partnerships for the Murraylands, Barossa, and Riverland, said Murray Bridge's numbers were quite amazing compared to metro Adelaide.
While the metro had just under 400 placements in the same period, Murray Bridge’s contribution of almost 300 placements stood out, she said.
“That’s something to be really proud of,” she said.
The program aims to make vocational education more accessible and has saved students over $37 million in tuition fees, removing financial barriers for priority cohorts.
“The strong majority of people applying for Fee-Free TAFE are unemployed, which means they can gain skills without the financial burden,” Ms Kruger said.
Popular areas of study in Murray Bridge include Individual Support (Aged and Disability Care) and Early Childhood Education and Care.
“These are very high-demand programs, which align perfectly with the growing needs of the region."
While there are plenty of free spots, space is finite, she said.
As the demand increases places in courses may become harder to get accepted into.
"Murray Bridge is definitely this shining star that's gathering momentum and so much is happening."
It opens the door to study further, whether that's an apprenticeship or higher qualifications, students can head down a path they love, Ms Kruger said.
More than 55 per cent of fee-free TAFE participants statewide have been women, and a total of 3520 regional students have gained access to training through the program.
David Coltman, chief executive of TAFE SA, said the program showed how successful TAFE was in SA.
"This latest data indicates that fee-free TAFE is strongly supporting areas of lower
socio-economic status and higher unemployment, providing life changing skills and training opportunities for these priority cohorts," he said.
"We’re pleased to see many students gaining qualifications in key industry sectors
who may otherwise have not been able to study and pursue a new career path."
People from the following groups are strongly encouraged to apply:
- First Nations Australians
- Young people aged 17-24
- People who are out of work or receiving income support payments
- Unpaid carers
- Women facing economic insecurity or studying in non-traditional fields
- People with disability, including autism and neurodivergence
There are certain eligibility criteria for entry into designated course placements.
- More information: www.tafesa.edu.au
