TAFE SA’s Fee-Free initiative is delivering significant success in educational completion and accessibility, according to recent data from TAFE SA. The completion rates for Fee-Free TAFE courses at Certificate II level and below have shown a notable increase; from 53 per cent for the 2023 intake to 62 per cent for the 2024 intake. This improvement suggests that more students are not only enrolling but also successfully completing their studies and securing employment.
To further this progress, TAFE SA has propelled several strategies aimed at boosting retention and course completion rates. These measures include proactive re-engagement campaigns which provide additional student support such as counselling and scholarships for incidental costs. The initiatives also make provision for flexible part-time study options, and temporary leave for students facing personal challenges.
A dedicated team at TAFE SA is continuously analysing and improving the student journey from enrolment through graduation. This team focuses on integrating best-practice strategies from across the nation to bolster the support services, course design, and training delivery methods that underlie student success.
Since the start of the Fee-Free TAFE initiative rolled out by the State and Federal Government, over 20,600 fee-free course enrolments have been logged. This initiative has notably been a lifeline for many aspiring students who might not have otherwise afforded further education.
Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer, highlighted the initiative’s critical role in enhancing education and training access. “Fee-Free TAFE is such an important initiative to break down barriers to education and training and make courses more accessible to people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity,” said Boyer. He further noted that, “It has been a gamechanger for South Australians seeking to get the skills they need for a rewarding career – and this investment in skills is one of the most significant in our state’s history.”
Adam Kilvert, Chief Executive of TAFE SA, also commented on the success of the initiative, particularly highlighting its impact on socio-economically disadvantaged groups. “Our 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,” stated Kilvert.
In a move to address specific industry needs, an additional 1,600 fee-free training places are now available for South Australians intent on training, retraining, or up-skilling in the construction sector. This sector has been identified as a key area of industry demand, indicative of TAFE SA’s commitment to aligning educational opportunities with market needs.
This initiative has also facilitated significant financial savings for South Australians, with over $50 million saved in course fees since the program’s inception. Such savings underscore the initiative’s role not just in educational attainment but also in economic relief for individuals and families.
TAFE SA’s Fee-Free TAFE is showing promising outcomes in terms of student engagement, completion rates, and economic benefits. This initiative continues to support particularly those who face greater barriers to education, ensuring that more individuals are equipped with the necessary skills for employment in priority industries.
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