Joint media release: Bright future for ag careers through fee-free TAFE

More Australians will have the opportunity to start a career in the agriculture sector in 2023, thanks to the Albanese Government’s fee-free TAFE program.

This year, it is expected 13,200 TAFE and vocational education and training places will be available for people to take up fee-free agriculture courses across the country.

Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said widespread skill shortages pose one of the greatest economic challenges in decades.

“Wherever you look, there are skills gaps, which is why Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training is so important.

“The agriculture sector is always evolving and needs ongoing access to new and updated skills to succeed into the future, and we are pleased to deliver another pathway to help people succeed.

“Enrolments are open now and I encourage anyone with an interest in agriculture to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said this outcome was a win for the agriculture industry.

“This is an excellent opportunity to encourage new people to join our thriving sector, or for current workers across agriculture to further their careers and deepen their skills,” said Minister Watt.

“The government has rightly prioritised agriculture under the Fee-Free TAFE commitment as part of our plan to address the agriculture sector’s workforce and skills shortages.

“Discussions at the tripartite Agricultural Workforce Working Group have reinforced the importance of skilling Australians for rewarding careers in agriculture.

“There is a wide range of exciting qualifications and skillsets to choose from, from agricultural technology, livestock production, digital agronomy, and agribusiness management, among many others.

For further information on Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education courses visit yourcareer.gov.au/fee-free-tafe.