Media releases

Free TAFE? Get real: VACC

26 May 2020

Recent boastful announcements by the Victorian State Government spruiking ‘free’ TAFE courses are not what they seem, says peak industry body, the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC). 

Extensive lists of TAFE courses have been publicly posted in newspapers and government websites, advertised as being free. Missing from the lists, however, are automotive trade apprenticeships.

“VACC urges the Andrews Government to engage with industry and rethink their ‘free’ TAFE strategy,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.  

Mr Gwilym says automotive apprentices have been sidelined in this government exercise, as have employers who are still required to pay TAFE fees for automotive apprentices. 

“It is galling for employers to read about ‘free’ TAFE, while at the same time being slugged with fees of around $1500 annually for their apprentices to attend TAFE.” 

The automotive industry has experienced critical skills shortages for well over a decade – and the trend is getting worse – yet the ‘free’ automotive courses list does not include automotive courses that are at an apprenticeship trade level.  

“If we really want enough mechanical and body repair technicians to keep Victoria’s transport and agricultural fleet on the move, we have to do more than sidestep the cost to business of engaging apprentices. Parents want their children in secure, long-term jobs. Trades provide this. If we are genuine about a skills-led post COVID-19 economy then we have to help industry employ and retain apprentices,” said Mr Gwilym. 

“If the government says it’s free, the fees have to be removed.”