Hospitality students to benefit in TAFE funding wave

The state governments around Australia are increasingly recognising the importance of vocational education and traineeships. Many high value courses such as Hospitality and Commercial Cookery courses currently have either partial or full government funding, benefiting students. These TAFE and VET programs around the country allow students to gain the skills to work in the industries which they are passionate about.

Victoria

In Victoria, this includes access to free TAFE courses such as Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate III in Hospitality. 2018 has shown a wave of political support for more affordable education, highlighting the value Australians place on learning. Part of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ election strategy, was to promise free TAFE priority courses. After Victorian Labor’s victory, it seems that this strategy was successful.

In preparation for the federal election to be held May 2019, the Green’s have also made the announcement that they support free University and TAFE, targeting young people in order to gain their support.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, subsidised courses are currently available through the ‘Smart and Skilled Program’. All courses Didasko create content for are listed with available funding for eligible students. The NSW government has additionally scrapped the TAFE fees for 100,000 apprentices, in order to promote trades, meaning that apprenticeships are now available for free for students. This came after federal opposition leader Bill Shorten also promised to scrap the fees.

Queensland

Queensland has the ‘TAFE Priority Training Program’, which provides a reduced upfront cost to eligible students. Queensland recognises Certificate III in Hospitality, Diploma of Hospitality Management, Certificate III in Events and Diploma of Event Management all as high value priority courses. The Queensland government also has a ‘free TAFE for Year 12 graduates’ program.

Western Australian

The Western Australian government has priority courses available, encouraging a shift in the workforce. Priority courses include Diploma of Hospitality Management, Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management, Certificate III in Patisserie, Certificate IV in Patisserie, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery. Many apprenticeship and traineeship programs are free.

Tasmania

Tasmanians also have funding options available for those who are eligible for ‘training entitlement. Subsidised courses include Certificates I,II,III & IV in Hospitality, Certificate II in Kitchen operations, Certificate III in Events, Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Certificate III in Catering Operations, Certificate III in Patisserie, Diploma of Event Management and the Diploma & Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management.

ACT and Northern Territory

Many courses in Canberra are partially government funded (PGF) which are available for the majority of courses Didasko offer. In the Northern Territory, these courses are called NTG-funded courses. There are also exemptions available for high school students and those who live in rural areas.

South Australia

Government funded courses are also available in South Australia. The courses which have been chosen for government subsidies are Certificates II, III & IV in Hospitality, the Diploma & Advanced Diploma in Hospitality management, Certificates III & IV in Patisserie, Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, Certificate III in Catering Operations, Certificates III and IV in Commercial Cookery, Certificate III in Events Diploma of Event Management, Diploma of Business and the Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Learning should be accessible and lead to a career outcome. We at Didasko are very encouraged to see these priority courses, that we provide world-class content for, benefit from these funding allocations, giving students opportunities to gain skills and enter the workforce with confidence. We are proud to be creating resources for these courses which will help shape the future of Australia.