The Department of Training and Workforce Development says the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative has resulted in a significant increase in enrolments in vocational education and training courses at the State’s TAFEs.
Lower Fees, Local Skills has been extended until 2025 and is designed to support Western Australians to gain affordable and valuable qualifications in areas local industry needs.
Introduced in January last year, the initiative has resulted in 52,300 enrolments in eligible courses so far this year — an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period last year.
In a statement, the Department said Lower Fees, Local Skills had resulted in fees for 180 Vocational Education and Training qualifications being reduced by up to 72 per cent.
Premier, Mark McGowan said there was a growing demand across a range of sectors for skilled workers to fill local jobs and support business.
“Our success in managing COVID-19 has seen WA’s economy perform better than almost anywhere in the world through this crisis — but this is having an impact on supply chains, including significant demand for labour,” Mr McGowan said.
“There is still more to do to manage these significant pressures and the Skills Summit we are hosting later this month will continue our efforts, in conjunction with the business sector, to address these issues.”
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said it was pleasing to see people taking up the opportunities on offer.
“I encourage anyone who is looking for a career change or needs alternative employment to consider TAFE as a way forward,” Ms Ellery said.
