Enrol in TAFE – Bundaberg Today

Kelly Fuller, TAFE Queensland Bundaberg Campus 2022 Student of the Year is re-enrolled at TAFE Queensland this year studying for a Certificate IV in Disability.

By Angela Norval

Recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to change skills or careers are encouraged to enroll in one of the 37,000 fee-free TAFE places available in 2023.

Free TAFE in Queensland in 2023 is delivered by TAFE Queensland and Central Queensland University with the most popular courses studied including a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Business, Diploma of Nursing, Certificate III in School Based Education Support, Certificate III in Information Technology, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Certificate III in Individual Support and Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability), Certificate IV in Cyber ​​Security and Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

With 37,000 free courses up for grabs, TAFE Queensland East Coast Region Acting General Manager Mark Reilly said there was no better time for Bundaberg school leavers and people looking to upskill or change careers thanks to the fee-free

“Fee-free TAFE will provide a significant boost to those in the Wide Bay and Burnett regions who are considering their next educational and training option or career,” Mr Reilly said.

“Fee-free TAFE is good news not only for the Bundaberg region, but for all of Queensland, because under this program some or all of your course costs will be covered by the Australian and Queensland Governments, meaning you only have to pay what’s left,” Mr Reilly said.

Jody Richter, early childhood teacher at TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus agreed, saying one of the areas experiencing high demand covered by Fee-Free TAFE was early childhood education and care.

“Whether you’ve just finished year 12 and are sitting at home thinking about a rewarding career or someone looking at a lifestyle and career change, I can tell you that early childhood offers a lot of potential for skills growth, professional development, creativity and positive challenges to work with children,” Ms Richter said.

“I just love teaching early childhood because I personally see the results of the students’ hard work and dedication that not only benefits Bundaberg, but ultimately and most importantly, the well-being and development of our little ones.

“So if nurturing and engaging young minds while supporting their development is what excites you, I encourage you to absolutely pursue early childhood as a career choice.”

As in the rest of Queensland, nursing is another area of ​​high demand in Bundaberg where nurses and health professionals are greatly needed, as evidenced by the high percentage of successful employment outcomes in the region.

Jo Charters, Faculty Director of Community Services at TAFE Queensland East Coast Region, said the local health and community service industries all needed qualified workers.

“I have been involved in community services for over two decades now and over that time and particularly during and since the pandemic, I have seen a significant increase in the need for nurses, carers and health workers,” Ms Charters said.

“Teaching nursing is rewarding in so many ways, not least because it is a job with skills that directly affect everyone and provide immediate benefits to our local community – there is no place in Queensland and across the country where nurses are considered invaluable not be considered.

“Teachers at TAFE Queensland are passionate about supporting our students to gain the skills they need by working closely with the healthcare sector to provide training solutions.

“The best part is seeing our students apply the skills they learn to apply it all in everyday practice and care.”

Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer said Fee-Free TAFE was a great opportunity for recent graduates to create a pathway to their dream career.

“Fee-free TAFE training in 2023 will be a great step towards an ideal career for recent school leavers, especially if they are currently unsure of what they want to do,” Ms Farmer said.