The visit highlighted the critical role of accessible vocational education to meet Australia’s future skills needs.
The Commonwealth’s Fee Free TAFE initiative started in January 2023 as a partnership with states and territories to deliver 180,000 free places in the first year and 300,000 additional places over three years from 2024.
Minister Giles met with RMIT Vice President Strategy & Community Impact, Tom Bentley, before meeting students and touring RMIT’s vocational training facilities.
"Happy birthday to Free TAFE – in three years it’s helped to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians, and helped in turning around skills shortages," Minister Giles said.
"The numbers don’t lie. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have said yes to Free TAFE and yes to the incredible new opportunities a TAFE qualification offers them."
Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Vocational Education and Vice President at RMIT, said that removing financial barriers is vital for people to access the skills and training that industries need.
"Here at RMIT we have seen many success stories of students who have benefitted from the Free TAFE initiative. Through the combined Victorian and Commonwealth Free TAFE offerings, from 2023 to 2026, over 13,000 students have enrolled with us in priority skill areas including care, education and digital technology.
"To reach the target numbers in the Australian Universities Accord we must continue to offer tertiary pathway options that are innovative and meaningful. We look forward to working with government to ensure we are prepared to support the pipeline of skilled workers that Australia’s economy needs."
During the visit, Minister Giles met RMIT pre‑apprenticeship students Paul Quinn and Hamish Bloom, who shared how Fee‑Free TAFE has supported their entry into the construction industry.
After 20 years in the hospitality industry, Paul enrolled in a Certificate II in Carpentry to kick-start a career change. He now works with AMB Carpentry on commercial fit‑outs across Melbourne’s CBD.
"The pre-apprenticeship opened up the opportunity to do the full apprenticeship which has literally changed my life. Not just from nights to early mornings. It has been hands-down the best decision I've ever made.
"The rewarding nature of being an apprentice builder is different from any other job I've ever had. Just the tangibility at the end of the day is very rewarding and you see how far you've come in a short amount of time. I love my job and I enjoy going to work – it's exciting getting up at quarter to 5 in the morning."
Hamish was unsure which direction to take after school and was travelling in Europe when he started helping a friend with home renovations. He soon realised how much he enjoyed it and when he returned to Australia, the Free TAFE initiative helped him to begin his new career.
"The minute I got home I got online and looked at how to get into the industry. The pre-apprenticeship program was such a good entry because you aren't locked into anything and it's a good taste-tester to see what you like."
Hamish is now employed through AGA and is currently placed with Glenvill Projects, contributing to high‑end apartment developments.
"When I'm with my mates it's cool to point out houses and say, ‘I helped build that'."
