The McGowan Government has made TAFE even more accessible for people seeking to increase their skills and qualification, Don Punch MLA, Member for Bunbury said.

“I hope to see Bunbury students take full advantage of the great opportunities available through South Regional TAFE in Bunbury but time to enrol for semester one courses is fast running out”, said Mr Punch.

“Last year the McGowan Government reduced fees for 34 high priority course by half to make training more accessible for people in the areas most in demand by employers.

“TAFE enrolments declined significantly under the previous government after they increased fees, for some courses by as much as 510 per cent, and it is really important people know TAFE training is again affordable and accessible following the changes made by the McGowan Government.

“We know, for example, we are going to need more people trained to work in the caring industries into the future, especially in the area of disability support, so we have slashed the fees for a Certificate III in Individual Support, a Certificate IV in Ageing Support and a Certificate III in Community Service.

“People in Bunbury interested in a career in the caring industries not only have access to lower fees for these courses, from semester two they will also have access to specialist training facilities at the Bunbury campus of South Regional TAFE.

“More than $1million is being invested at the the Bunbury TAFE campus to create simulated training facilities to support students wanting to pursue employment options linked to the NDIS.

“This investment in Bunbury TAFE combined with fees reduction mean we have a great opportunity to have more trained, skilled local people to provide high quality caring services tailored to meet local needs.

“TAFE offers excellent training opportunities and career pathways and the McGowan Government is committed to making sure these opportunities are accessible and affordable.”