Australia Hiring 2026: Free TAFE for Victorian Apprentices
Australia hiring 2026: Victoria will pay first-year TAFE fees for six priority apprenticeships from 2027, including building, clean energy and baking.
AustraliaIn brief
- Victoria will add six priority apprenticeships to Free TAFE in 2027, covering first-year tuition for apprentices at a TAFE.
- Examples include housing construction, clean energy, hairdressing and baking.
- The state is putting $1 billion into Skills First in 2027 to help about 130,000 Victorians into training.
- Free TAFE has helped 267,000 Victorians so far and saved them $930 million in fees.
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Organization | Victorian Government |
| Official source | Premier of Victoria – Free TAFE apprenticeships to power Victoria's economy ✓ premier.vic.gov.au |
Victoria is making it cheaper to start a trade, a welcome step for Australia hiring 2026 in sectors short of skilled workers. From 2027, the state will pay the first year of TAFE tuition for apprentices in six priority apprenticeships, the Premier's office announced on 29 October 2026.
Deputy Premier and Skills Minister Gabrielle Williams said apprentices are vital to the state's future and that the support helps businesses find the workers they need.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who | Victorian Government (with the Australian Government for Free TAFE) |
| What | First-year TAFE fees paid for six priority apprenticeships |
| Starts | 2027 |
| Example trades | Housing construction, clean energy, hairdressing, baking |
| Skills First funding 2027 | $1 billion |
| People helped into training | About 130,000 |
| Courses funded | About 490, with 80+ Free TAFE |
Which apprenticeships are covered
The government has not yet named all six, but its examples point to areas with strong demand for workers:
- Housing construction – carpentry, bricklaying and other building trades
- Clean energy – such as electrical work on solar, batteries and grid upgrades
- Hairdressing
- Baking
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce has complained that motor trades were left out, so automotive apprentices should not expect free first-year fees under this change.
Why it matters for jobs
Apprentices are paid employees who train on the job and study at TAFE. Cutting the first-year fee lowers the cost of starting a trade and should help employers sign up more apprentices. Free TAFE has helped 267,000 Victorians since it started and saved them about $930 million in fees.
How to apply
- Find an employer. Apprentices need a job with an employer who signs a training contract. Look on employers' own careers pages and through Apprenticeship Connect Australia providers.
- Pick a TAFE. Choose a TAFE that offers your trade.
- Check eligibility for Free TAFE and Skills First on the official Victorian Government Free TAFE page (vic.gov.au/free-tafe).
What it means for job seekers
- 2027 starters benefit most. If you were planning to start a trade, a 2027 start could save you a year of fees.
- Building and clean energy are growth areas across Victoria.
- Overseas workers should check rules. These programmes are mainly for citizens, permanent residents and some eligible visa holders.
- Start looking for an employer now so you are ready when 2027 intakes open.
More Victorian training news: SEC Academy to train 2,000 electrical apprentices.
More openings: all Australia jobs
Frequently asked questions
What is changing for apprentices in Victoria in 2027?
Apprentices who start one of six priority apprenticeships at a TAFE will have their first year of tuition paid by the state.
Which apprenticeships are included?
The government named housing construction, clean energy, hairdressing and baking as examples of the six priority areas.
How many courses does Victoria fund?
About 490 courses and short courses, more than 80 of them Free TAFE, at over 130 TAFEs, Learn Locals and training providers.
Can overseas visitors use Free TAFE?
Free TAFE and Skills First are generally for Australian citizens, permanent residents and some other eligible residents. Check eligibility on the Victorian Government website.
Apply only through the official source.
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