SKILLS Development Minister Shannon Fentiman has encouraged year 12 students to consider free TAFE courses after they graduate.
Ms Fentiman visited Victoria Point State High School where 80 per cent of year 12 students were studying a vocational education and training, or VET, qualification.
Ms Fentiman said free TAFE for year 12 graduates was a great opportunity for people who wanted to pursue careers such as construction, electrical and plumbing.
“There are 160 qualifications on offer in high priority industries including more than 30 courses offered for free at Alexandra Hills and Acacia Ridge TAFE campuses,” Ms Fentiman said.
“We want young Queenslanders to get the skills and training they need to build a lifelong career and fill the jobs of the future.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards congratulated year 12 students Tyla Coey, Madison Hill and Zane Bagnall, who have done courses in screen and media, hairdressing and plumbing.
“At Victoria Point State High there are five teachers qualified to teach and sign off certificate II and III school-based training plus two external trainers,” Ms Richards said.
“With six weeks of high school left for the class of 2018, they are preparing for a big celebration and the time to make decisions about what comes after school is getting closer.”
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Ms Coey said she intended to obtain further qualifications as a dance teacher and do a diploma in nursing next year.
Capalaba MP Don Brown said the free TAFE program was a fantastic opportunity to gain a qualification that would open doors to growing industries.
“Students across the state all have the opportunity to earn a qualification while gaining the skills and training they need to land a successful job and build a life long career,” Mr Brown said.
“Local employers are also preparing their apprenticeship and traineeship intakes for 2019 and free TAFE for year 12 graduates will cover the full cost of training in high priority qualifications.
”Taking on apprenticeships, traineeships or further training after school will develop the skilled workforce we need.”
Ms Fentiman said younger students could sign up for a VET in school program to earn a nationally recognised vocational qualification while in year 11 or 12.
“Vocational education and training is important in many industries and launches people into rewarding careers,” Ms Fentiman said.
Free TAFE for year 12 graduates is available in the calendar year after students graduate.
For eligibility criteria, advice about taking up a training course and other information on accessing the free training funded by the Queensland government, visit training.qld.gov.au/home/freetafe.
Help is also available via the Training Queensland Customer Centre on 1300 369 935.
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