A new record high of over 153,800 publicly funded vocational course enrolments were recorded in Western Australia in 2023.
Publicly funded course enrolments increased almost 10 per cent from 2022 bating the state’s previous record of 150,310 enrolments in 2021.
According to an announcement, growth was stimulated by more than 153,800 publicly funded vocational course enrolments in 2023, up 10 per cent from 2022.
There were more than 38,300 publicly funded enrolments in fee free courses and skill sets in 2023, up 33 per cent on the same period in 2022.
An additional 57,994 enrolments were recorded through the government’s Lower fees, local skills initiative.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “These qualifications will set thousands of West Australians up for rewarding, well-paying careers – and ensure we can get boots on the ground on the industries where we need them most.”
Health care and social assistance qualifications – including early childhood education and care, individual support, and nursing – continue to attract strong interest among fee free courses into 2024.
There were also an additional 57,994 enrolments recorded through the Lower fees, local skills initiative, with some of the most popular courses in electrical, civil construction, engineering and carpentry, according to the government.
“The Western Australian training sector is already helping Western Australians build the skills they need to decarbonise the economy and transition to clean energy, in areas such as construction, engineering, logistics, maritime, gas fitting, and electrical trades.
“Fee free and low fee courses are also proving effective in removing cost barriers to training for groups under-represented in WA’s workforce.”
The government is also funding $250 million budgeted for 15 projects to upgrade essential infrastructure at TAFE colleges.
Picture: Roger Cook chairs WA Cabinet