Government-funded Courses in Perth, Western Australia

It’s been more than 2 years since the COVID-19 pandemic, but its impact is still among us. One of the greatest impacts Australia faced was economic constraints and a lack of human power in some specific areas. Hence, to meet that and accentuate smoother functioning in any situation, the Australian Government and Western Australia Government as a whole are trying to close the skills gap and lower unemployment. The effort includes a reduction in VET(vocational education and training) and TAFE fees for qualified students in Perth. These programs are made for fields with a strong demand for workers and a shortage of qualified candidates. 

 

Concept of LOWER FEES, LOCAL SKILLS 

Various industries require vocational education and training. Understanding this, the Western Australian state government targeted to offer courses and training in high-demand areas so people can attain effective career results. Thus, the concept of lower fees and local skills came into existence. 

The Lower Fees, Local Skills program began on January 1, 2020, with half-price course fees in effect for approved courses through December 31, 2025. Under Lower Fees, Local Skills, there are more than 200 credentials with course prices that have been cut in half or more, some by as much as 72%. This program also offers skills development. The Lower Fees, Local Skills programs will certainly aid Western Australians in getting access to affordable training to help them get back into jobs. Furthermore, these local Jobs and skills may be the ideal option for your educational needs while also allowing you to save money. 

If you’re an Australian citizen, you can relish this opportunity and equip yourself with skill-building programs. Courses are delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs), covering the priority industry qualifications. These qualifications are the must-have credentials to close skills gaps for Western Australian businesses.

In general, Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses are included here. These free skill sets will effectively develop the competencies necessary for new careers and open avenues for completing full qualifications. 

You can enrol in a variety of courses for less money or receive financing when you opt for lower fees or local skills programs. Let’s look into some major courses. 

 

• Health and Community Care 

Some major government-subsidised qualifications under this category are: 

1.  Diploma of Work Health and Safety  
2. Certificate II in Community Services  
3. Certificate IV in Youth Work Certificate IV in Community Services  
4. Certificate II in Health Support Services  
5. Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care  
6. Certificate IV in Disability  

 

• Information Technology 

Some publicly funded courses on the IT industry are: 

1. Certificate IV in Cyber Security 
2. Advanced Diploma of Cyber Security  
3. Certificate IV in Integrated Technologies (Robotics Control Systems)  
4. Certificate II in Integrated Technologies (Pre-vocational)  

 

• Aged Care and Individual Support (client care) 

1. Certificate IV in Ageing Support  

 

• Early Childhood Education 

1. Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care  
2. Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care 

 

• Building and Construction 

The major courses under this category are: 

1.  Certificate I in Construction  
2. Certificate II in Construction Pathways 
3. Certificate II in Drainage 
4. Certificate III in Carpentry  
5. Certificate III in Painting and Decorating 

 

• Hospitality 

The major courses under this category are: 

1. Certificate II in Hospitality  
2. Certificate II in Kitchen Operations  
3. Diploma of Hospitality Management  
4. Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management Certificate IV in Training and Assessment  

 

• Engineering 

1.  Diploma of Electrical Engineering  
2. Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering 
3. Certificate II in Engineering Pathways  
4.  Certificate III in Engineering — Technical  
5. Advanced Diploma of Engineering  

 

Who is qualified for government-funded courses in Perth?

Those who meet the eligibility given below are qualified for this program. 

• An Australian citizen with a primary place of residence, i.e. permanently living in Western Australia. 
• Temporary residents who hold some specific visa types can also enjoy eligibility for this program. It includes holders of a sub-class 309, sub-class 444, subclass 785 or 790, or sub-class 820 visa; secondary holders of a temporary visa of sub-class 457; and holders of a Bridging Visa E (subclasses 050 and 051). 
• Some skill sets are free for everyone, while others are only available to qualifying students, such as concession card holders, jobless, and those between the ages of 15 and 24. 

 

What about the subsidised training and reduced-fee qualifications?

An Australian Citizen is eligible for a subsidised training place if they have left school and their primary place of residence is in Western Australia. 

[ The applicants other than Australian citizens and those mentioned in the “Who is qualified for this program” question can relish subsidised training.] 

 

What can you expect from this program?

• You can choose from the pools of courses, free training options, job-ready practical skill sets, and reduced-fee. 
• You can filter to search for different types of training-apprenticeship or traineeships. 
• You can choose the industry and relevant sub-study area. 
• These low-cost free courses are available at all nationally-recognised TAFE campuses as well as selected private training providers. 
• Funded training course prices for all lower fees and local skills certifications are subject to an annual fee cap. This means that, regardless of the actual cost of your course fees, you will not spend more than a predetermined amount per certification or course each calendar year. 

After completing these government-funded training and courses, you will gain skills that will make you strong and equipped enough to apply for the targeted occupation or job. 

 

How to apply and/or enrol in the skill sets or Lower fees, local skills qualifications?

You will first select your industry, the field of study, and the training provider. You can enrol in job-ready skill sets at TAFE colleges directly on their website. The private training providers list can be found on the Western Australian Government’s Department of Training and Workforce Development website; you can check each of their websites or contact them to see if enrolment is available. 

 

What if one has to halt their journey to complete course/s in Lower fees and local skills programs?

As per the website of the Department of Training and Workforce Development of the Western Australian government, if you re-start units that are part of one of the Lower fees, local skills qualifications between the date the new fee is applied and 31 December 2025, you will stay eligible for the half-price course fee rates and fee caps. When it comes to withdrawing from the course, you are entitled to a refund of the course price as well as 50% of the resource charge if you do so before the unit withdrawal deadline. 

 

How would this initiative benefit employers and businesses?

Employers and business owners can benefit from guidance and help from TAFE Jobs and Skills Centres.  

These programs can assist in the following areas: 

•  Recruitment assistance, including for apprentices and trainees 
• Information on training solutions and services to meet enterprise-specific needs 
• Advertising employment opportunities  
• Get advice on Aboriginal recruitment and retention strategies. 

Aside from lower fees and local skills, there are 3 other government-funded programs. 

 

Skills Checkpoint

It is another initiative in Western Australia that provides career counselling and training opportunities for older employees. You must be between the ages of 45 and 70 and an Australian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for the Skills Checkpoint program. Participants must be currently employed and at risk of entering the income support system, or they must have recently been unemployed. 

Jobs and Skills

It enables qualified Western Australian students to enrol in various training choices like apprenticeships, traineeships, and industry credentials. Here, qualifications can be from Certificate II through to Certificate IV.  

JobTrainer

JobTrainer Western Australia is a collaborative investment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector by the Australian government and the WA state government. 

 

Why choose Bright College to study in Perth, Australia?

Bright College is one of the best colleges in Perth, where your VET pathway to gain current industry knowledge and practical skills becomes easy and productive. We welcome domestic and international students to pursue their desired courses at affordable fees. Contact us for further information.