It was announced on 22 October 2020 that another 107 new courses will have their fees slashed by half or more, as part of the new $103.4 million JobTrainer Agreement with the Australian Government. This further investment in WA’s training sector builds on the $57 million WA Recovery Plan training programs to create a pipeline of skilled workers to help with WA’s economic recovery.

Reduced course fees for these additional 107 courses will apply to study that commences from 1 January 2021; and applications and enrolments are open now.

Under the Lower fees, local skills* initiative, fees have now been slashed by up to 72 per cent for a total of 180 courses to make training more affordable for Western Australians. The initiative has already seen enrolments in eligible priority vocational education and training (VET) courses increase by 20 per cent. The list of available courses has been expanded in consultation with industry to engage jobseekers, women and young people, to meet immediate and emerging skill requirements. People under 25, and eligible people of all ages looking for work, will pay no more than $400 in annual course fees. 

The 107 additional reduced-fee courses will deliver training in sectors including building and construction, manufacturing, information technology, mining, engineering, aquaculture, agriculture, horticulture and logistics. More free short courses will also be added to meet emerging skills needs. These skill sets are completely free for those looking for work or people under 25 to help get them into jobs.

For more information, visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready.