Every government-funded course available at Academia

If you’ve been looking at your education and training options, then you’re probably aware of the Victorian government’s Skills First program, a scheme designed to simultaneously:

• Revitalise the state’s TAFE/vocational and training sector
• Provide workers for high-demand industries
• Offer more training options for students and trainees

It’s ambitious, to be sure – it’s also been a boon to institutions and students alike.

As someone who looks at all of their options thoroughly, you’ll probably be aware that this scheme also offers subsidised training for a wide range of different courses, with free TAFE/vocational for priority courses available to eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents.

But which ones?

Trying to figure out the details surrounding government-funded courses can be confusing – luckily, that’s what we’re here to help out with!

What government-funded courses are available?

We mentioned above that many, many different courses are either partially or fully subsidised under Victoria’s Skills First initiative – but which ones exactly?

Under Skills First, many different courses are covered either partially or fully by government funding, including many of the courses on offer at Academia’s Melbourne campus…

Government-funded aged care courses

With Australia’s ageing population, it’s little wonder that aged care is one of the sectors most primed for growth in the coming years.

And with that comes the need for aged care workers to take care of Australians as they get older.

So it’s no surprise that aged care is one of the sectors that’s specifically identified under Skills First, with funding for both the Certificate III in Individual Care as well as the Certificate IV in Ageing Support available.

Both of these courses can be completed for free, with your tuition entirely covered – Skills First will also cover the cost of resources for you.

And yes, that includes for Academia’s government-funded aged care courses online as well!

Government-funded childcare courses

Aged care isn’t the only type of community service that’s covered by Skills First funding – you might also qualify for government funding if you’re interested in completing a childcare course.

Just as with our aged care courses in Melbourne, eligible students will be able to enrol in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care without having to pay a cent.

Both tuition fees as well as resources may be completely covered thanks to Skills First funding.

Government-funded commercial cookery courses

You might not think of it as a “priority course”. Remember though that this is Victoria we’re talking about – there’s a reason that we’re known as the Foodie State!

Depending on which commercial cookery course you enrol in, you may be able to enjoy either a partial or complete subsidy.

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery: tuition fully covered
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (following Certificate III): 60% of tuition covered
• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (standalone): 50% of tuition covered

Please note that materials and other resources are not covered by Skills First.

Government-funded patisserie courses

Just like our commercial cookery courses, both our Certificate III in Patisserie and our Certificate IV in Patisserie are covered by Skills First funding.

Unlike our commercial cookery courses in Melbourne however, all of our patisserie courses are completely subsidised, with eligible students only needing to pay for resources and equipment that they’ll use in their training.

Government-funded hospitality management courses

Eager to take your hospitality career further? Our hospitality management courses are just what you need to succeed.

In addition to providing you with a foundation in hospitality management and preparing you to open or manage your very own hospitality venue, our hospitality management courses are also eligible for government funding under Skills First.

No matter which stream you enrol in or whether or not you study hospitality management alongside commercial cookery or patisserie, eligible students can start their studies without having to pay full-price.

Government-funded hairdressing courses

Whether you intend on enrolling in a Certificate III in Hairdressing, a Certificate IV in Hairdressing or even a Diploma of Salon Management, you’ll be able to study without having to pay a cent in tuition.

Eligible students also have the opportunity to choose to use class sets for your training instead of purchasing your own.

Government-funded beauty therapy courses

While they aren’t fully-subsidised like our hairdressing courses, Academia’s beauty therapy courses are also partially-subsidised under Skills First, with students eligible to receive discounts of over 50% on their tuition fees.

Government-funded business, marketing and management courses

Not matter which one you’ve enrolled in, each course on offer at our business, management and marketing courses are partially-subsidised thanks to Skills FIrst:

• Certificate IV in Business
• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Marketing and Communication
• Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

Is it possible to complete your free TAFE/vocational course online?

As a participating institution in Skills First, Academia is able to reduce the financial barrier for students who want to upskill and start a new career.

Of course, money isn’t the only hurdle that many students face – many also struggle with timetabling and scheduling.

Luckily, our online learning system can help.

While it may not be possible to complete a free TAFE equivalent course 100% online, some modules may be completed online.

Online learning gives students like you flexibility they wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise.

And unlike a lot of other institutions, our online learning system is set up so that you don’t need to worry about compromising your training when you take the online option.

Instead of a single recorded lecture and an emailed worksheet, our online classes are just that: classes.

With small sizes, recordings and virtual whiteboards that let you interact directly with the content, we strive to provide the exact same experience as in-person learning.

If you want to commence a government-funded course online, you can enjoy greater flexibility with Academia.

Learn more about our government-funded courses

No matter what your goals are, it’s important that you get the right training to get you there.

And that’s what we’re here for.

Our friendly course advisors are ready to help, whether you’re a recent year 12 graduate or making a mid-career shift.
Call our team today to learn more about free TAFE equivalent courses in Melbourne or to find out which course is right for you – get in touch with our Melbourne campus on (03) 9671 4755 or click here to learn more about Academia.