New VET Educator Academy to boost TAFE teacher workforce

Victoria will be home to a new TAFE teacher academy dedicated to upskilling and attracting teachers to strengthen the state’s TAFE workforce – and with it tackling one of the biggest barriers to growing the skilled workforce our economy needs. This new TAFE teacher academy is dedicated to attracting, training and supporting more TAFE teachers. The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Educator Academy will be a one stop shop.

It will benefit more than 4,000 Victorian TAFE educators, school-based VET educators and future practitioners with professional learning, career development and pathways into the profession. This initiative is part of a $10 million joint funding package between the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments to strengthen the VET workforce under the National Skills Agreement.

The Academy, led by Chisholm Institute from its Frankston campus, will boost Victoria’s TAFE network and lift the profile of VET teaching as a rewarding career that helps train Victorians for the jobs local communities need. The VET Educator Academy will promote professional development opportunities so educators can access the latest skills and knowledge to deliver world-class training.

It will also strengthen support for the ongoing professional development and retention of teachers, trainers and assessors. Under the national Free TAFE program, VET Workforce has been included as an in-demand area. In Victoria, the Allan Labor Government has prioritised VET education as a career by making the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment a Free TAFE course.

More than 13,000 people have studied this qualification under Victoria’s Free TAFE program since 2019. Free TAFE originated in Victoria, and has benefited more than 245,400 students across the state in the past seven years, saving them more than $816 million in tuition fees – an average of $3,330 per student. Since 2023, the Albanese Government has partnered with states and territories to deliver Free TAFE nationally, and in 2025 legislated to lock in ongoing access, ensuring more Australians can benefit from a TAFE qualification.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: “TAFE is the largest employer of VET staff and the biggest trainer of VET educators in the country, that’s why we’re backing it. “The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are focused on growing TAFE across Victoria – so that every Victorian from the suburbs to the regions can benefit from the opportunities that a TAFE qualification provides.

“Our TAFE teachers make possible so much for so many, and the VET Educator Academy will help attract more Victorians into the profession, strengthen career pathways and ensure students are prepared for the jobs of the future. Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Colin Brooks: “Victoria's TAFE teachers are training the next generation of tradies, carers, technicians and other skilled workers our economy relies on – this academy will help ensure we have more of them.” “By creating more pathways into VET teaching and investing in our existing educators, we're strengthening Victoria's TAFE network and giving more Victorians the opportunity to gain the skills they need for rewarding careers.” Quote attributable to Member for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea: “Having studied at Chisholm TAFE and worked as a TAFE teacher, I understand firsthand the vital role vocational education plays in equipping people with the skills they need for rewarding careers and strengthening Australia's future workforce.

“Today's announcement is about creating more opportunities for local residents and aspiring students across Dunkley to access high-quality training and build a successful career close to home. “This investment will benefit our entire region - not only by supporting local jobs, but by delivering the skilled workforce our community needs to grow and thrive for years to come.

“I am proud to once again stand alongside the Minister to announce another practical initiative from the Albanese Labor Government that is investing in people, strengthening communities, and building Australia's future.” Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke: “Having the VET Educator Academy based at Chisholm’s Frankston campus will bring even more opportunities to our local community.” Quote attributable to Chisholm Institute CEO, Stephen Varty: “Chisholm is committed to excellence in vocational education.

Hosting the academy puts Chisholm at the centre of major workforce reforms and helps ensure educators are ready for the jobs of the future.”