Thousands of aspiring tradies push Free TAFE Construction enrolments way beyond two-year target
The Albanese Labor Government's Free TAFE Construction program has nailed its target, with almost 25,000 TAFE enrolments in just 15 months, easily surpassing the 20,000-enrolment target set for the end of 2026. New data shows 24,616 enrolments were recorded in construction courses and pre-apprenticeship training between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026. It’s a welcome sign as the Government prioritises bolstering the pipeline of skilled tradies to build more homes for Australians.
The Albanese Government is providing $86.4 million to the states and territories in targeted funding to help train the next generation of tradies and construction workers, in addition to the existing Free TAFE program. In New South Wales, the Minns Labor Government has soared past its target by more than 20 per cent. 15 months into the two-year program, Free Construction enrolments in the state sit at 7,607.
In the wider Free TAFE program, New South Wales has seen the strongest growth of Free TAFE Construction sector enrolments of any state or territory in the latest quarter. Free Construction is available nationally through TAFEs and eligible RTOs, offering courses that equip Australians with the skills they need to build a career in construction. 22-year-old Lucas Felstead from Sydney recently finished his bricklaying apprenticeship and is encouraging more Australians to make the jump into a construction trade, saying “Bricklaying is such a niche trade and that means there are a lot of opportunities to make good money and have a long career.” “My TAFE NSW studies gave me the skills and knowledge to really thrive in my trade.” Lucas is proud of his work and the homes he’s helping build, saying “it’s satisfying to know the homes I build will stand long after I’m gone.” The Free Construction program will continue throughout 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: "Free TAFE is delivering exactly what it was designed to do – getting more Australians into the training pipeline for careers in our most important industries, including the construction trades.” "In just 15 months of our targeted Free Construction program, we've not only met our target, we've exceeded it – more than 24,000 enrolments by aspiring tradies who have taken the opportunity to gain skills for rewarding and secure careers in construction.
"We need more skilled workers on the tools and on worksites to build the homes that we need for Australians. That's exactly what Free TAFE is helping deliver.” Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan: “We can’t build more homes without more tradies. That’s why the Minns Labor Government is working with the Albanese Government to roll out more Free TAFE places across New South Wales, including in trades courses.
“Tradies like Lucas – who last year was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Bricklayer Contractors Australia Annual Awards – are an example to people across NSW of the opportunity a trade provides to get great skills and build a career for life. “Labor is the party of TAFE. Our Government will continue backing in TAFE and building Free TAFE for our state’s future.” Free Construction complements existing apprenticeship supports by providing funding for courses that support pathways into apprenticeships and skills development beyond them.
Popular courses under Free TAFE Construction include entry-level qualifications such as the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), which has attracted 2,569 enrolments, and advanced qualifications including the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) with 1,734 enrolments. The program supports qualifications linked to licensing requirements, including the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, which has recorded 3,755 enrolments, and critical enabling qualifications such as the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, which has attracted 1,415 enrolments.
Within the broader Free TAFE program construction sector courses are the second-largest category and now represent the fastest growing Free TAFE sector. There have been 73,220 enrolments nationally, including the 24,616 enrolments supported through the Free TAFE Construction program.