CDU’s fee-free TAFE places full and flourishing

A strong interest in fee-free TAFE places has brought in approximately 800 enrolments to Charles Darwin University (CDU), with the accessible pathway opening new training opportunities across health, business, hospitality, and education disciplines.

Supported by the bilateral skills agreement announced last year, new students will be pursuing certificates in traffic control, IT, music production, environmental studies, and community services among others.

The courses are still open for students supported by other funding options.

Pro Vice-Chancellor CDU TAFE Mike Hamilton said it was great to see new training pathways help students acquire essential skills and knowledge that align directly with the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

"We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from students to our fee-free TAFE courses,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Since forming CDU TAFE, we’ve seen an accelerated response to the needs of industry”.

"These accessible courses have opened up training opportunities that were previously quite difficult for some students. The fee free initiative means more Territorians can develop new skills for jobs that are in-demand right here in the Territory.”

At the Palmerston campus alone, almost 100 students will study fee-free courses in hospitality and food safety, early childhood education, tourism and beauty.

The enrolments coincided with a strong focus on TAFE at the recent CDU Palmerston Open Day that was held on Saturday, September 2.

Attendees were able to take part in interactive demonstrations of making wontons and cocktails, cake decorating, hairdressing and nail art; as well as testing their drone flying skills in racing simulators and with micro-drones.

CDU TAFE Deputy Chief Executive Robert Schwerdt said the Open Day provided a unique and immersive experience.

 “We look forward to Open Day at Palmerston every year,” Mr Schwerdt said.

“Attendees got a taste of culinary arts, hospitality, and the diverse array of vocational education offered by CDU, including retail, hairdressing and sport and recreation.

“We also showcased the invaluable hands-on learning that happens in the kitchen at the Karawa restaurant through demonstrations and hands-on activities.”