8 October 2025

Felix Ellis, Minister for Skills and Jobs

Reforms to TasTAFE courses will realign its focus to deliver better outcomes for Tasmanians.

An average of 20 learners are enrolled in each of the 12 courses that will have subsidies redirected.
Minister for Skills and Jobs, Felix Ellis, said the enrolment numbers of the 12 courses remained consistently low, with Tasmanians clearly choosing to obtain these qualifications elsewhere.

“The changes to TasTAFE are about long-term viability and meeting the growing needs in our community in areas such as caregiving and construction,” Minister Ellis said.

“These changes enable TasTAFE to support areas such as the new Health Hub, The Clean Energy Centre of Excellence, Health, Care and Trade areas with their future resource needs.”

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and Master Builders Tasmania (MBT) have endorsed changes to TasTAFE course subsidies in line with the Tasmanian Skills Plan.

Michael Bailey, CEO of the TCCI said it is important for TasTAFE to be able to adapt subsidised course offerings into areas where employers desperately need more skilled workers.

“Funding subsidies must be prioritised to training that helps people get a job and boosts workforce productivity,” Mr Bailey said.

Jenna Cairney, CEO of MBT said the changes would benefit the construction industry, which is calling out for more skilled workers.

"It is important that TasTAFE is able to have flexibility in its subsidised course offerings to cater for growing areas of training demand, such as the building and construction trades, where there are strong employment outcomes and industry needs more skilled workers,” Ms Cairney said.

Minister Ellis welcomed the backing of the TCCI and MBT.