- Published:
- Wednesday 12 March 2025
Victoria’s nation-leading Free TAFE program has now helped 200,000 students gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs—breaking down financial barriers and transforming lives across the state.
To continue supporting students on this pathway, the Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney and Federal Minister for Skills and Training today officially opened a multi-level training facility at Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus.
This world-class learning hub will provide training for more than 2,000 students each year, ensuring they graduate job-ready in in-demand courses including the Diploma of Community Services, Certificate IV in Mental Health, Certificate IV in Youth Work and Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
The Victorian Government has invested $67.6 million in this cutting-edge facility, the latest step in a $151.1 million redevelopment of the campus. It replaces outdated buildings with modern classrooms, technology-enhanced learning spaces, and hands-on training environments tailored to industry needs.
Since its launch in 2019, Free TAFE has saved students over $593 million in tuition fees—removing financial barriers for thousands of Victorians and delivering skilled workers to industries in need.
The Chisholm TAFE redevelopment is just one of the projects being delivered through the Labor Government’s Building Better TAFE Fund – which is making sure more students have access to top-quality training facilities, close to home.
Projects are also underway in the fast-growing suburbs of Melton and Sunbury, a Community Health and Learning Hub at Bendigo TAFE in Castlemaine is now open, as well as the Centre of Excellence for Inclusion in Disability, Health and Community Support at the Gordon TAFE in Geelong.
Since its launch in 2019, Free TAFE has saved students over $600 million in tuition fees—removing financial barriers for the 200,000 Victorians who have enrolled in the course and delivering skilled workers to industries in need.
For more information on Free TAFE courses, visit www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe.
Quotes attributable Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles
“This fantastic facility will support the thousands of students who are training for a new career and a new opportunity thanks to Free TAFE."
“Victorians know only Labor invests in TAFE and enhancing education across this great state.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
“Reaching 200,000 Free TAFE enrolments is an incredible milestone—one that proves just how many Victorians are benefiting from this program. We are breaking down financial barriers and giving students the opportunity to gain life-changing qualifications.”
“Whether studying mental health, youth work, or cybersecurity, students at Chisholm TAFE’s new Frankston campus will get the skills and training they need for an exciting career—without the financial burden.”
Quotes attributable to Dunkley MP Jodie Belyea:
"As a former TAFE student, I know the value of public education and how important Free TAFE is to giving people well-paid jobs and secure work."
"Chisholm’s new facility will give everyone in our community the chance to access education in critical sectors, without the financial barrier"
Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“This state-of-the-art facility is a huge win for Frankston, giving our community access to Free TAFE, helping them to get the skills they need and opening doors for the jobs they want.”
Quote attributable to Chisholm Institute Board Chair Gillian Miles
“New learning environments help every Chisholm student achieve and support our communities to be job-ready.”
Quote attributable to Chisholm Institute CEO Stephen Varty
“Chisholm stands for excellence. This new building is a shining example of how TAFE delivers on this commitment, and our belief that excellence should be accessible to everyone”.