This audit examined whether the Free TAFE initiative provides training for priority skills and delivers measurable economic and social benefits to Victorians, particularly disadvantaged or under-represented cohorts, since its introduction in 2019.

The audit followed two lines of inquiry regarding training access and performance evaluation. It examined administrative, financial and enrolment data from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) and the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA). Case studies were conducted across five regional and metropolitan TAFE institutes, alongside analyses of Student Satisfaction Survey data tracking employment status and vocational transitions.

Key findings

• Free TAFE costs the government more per enrolment than comparable government-subsidised training, yet it delivers similar student outcomes. 
• The department selects Free TAFE courses that teach priority skills and monitors costs and outputs, but it could do more to evaluate whether the initiative is achieving its intended outcomes.

The report outlines two primary recommendations accepted in full by the audited bodies: 

1. DJSIR and VSA establish an overarching, documented understanding for delivering the employment projections that contribute to identifying priority skills. 
2. DJSIR develop and implement a plan to evaluate the Free TAFE initiative.