The Western Australian government is ramping up its investment in workforce development, committing $100 million in the 2025-26 State Budget to freeze TAFE course fees in 2026 and allocating an additional $21.9 million to expand access to fee-free building and construction courses.
This significant budget allocation delivers on the state’s promise to make high-quality vocational training accessible and affordable for all Western Australians, regardless of their location.
Fee settings for 2026 will remain unchanged from 2025 across both fee-free and low-fee courses, broadening training opportunities for individuals seeking new skills or career advancement.
By the end of April 2025, Western Australians had taken up 28,464 enrolments in fee-free qualifications and skill sets, while 35,010 had enrolled in Lower fees, Local skills qualifications, which offer course fee reductions of up to 72 per cent.
Fee-free courses in childhood education and care, nursing, work health and safety, and information technology have proven especially popular.
The Budget’s $21.9 million boost will make seven additional construction courses fee-free from 2026, including:
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
- Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
- Certificate III in Solid Plastering
- Certificate III in Civil Construction
- Certificate II in Construction
- Certificate II in Construction Pathways
These additions will further expand the range of fee-free building and construction courses available, supporting students who aspire to enter the sector.
The investment is a key component of the WA government’s Made in WA plan, which is driving growth in major economic sectors such as building and construction, housing, renewables, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and the defence industry.
By supporting affordable, industry-specific training, the government aims to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers to meet the demands of a diversifying economy.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “We recognise that TAFEs play a vital part in growing our state’s workforce, ensuring they are well-skilled for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Cook promised that the state government will continue to invest not only in TAFE programs and equipment but in the courses that are needed to ensure we have the workers to meet the demand across all sectors of the economy.
“Our Made in WA plan will continue to diversify and strengthen the economy, meaning there will be local jobs for these well-trained students when they graduate,” said Cook.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the impact of affordable training:
“The introduction of fee-free and low fee courses has been a game changer, helping thousands of Western Australians access vocational training so they participate, and excel, in the workforce.
“By adding more building and construction courses to the fee-free course list in 2026, we’re giving more young Western Australians an opportunity to take up a trade and learn skills that will set them up for success in the workforce.
“And by keeping 2026 fees at 2025 levels, we’re helping all Western Australians to access affordable, industry specific training.”
The continued support for the TAFE sector is expected to play a crucial role in equipping Western Australians with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, particularly in the state’s growing construction and infrastructure sectors.
