Hundreds of Tasmanians have enrolled in free agricultural training courses since the federal government scrapped tuition fees in 2023.
Nearly 10,000 students across the state have taken up ‘Free TAFE’ courses across all industries as at September 2025, with agriculture ranking among the most popular fields.
The agricultural chemical skill set ranks as Tasmania’s fifth most popular free course, with 400 enrolments saving students up to $360 each.
Certificate II in Horticulture attracted 210 enrolments with savings of up to $1,405.
Nationally, Certificate III in Horticulture tops the agriculture charts with more than 5,000 enrolments since the program began.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the program was helping to ease workforce shortages in the sector.
“Our farmers have been clear – they need more skilled workers,” she said.
“The Albanese Labor government’s ‘Free TAFE’ program is delivering exactly that, while helping Australians of all ages take up new opportunities and secure good jobs close to home.”
Collins said agriculture remained central to Tasmania’s economy and regional communities.
“By removing financial barriers, ‘Free TAFE’ is helping more people train for rewarding careers on the land, in agribusiness and in the supply chains that keep our agricultural sector strong,” she said.
The federal government has committed to making at least 100,000 ‘Free TAFE’ places permanent nationally from 2027.
Agricultural production is forecast to reach $99.5 billion in 2025-26, rising to more than $106 billion when fisheries and forestry are included.
The federal government is also investing $2.5 million in farm safety initiatives aimed at attracting more workers to the industry.
Collins encouraged Tasmanians considering a career change to look at agricultural training.
“2026 brings new opportunities for ‘Free TAFE’ and I encourage Tasmanians interested in a career in agriculture to consider joining such an exciting industry,” she said.
