First Nations ambassadors champion fee-free TAFE in 2025 to tackle skills shortages
First Nations ambassadors are encouraging communities to explore Fee-Free TAFE course in 2025, as part of a Federal Government initiative to address critical skills shortages and create pathways to meaningful employment.
Pictured from left to right: Candace Tanna and Tom Forrest.
First Nations ambassadors are encouraging communities to explore Fee-Free TAFE course in 2025, as part of a Federal Government initiative to address critical skills shortages and create pathways to meaningful employment.
This campaign highlights real-life success stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have completed TAFE courses and secured long-term roles in high-demand industries.
Yorta Yorta man, Tom Forrest, widely known as Outback Tom, embraced the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the campaign.
Fee-Free TAFE is super important – it gives people the opportunity to get skills that lead to real jobs
says Tom.
The journalist, Triple J presenter and popular Tik Tok creator, recently returned home to Miriwoong Country in Kununurra to film a campaign video where he tried his hand at various TAFE courses.
In his signature laid-back yet informative style, Tom explores high-demand industries such as clean energy, engineering, agriculture, and childcare; while highlighting the opportunities these courses offer for long-term careers.
You can’t be what you can’t see.
I wanted to make sure that young people especially, are seeing how much diversity there are in courses.
“It’s not about skills for skill’s sake, it’s about skills that are in demand so that your course gets you into long-term employment in growing industries,” says Tom.
Kamilaroi woman and small business owner Candice Tanna has also joined the campaign. As a mother of four, Candice has built a large following online by sharing relatable content about her family, known as the Tanna Tribe.
Candice expressed her enthusiasm for being part of the campaign because she knew it was relatable to many mums.
“My youngest kids are at school now, and I’ve been thinking about my next challenge and what might be instore for me in 2025.
“For many Mums and Dads, you spend time focusing on family and kids, and I wanted to remind people that it’s never too late.
“If you’re looking to get back into the workforce, Fee-Free TAFE courses are there to help you reskill in an area you might never have thought about,” says Candice.
In her video, Candice takes a light-hearted approach, humorously reflecting that after 16 years of raising her children, she feels she’s already done her time in childcare.
“That one is definitely not for me, but for many mob caring is part of what we do.
“You can build on what you already know with jobs in the care industry whether it’s in aged care, health, disability, childcare or technology, “ says Candice.
Flexible study options, along with potential childcare services, make it easier for those looking to upskill to balance their learning with other personal and professional commitments.
For more information
To learn more about Fee-Free TAFE opportunities, visit https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/fee-free-tafe/first-nations