Redefining TAFE Success
Employment outcomes for Victorian TAFE learners
Victoria will need 1.4 million additional workers by 2034, a demand that cannot be met by new entrants alone and will require large‑scale reskilling and upskilling of the existing workforce.
This underscores the importance of a strong VET system.
The TAFE Network is central to delivering flexible, industry‑aligned training that supports emerging industries and drives Victoria’s future prosperity.
This new research reveals TAFE delivers clear employment outcomes and lasting value for their learners and Victoria.
91% of TAFE students’ employment goals are achieved
This includes students that pursued study to:
Get a job
Try for a different job
Complete a requirement for a job
Gain extra skills for a current job
Develop or start a business
Get a better job or promotion
TAFE delivers the workforce in-demand industries need
TAFE is delivering the workforce needed in priority areas including clean economy, health, and construction.
TAFE delivers high-quality, industry-aligned training that equips new entrants, up-skillers and re-skillers with the skills employers need.
By preparing people for work in areas of greatest labour‑market demand, TAFEs contribute significantly to uplifting Victoria’s productivity, economy and industry success.
TAFE improves employment equity
Victorians from priority cohorts are achieving significant employment outcomes through TAFE.
TAFE’s state-wide footprint, Free TAFE, and extensive wrap around services are key drivers of this success.
TAFE delivers high-quality, nationally recognised training and provides extra support for learners in priority cohorts to achieve their employment goals.
TAFE has a tangible impact on learners, their families and communities
Beyond the data, the value and impact of TAFE are best brought to life through the real stories of everyday Victorians whose opportunities and livelihoods have been transformed by TAFE.
Jenelle
South West TAFE
Balancing the demands of raising three young children, Jenelle retrained with a Certificate III in Individual Support at South West TAFE and launched her own business. She’s now completing a Certificate IV in Disability to expand the care she offers.
Kyle
SuniTAFE
Kyle began at university before choosing a TAFE apprenticeship in electrotechnology. He has since secured ongoing employment with his apprenticeship provider.
Ryann
Swinburne University (VET)
Ryann completed a Diploma of Nursing through Swinburne’s VET pathway and secured employment just one month after graduating. She is now working while studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Swinburne.
Thomas
Bendigo TAFE
Thomas began his engineering journey through a secondary school pre‑apprenticeship, where he ranked among the state’s top students. He went on to complete a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade at Bendigo TAFE and now works as a Fitter Machinist.
TAFE drives productivity and economic growth in Victoria
This new research by Nous confirms that TAFE is a critical driver of Victoria’s workforce priorities.
With more than 1.4 million jobs needed by 2034, meeting future demand depends on a training system capable of producing job‑ready workers at scale.
TAFE is delivering on this task, with 91 per cent of students achieving their employment goals, making it the most effective lever to address workforce shortages and drive sustained economic growth.
