TAFE works.
With the right investment, it will work even harder.
At the heart of Australia's vocational education sector is our strong TAFE system. We're campaigning to make it even stronger.
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TAFE trains the nurses, electricians, childcare workers and cyber security specialists our communities depend on.
Free TAFE and the $12.6 billion National Skills Agreement have recognised TAFE's central role in Australia's future. These are landmark achievements.
Now it's time to finish the job. The 2025 State of Our TAFE report shows us where targeted investment will make the biggest difference — strengthening the workforce, supporting every student, and modernising the campuses where Australia's skills are built.
Rebuild with TAFE is calling on all governments to back their commitment to TAFE students with equally ambitious investment in the people and places that make quality vocational education possible.
Three Critical Investments for TAFE's Future
The evidence is clear. Here's where urgent action is needed to complete the rebuild.
Rebuild the Workforce
TAFE's greatest strength is its people. With the right investment in workloads, pay and job security, we can keep experienced educators in our classrooms and attract the next generation of TAFE teachers.
88% of teachers knew a colleague who had left. Targeted retention will turn this around.
Support Every Student
Free TAFE has opened the door for thousands of Australians. Now we need to make sure every student who walks through it has the wraparound support they need to succeed.
Dedicated support teams are the answer for the 68% of teachers who report changing student needs.
Invest in Infrastructure
Modern facilities and industry-standard equipment will ensure TAFE campuses deliver the quality training Australia's economy demands.
Even as student numbers surged under Free TAFE, only 7.3% of TAFE workers reported a campus budget increase in the past two years. The opportunity for impact is huge.
Be part of the rebuild
Join thousands of Australians backing public vocational education.
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Key Findings
from the 2025 State of Our TAFE Survey
88%
of teachers knew a colleague who had left. Targeted retention strategies can turn this around.
$92.5B
— the annual economic return from Australia's TAFE-trained workforce
67%
of teachers say education quality can improve — with the right support and resources in place
Only 7.3%
of TAFE workers reported a budget increase in 2 years
Source: 2025 State of Our TAFE Survey, Australian Education Union (n=1,696)
Stories
Meet the people who make TAFE extraordinary and the students whose lives it's transforming.
In Their Words
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"If governments are serious about improving the liveability of rural, regional and remote communities then they MUST include the opportunities that a publicly funded TAFE system can offer."
— Tanya Cameron OAM, National President, Country Women's Association of Australia
"I have worked in TAFE for decades in an identified role supporting First Nations students in their studies. Our mob have long term and trusted relationships with their local TAFE who provide culturally supportive learning environments that support First Nations students to succeed."
— Michelle Purdy, Former Federal TAFE President
"Today I'm thinking about the people who make possible so much for so many: Australia's TAFE teachers. Because every day your work - your dedication, your understanding, your experience and your passion - makes a difference. Supporting Australians of all ages, from all background, towards a good life."
— Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training