Only a few weeks left to apply for Mater’s free nurse training

• The Palaszczuk Government’s Free TAFE is paying dividends in helping to attract more Queenslanders to nursing
• To date more than 2,500 students have enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing through Free TAFE
• 43 places are still available in Mater’s Fee-Free Diploma of Nursing October intake.

The Palaszczuk Government’s Fee Free TAFE is paying dividends in helping to attract more Queenslanders to nursing with more than 2,500 students having enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing.

Acting Premier Steven Miles and Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman are encouraging Queenslanders to take advantage of Fee-Free TAFE and enrol in Mater Education’s Diploma of Nursing today.

Applications for the diploma at Mater Education have surged by more than 330 per cent since the Palaszczuk Government removed course fees as part of their $200 million Fee Free TAFE joint initiative with the Australian Government.

The initiative aimed to provide 37,000 Fee Free TAFE positions for Queenslanders this year but has exceeded that target with more than 40,000 students taking up the opportunity.

The October diploma course will be taught at both Mater South Brisbane and at the new Mater Health Hub, Springfield, opening even more training opportunities for school leavers and career-switchers across the Ipswich and Springfield regions.

Free courses in Dental Assistance, Health Services Assistance, Allied Health Assistance, Sterilisation Services and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice are still available through Central Queensland University and TAFE Queensland.

Applicants must live in Queensland and be Australian citizens or permanent residents to be eligible for a fee-free course.

To find out more about the Diploma of Nursing, potential students should contact Mater Education student services at 1300 070 350 or go to matereducation.qld.edu.au.

For information on fee free health certificates, head to the CQU and TAFE Queensland websites.

Quotes attributable to A/Premier Steven Miles:

“Nurses are a critical part of Queensland’s health system, and this is a great opportunity for more people to kickstart their career in the industry.

“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about building our workforce and supporting our workers.

“I’d really encourage anyone considering nursing to apply today.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:

“We know we’re experiencing a global health workforce shortage that is putting pressure on our health system.

“The Palaszczuk Government is focused on boosting our frontline health workforce and is why we ensured Mater Education became part of the Fee-Free TAFE initiative.

“It’s great to know that so many young people and career-changers are seizing this opportunity.

“Our health sector needs talented and compassionate Queenslanders and there has never been a better time to start a career in nursing.

“Applications are open for another two weeks so head to the website and apply today.”

Quotes attributable to Mater Group Chief Executive Dr Peter Steer:

“The surge of interest in nurse training was great news for hospitals and health service providers across Queensland – and their patients.

“The Queensland Government’s decision to include Mater Education in its fee-free initiative has had an immediate and impressive impact on our nurse training applications.

 “There’s an urgent need to grow Queensland’s nursing workforce and fee-free training is clearly a great incentive to those considering a health career.

 “Nursing is a wonderful career choice. Caring for others is so rewarding and nurses' career paths and opportunities have never been greater today.” 

Quotes attributable to Mater Education Diploma of Nursing Program Coordinator Lauren Andrew:

“Mater provides its students with a unique training experience.

“Mater Education is the largest non-government nurse training organisation in Queensland and our connection to Mater hospitals is highly valuable for our students.

 “We connect the hospital and classroom environments to ensure our students learn through immersive, real-world experience.

 “Our accelerated 18-month Diploma of Nursing qualification allows students to learn and earn quickly.”

ENDS

Media contact – Natarjsha Kramer – 0456 436 934 (FENTIMAN)

Media contact – Emilia Hutchinson – 0437 060 435 (MILES)

Media contact – Fran Metcalf – 0417 627 867 (MATER)