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Discover local work and take your next step in Bendigo and Central Victoria.

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← All trainingSKILLS FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

Free TAFE options

A practical ticket, a fresh qualification or a longer-term career change. Compare real courses, understand the commitment and go straight to the provider.

Independent research. Direct links to real providers.
Illustrative adult learners building practical skills together with a trainer
Original illustrative image. The people and setting do not represent a listed provider.
START WITH YOUR GOAL

A useful next step, at your pace.

REAL OPTIONS. CLEARER CHOICES.

Free TAFE options

9 researched options · Confirm current dates and places with the provider.

Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Develop practical bookkeeping and financial-record skills for accounts support work and a possible pathway into the Diploma of Accounting.

Duration
6 months
Study
Flexible delivery; confirm the current mix of live online sessions and campus attendance.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Build skills for supporting workplace safety systems and coordinating WHS activity. Compare the course with the safety responsibilities in your current or target role.

Duration
12 months
Study
Online, facilitated Monday or Tuesday evening workshops.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Diploma of Nursing

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

A substantial vocational nursing pathway combining classroom/simulation learning and clinical placements. Budget for placement blocks and travel as well as weekly classes.

Duration
2 years full-time (3 days/week) or 2.5 years part-time (2 days/week)
Study
Blended learning at Bendigo City Campus with clinical placements.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Prepare for support work in ageing and disability services with practical training and placement. The standard course and employed traineeship have different study patterns.

Duration
Standard: 7 months. Traineeship/work-based: 12–18 months full-time or 18–24 months part-time.
Study
Blended campus learning and placement; employed traineeship/work-based options also listed.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Try foundational electrical theory and practical trade skills before seeking an apprenticeship. This preparatory course is a route towards further training, rather than an electrician’s licence.

Duration
14 weeks
Study
On-campus practical study; the listed cohort delivery mode also includes blended components.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

A practical introduction to construction and carpentry, including working safely and learning basic trade tasks before applying for an apprenticeship.

Duration
16 weeks full-time
Study
Blended classroom and online delivery with practical trade learning.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate III in Information Technology

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Build a foundation in IT support and technology tasks before specialising further. Choose carefully between this six-month offer and the separately listed twelve-month online course.

Duration
6 months for this course page; a separate online version is listed as 12 months.
Study
Campus and remote learning are described; confirm the timetable and campus attendance for the selected course.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
Vocational qualificationFree TAFE listed

Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Bendigo TAFE (Bendigo Kangan Institute)

Study network security, cyber risk and incident response with practical lab work. Prior IT study or experience is recommended, and funding has an additional prerequisite.

Duration
Two semesters
Study
Face-to-face cyber lab at Bendigo City Campus, with blended delivery shown for the listed cohort.
Costs & funding
Free TAFE listed. Eligibility and other costs apply.
Course information checked 21 October 2026. Confirm the next intake.
MAKE THE COSTS CLEAR

Tuition, fees and funding: know the difference.

A government-funded place, a tuition waiver and a free learning module are different things. Get the details for your circumstances before committing.

Free TAFE: what is covered

For eligible students on listed courses, Free TAFE removes tuition fees. Student services, books, materials, equipment and other costs may remain. Get a full fee statement before enrolment.

Check official guidance ↗

Free TAFE eligibility and repeat-study rules

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens training in Victoria can be eligible; some asylum seekers may qualify through the Asylum Seeker VET Program. Previous qualifications do not stop a first eligible Free TAFE course. Repeat fee waivers depend on rules such as priority pathways and JobTrainer exceptions, and the provider confirms eligibility.

Check official guidance ↗

Skills First funding

Skills First can reduce tuition at contracted training providers; it does not automatically make a course free. Citizenship/residency and physical-location requirements apply, with general limits of two courses at a time and two in a year. Providers set fees and must confirm an eligible subsidised place.

Check official guidance ↗

Learn Local adult education

Learn Local offers pre-accredited literacy, English, numeracy, employability and digital learning. It can prepare learners for work or further accredited study; it is not itself the same as completing a nationally recognised TAFE qualification. Eligible adults may pay low or no fees, set by the provider. Generally 17+ and not enrolled in school (under-17 exemptions exist), with citizenship/visa conditions. Confirm directly with the provider.

Check official guidance ↗

Victorian Skills Gateway course and provider search

Use the Victorian Government gateway to cross-check a VET qualification, provider and available funding information before enrolling. The provider remains responsible for current intakes and your fee assessment.

Check official guidance ↗
FIND THE RIGHT PLACE TO LEARN

Local education. Broader possibilities.

Compare tertiary study, community learning and public online resources. Provider directories and support services are separate from the course records above.

TAFE provider

Bendigo TAFE

Browse vocational qualifications, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and short courses. Check the exact campus and delivery mode for each intake.

Bendigo City, Charleston Road; also Castlemaine and Echuca.Official information ↗
Community adult learning and support

Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub

The current program page lists basic computer courses covering Word, Google Drive and AI, plus English classes and appointment-based digital support. Useful for building confidence before a formal qualification.

155 Crook Street, StrathdaleOfficial information ↗
Learn Local / community adult learning

Kangaroo Flat Community House

The City’s community directory identifies it as a registered Learn Local provider offering low-cost or no-cost pre-accredited learning. Ask about the next digital-skills or employment-preparation class.

21 Woolcock Avenue, Kangaroo FlatOfficial information ↗
Free public career and training guidance

Bendigo Skills and Jobs Centre

Free, independent advice on career changes, course selection, job applications and skills pathways. The centre says everyone is welcome and appointments are private and impartial.

Building G, 154 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo; phone/virtual appointments also offered.Official information ↗
Practical vocational training

ACE Training — P & N Thomas Pty Ltd

Bendigo classroom training for construction induction and working safely at heights. Compare the actual unit, practical assessment and what your target job requires before adding extra tickets.

Bendigo campus, 17 Gildea Lane; also Ballarat, Sale and Traralgon.Official information ↗
Responsible service of alcohol training

Best Restaurant Training / RSA Bendigo

Bendigo RSA classes and scheduled live Zoom sessions for people preparing to serve alcohol. Compare the venue, session time and assessment arrangements before booking.

Bendigo classroom; venue confirmed on booking. Live Zoom accessible from Bendigo.Official information ↗
Victorian regulator learning hub

Liquor Control Victoria

The official place to complete the additional Victorian RSA module and renew RSA knowledge through the refresher. Keep your final certificate and record the refresher due date.

Online.Official information ↗
Victorian Government online food learning

Victorian Department of Health

DoFoodSafely introduces food handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and contamination prevention through free online learning. A useful first step before applying to a café, kitchen or catering role.

Online.Official information ↗
Online allergen education

National Allergy Council

Free All about Allergens training helps food-service workers recognise allergens and reduce cross-contact. Learn the questions to ask and the safe handover habits used in food service.

Online.Official information ↗
FOR TRAINING PROVIDERS

Make your next intake easier to discover.

Put clear course information in front of people planning their next skill or career. Talk to us about labelled sponsored placements and useful local partnerships.

Introduce your training

Independent research · reviewed 21 October 2026. Course availability, total fees and eligibility are confirmed by the provider. Sponsored placements will be labelled; a directory entry does not imply endorsement or partnership.