Australians could soon access thousands of free TAFE courses with new laws now up for debate in federal parliament.

In a bid to fill skills shortages across a range of crucial sectors, the federal government is pushing for new laws to fund more than 100,000 free course places every year from 2027.

A bill passed in the house of representatives last week.

The proposal is now in the senate and is being opposed by the Coalition.

The program is seeing more than 500,000 enrolments in priority courses including disability, aged care, technology, construction and early childhood education and care.

One person in favour of the move is butcher Matt Tyqui.

The 25-year-old has been behind the counter of Ashburton Meats in Victoria for 10 years after starting out on the dishes at just 15.

After completing a bachelor of biomedicine, Tyqui realised it wasn’t for him and turned to TAFE for a career change.

He has moved up the ladder ever since and became the first Australian to be crowned Champion Apprentice at the World Butcher’s Challenge in 2022.

He has since claimed the title of Australia’s 2024 Apprentice of the Year.

“TAFE has been the best decision I’ve ever made,” Tyquin told 9News.

“I think it’s really important that people know there are endless opportunities out there, you’ve just got to go find them.”