The university hosted a meeting in Horsham this month to gauge training needs and skills gaps in the Wimmera, and how TAFE courses could help address these.

The state government’s Free TAFE program offers courses that lead to occupations in industries where there are likely to be more jobs.

From January 1, Free TAFE for Priority Courses will cover tuition fees for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training across 30 priority non-apprenticeship courses and 20 Victorian apprenticeship pathway courses, otherwise known as pre-apprenticeships.

Federation University TAFE sales, marketing and engagement manager Bill Mundy said about 40 people attended the consultation.

“They were very engaged in the conversation around Free TAFE and particularly around the skills shortages that exist in the region,” he said.

“We are certainly seeing the delivery of community services, the opportunity to deliver nursing, education support, mental health, and alcohol and other drugs training were areas of need.

“The other area of need was early childhood learning.

“We're now working through how we can support the community in delivering those courses effectively.”

Mr Mundy said the areas identified were not particularly surprising.

“We certainly thought those areas were possibly areas of demand, and hence the reason why we brought together the health and community services group,” he said.

“For us it was an affirmation of our thinking, and it helps strengthen our thoughts around the necessity for training in those areas.”

Mr Mundy said the university would have a much clearer picture in the next few months of which courses it would offer next year.