The federal and South Australian governments have signed an agreement to address the current skills shortage and better match training through TAFE and other vocational education providers with job opportunities.

The agreement will include 4000 free places in the care sector, 3000 in hospitality and tourism, 2500 in construction and 1000 each in technology and agriculture.

TAFE SA will deliver about 10,500 of the training places with about 2000 delivered by other providers.

Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said the agreement would provide workers with the skills industries required.

“Whether it’s a need to build our sovereign capability in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, technology or in the care sector, we need to deliver these skills at a time of acute shortages,” he said.

SA Education Minister Blair Boyer said the free places would open doors for people who would otherwise be unable to afford training.

“Fee-free TAFE will be a game-changer for South Australians seeking to get the skills they need for a rewarding career,” he said.

-AAP