CAREER START 2025-2028 FUNDING

CAREER START PROGRAM 2025-2028

 HOW CAN CAREER START SUPPORT YOU. 

The Career Start supports eligible individuals to complete their first post-school Certificate III level qualification and increase their skills to move into employment, re-enter the workforce or advance their career.

Through the Career Start subsidy, the Queensland Government will contribute towards the cost of your course, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. However, it is important to understand that eligible students will still be required to pay a co-contribution fee.

Students who hold a Health Care or Pension Concession Card, or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, may be eligible for a higher subsidy.

Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with:

•          Access to Certificate III qualifications in priority and emerging industries
•          Apprenticeship and traineeship training in priority and emerging industries
•          Lower-level qualifications identified by industry as entry points for jobs
•          Expanded access to foundation skills such as language, literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and employability skills
•          Increased access to training in regional and remote areas
•          Supported training pathways for women and priority cohorts to take up skilled careers

Under Career Start, eligible individuals may access up to 2 funded training places through one of the following options:

•          a qualification in certificate III under the general training pathway and an apprenticeship or traineeship or
•          two apprenticeships and traineeships in either a certificate II or III (school-based apprenticeships and traineeships are included in this total).
•          In addition, under Career Start, individuals may access one subsidised introductory-level skill set.

NOTE: Students who wish to complete both a general Certificate III and an apprenticeship/traineeship under Career Start must begin with the general qualification first. Once a Career Start traineeship or apprenticeship is commenced, eligibility for a general qualification is no longer available under the program

Qualifications Available

AIECS is an approved Skills Assured Supplier and is approved to provide training and assessment services including general pathways and traineeships under Career Start for CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Expected outcomes

By participating in Career Start, students can expect to build the skills and confidence needed to complete a qualification and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

After completing training, AIECS is available to support a student’s transition into the workforce, further education or training, or more skilled job roles. This support will include career advice and facilitating connections with potential employers.

It is important that you choose the right course for you to take full advantage of the program. For information on choosing a training provider, read the training consumer tips here. 

Information for employers

While industry is primarily responsible for training its workforce, the government supports this effort by investing in training that addresses emerging needs and strengthens Queensland’s economy.

Career Start can help by providing subsidised training for employees through apprenticeships, traineeships, or general training pathways that support skills development and career progression, benefiting both employees and the business.

Employers must ensure employees understand program conditions, including eligibility requirements, and have given consent to enrol.

Eligible applicants: Who can apply for the Career Start program?

You may be eligible if you:  

• Are aged 15 years or above
• Have completed or left secondary school
• Permanently reside in Queensland
• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen
• Not be enrolled in another qualification even if it is on hold or deferred (not including foundation skills training
• Not already have a certificate III or higher-level qualification completed within the last 10 years (Qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills do not count – evidence will need to be supplied)

You can confirm your eligibility using the official eligibility checker.
https://www.qld.gov.au/education/training/funded/check-your-eligibility

Additional Information:

• Students may not complete two general qualifications under the same program (e.g. not two general qualifications under Career Start, and not two under Career Boost)
• Students may complete one general qualification under Career Start and one general qualification under Career Boost, provided they meet eligibility for each
• A maximum of two subsidised apprenticeships or traineeships may be completed within a 10-year period across all DTET-funded programs, including SATs
• Students may complete one subsidised skill set under Career Start and up to two skill sets under Career Boost, depending on priority and availability
• Foundation Skills qualifications do not count toward the limit of subsidised training and do not impact a student’s eligibility for Career Start or Career Boost
• Eligibility and subsidy usage are centrally tracked across all Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS)
• All eligibility rules and entitlements are subject to change at any time by the Department of Training and Employment (DTET), based on funding availability, workforce priorities and identified learner needs.
• You can enrol directly in qualifications and introductory skill sets through the general training pathway. No apprenticeship or traineeship with an employer is required.

Please make sure you familiarise yourself with the following:

• Student Handbook
• Privacy Policy
• Refund Policy
• Student Support Services and Information

Please contact our college administration for a Career Start Information Guide.