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QLD Career Boost Program

The Career Boost Program is funded by the Queensland Government initiative under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program, administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).

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QLD Career Boost Program

The Career Boost Program is funded by the Queensland Government initiative under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program, administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).

The program helps students access subsidised training for higher-level qualifications (Certificate IV and above), supporting Queenslanders to:

  • support career advancement

  • transition into new roles

  • progress to further education and training

Foundation Education is an approved Skills Assure Supplier delivering subsidised training through the Career Boost Program.

FAQs

General Training Pathway

To access subsidised training through Career Boost (General Training), you must:

  • be a Queensland resident
  • be aged 15 years or over, and no longer at school (with the exception of VET in Schools students)
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency
  • not hold, or be enrolled in, a certificate III level or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student, and foundation skills qualifications don't count).
  • not be currently enrolled in another qualification, regardless of whether that enrolment is active, deferred, or on hold. This applies to both government-funded and privately funded courses (foundation skills qualifications don't count).

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathway

To access subsidised training through Career Boost (Apprenticeships and Traineeships), you must:

  • Be employed under a formal training contract for a qualification that is funded by the department.
  • Be registered in the department’s training system.
  • If not an Australian citizen, hold a visa that permits work in Australia.
  • Not have completed more than two apprenticeships or traineeships within the past 10 years. This includes any completed while at school.

Important Eligibility Information

Some qualifications and skill sets may also have additional entry requirements or exemptions. These are determined by industry or sector requirements and national training package guidelines.

For more information regarding the Career Boost Program, please ensure you read the fact sheet as released by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.

It is important to note that an individual is no longer eligible for a government subsidised training place under the Career Boost Program once they complete a certificate III level vocational qualification.

For more assistance on selecting the right course for you, please feel free to contact a Careers Advisor on 1300 616 197.

Students undertaking Certificate IV or higher-level training and non-concessional students undertaking vocational training are required to contribute to the costs of their training through a co-contribution fee.

  • The out-of-pocket cost depends on your chosen course and eligibility and is set by Foundation Education.
  • Co-contribution fees are confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • Fees may be paid on your behalf by an employer or third party.
  • Foundation Education (or any other related organisation) cannot pay or waive training fees unless explicit approval has been granted by the Department.
  • No fee is charged for units achieved through Credit Transfer.

Exemptions and Concessions

  • Free apprenticeships and traineeships for under-25s: Eligible students who commence by 30 June 2027 may receive fully subsidised training through to completion.
  • Concessional rates (lower co-contribution fee) may apply if you are:
  • A student (or partner or guardian) holding a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
  • An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • A student with a disability
  • An adult prisoner

For more information on whether you would receive a concessional student status, please refer to the Department of Trade, Employment and Training's website or feel free to call a Careers Advisor on 1300 616 197.

Foundation Education currently offers subsidised Diploma qualifications under the Career Boost Program. For full course details, including entry requirements, see the individual course overview pages. A pricing breakdown is provided to students during the enrolment process.

Non-Concessional Students Co-Contribution Fee

Course

Co-Contribution Fee Total

Co-Contribution Fee Per Unit

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

$2,190*

$146

Concessional Students Co-Contribution Fee

Course

Co-Contribution Fee Total

Co-Contribution Fee Per Unit

CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

$1,790*

$119.33

Notes on external units

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) include one or more units that must be completed through an external training provider of your choice. Our website's course information page outlines the specific unit(s) that must be completed externally.  

  • These units are recognised via Credit Transfer. We do not charge additional fees to process your Credit Transfer.
  • Costs for these units are not included in the co-contribution fee total listed.
  • As a guide, the First Aid unit (HLTAID011) typically costs $100–$250 depending on provider and location. Students pay these costs directly to their chosen provider.

Important information

  • Training for eligible Queensland students is subsidised under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program. Eligibility criteria and availability apply.

  • Student co-contribution fees may apply unless an exemption applies.

  • Amounts may change. No outcomes are guaranteed.

  • As a condition of enrolment, you may receive a survey from the Department seeking feedback on your training experience.

Last updated: September 2025

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