QLD Career Start Program

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathway

To access subsidised training through Career Start (Apprenticeships and Traineeships), you must meet the following criteria:

• Are currently employed as a Queensland apprentice or trainee (under a registered training contract) in a funded apprenticeship or traineeship Qualification through this Program, as published on the Queensland Subsidised Training List

The following individuals are NOT eligible for Career Start Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathways program:

• School students
• Individuals currently enrolled in a Qualification funded by the Department, even if it is on hold or deferred
• Individuals who have completed two Department funded apprenticeship/tranineeship qualifications (including School Based Apprenticeships) within the 10 years immediately preceding the indivdual's proposed enrolment with the exeption of qualifications funded by the Department under a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Program, or
• Individuals who have completed a Department funded general training pathway Qualification and Traineeship/Apprenticeship within the 10 years immedicately preceding the individuals proposed enrolment.

Loss of Entitlement Warning

For clarity, students will be funded by the Department, for a maximum of two apprenticeships/traineeships or one apprenticeship/traineeship and one Qualification funded by the Department across the School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs), Free Apprenticeships, Career Start and Career Boost Programs combined.

Students can receive funding for only one apprenticeship or traineeship at a time. If two training contracts are registered at the same time, the contract with the earliest start date will qualify for funding, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

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 III level training and non-concessional students undertaking lower-level 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 Certificate III qualifications under the Career Start Program (General Training). 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

Concessional Students Co-Contribution Fee

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.

Foundation Education offers subsidised Certificate III qualifications under Career Start (Apprenticeships/Traineeships). 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

Concessional Students Co-Contribution Fee

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.