Government funding is the best way to learn critical skills for less. But how easy is it to get started?
The Australian Government is making it easier than ever to enrol in government-funded training. Today, there are dozens of different options to choose from and several unique paths suited to people from different walks of life.
In this blog, we’re going to walk you through how you can become eligible for government subsidies. We’ll also discuss which options are available to you depending on your state or territory. Finally, we’ll reveal some of Sage’s top subsidised courses you could start today to learn new skills and kickstart your career.
But before we get into that, let’s discuss what government-funded training is and how it can benefit you.
What is government-funded education and training?
Government-funded courses are significantly discounted training programs that allow you to get the qualifications you need for less.
The Australian Government allocates funds to registered Vocational Education and Training (VET) course providers to make them more affordable for students.
They typically do this to address skill shortages in the economy. If courses are cheaper, more people want to enrol. This means more people gain qualifications and launch new careers, contributing to a more well-rounded economy. It’s really that simple!
With this in mind, when you apply for a course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or Technical and Further Education (TAFE) provider, you may be eligible for significant reductions in your course fees.
While you’ll typically still need to pay some money toward your qualification, the fee will be significantly lower. Government-funded courses are a great way to get the skills you need to succeed without paying a premium price. Let’s discuss what you need to do to be eligible.
How tough are the eligibility criteria for government funding?
So, the question you’ve been waiting to ask. How difficult is it to enrol in government-funded training courses?
The short answer? It isn’t. The long? It depends.
Some government subsidies have a long list of entry requirements. You may need to be over a certain age, have specific industry experience, or hold a high ATAR score.
Fortunately, there are hundreds of government funding options to choose from. Even though you may not be eligible for some, that doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for any. From State funding to country-wide initiatives, there are dozens of different ways to get certified for less. Let’s explore your options in greater detail.
Skills Checkpoint
This initiative is specifically designed for people over the age of 40. It allows mature students to learn new skills and build expertise for vocational careers. It can help people start new roles or upskill to move into senior leadership positions within their current jobs.
The Skills Checkpoint system is available country-wide and is incredibly accessible. Click here to find out more about the initiative.
JobTrainer Fund
The Australian Government’s JobTrainer Fund was created in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The initiative focuses on areas with skill shortages, such as the healthcare, construction and IT sectors.
Unlike the Skills Checkpoint initiative, the JobTrainer Fund usually targets school leavers and young people.
JobTrainer courses are an excellent way to gain the certifications you need to start work in an in-demand industry sector. If you’re searching for a new career opportunity, this is an affordable way to get started.
That said, note that these courses are often in short supply, so you may need to wait a while before your first choice becomes available. Click here to find out more.
State and Territory Funding
Each State and Territory in Australia provides a set amount of funding to course providers. This allows companies to offer exceptional vocational training to local residents at a discounted price.
When searching for state and territory-subsidised training, only search for the region you reside in. All eligible students must be a citizen of the state in which the course is offered.
For example, if you live in Victoria, you wouldn’t be eligible for the Local Skills initiative in Western Australia. Instead, you may choose to enrol in Victoria’s Skills First program.
Course offerings and entry requirements differ from state to state, so it’s essential to look at what your local area has on offer when deciding which course is right for you.
To make your life that little bit easier, let’s go through some of the different initiatives available for VET students by state and territory.
Government funding by State and Territory
To help you find the right government funding scheme for you, we’ve compiled a list of every initiative by state or territory. Note that we haven’t included JobTrainer or Skills Checkpoint funding here because these are offered country-wide.
Queensland (QLD)
New South Wales (NSW)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Victoria (VIC)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)
Are government-funded courses free?
Unfortunately, most government-funded courses aren’t free. While there is a selection of courses that may allow you to train at no cost, they are tricky to find, and spaces fill up fast.
That said, even if you can’t find a free course, there are thousands of discounted training programs available across the country. While you’ll still need to make a small contribution toward the cost, government-funded training is the easiest way to get the skills you need at an affordable price point.
Which government funded courses does Sage offer?
Sage offers four industry-leading VET courses under the Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills programs. Our current course selection includes:
- CHC30015 – Certificate III in Individual Support
- CHC43015 – Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- CHCSS00070 – Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set
- CHCSS00073 – Case Management Skill Set
Each of our courses will help you gain the practical skills, knowledge, and expertise you need to succeed in a care-based role.
Whether you’re looking to become a disability support worker, a nursing assistant, a community program coordinator, or any other care-oriented profession, our government-subsidised courses will help you gain the experience you need for less.
What do I need to do to be eligible for Sage’s courses?
As we teach our courses under the Queensland Government’s initiatives, you must be a Queensland resident to enrol in our courses at a discounted rate.
In addition to being a Queensland resident, we also require that you are:
- An Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, New Zealand citizen or on a pathway to PR
- 15 years old or over
- Finished with school
- Not currently the holder of, or enrolled in, an equivalent certificate or higher qualification.
Don’t meet the criteria for government funding? Don’t worry. We strive to make our courses available to every Australian, regardless of your academic background. While you will still need to pay the standard amount without government funding, we offer several different ways to pay to help you split the cost into sections.
Plus, with our employment guarantee and industry-leading skills development programs, you can rest assured you’re getting your money’s worth.
Why study with Sage?
Sage Education is one of Australia’s leading providers of nationally accredited VET qualifications in the aged care, disability care, and childcare sectors.
Our courses are hands-on, fast-paced, and designed to get you up to speed with everything you need to know to start a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
Why choose us? We’re committed to your employment. That’s why we’ll help you progress your career once you finish your training.
Whether you’re hoping for a promotion, looking for a change of direction, or trying to secure your first role, we’ve got you covered. Sage connects with hundreds of employers throughout Australia, allowing us to secure employment for over 80% of our graduates just weeks after they finish their training.
Ready to get started? Get in touch today to learn more. Whether you want to check your eligibility for funding or find the perfect course, our team is on hand to help.
