An apprenticeship or traineeship lets you work in a real job and complete a nationally recognised qualification at the same time — your employer pays you a training wage, and your course fees are subsidised under the same Queensland Government framework as Career Start and Career Boost.
How it fits with Career Start and Career Boost
- At Certificate II or III level, a traineeship counts under Career Start — you can combine one Certificate III (general pathway) with one traineeship, or complete two traineeships at Certificate II or III level
- At Certificate IV level or above, a traineeship counts under Career Boost
Fees
Traineeship and apprenticeship training fees are fixed by the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training at $1.60 per nominal training hour per unit — the same rate across all Queensland Skills Assure Suppliers.
- A 40% fee reduction applies for concessional students, apprentices or trainees under 17 (at the end of February, not at school, without a Year 12 certificate), or in cases of proven hardship
- A full fee exemption may apply for serious financial hardship
The 10-year cap
Across Career Start, Career Boost and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) combined, you can complete a maximum of two government-funded apprenticeships or traineeships in any 10-year period. This includes qualifications funded under earlier program names, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee, Higher Level Skills and User Choice.
Is a traineeship right for you?
If you’re already working — or want to start working straight away rather than studying full-time first — a traineeship can be the faster path to a wage and a qualification together. Talk to us about whether your current or prospective employer can host a traineeship in aged care, disability, childcare or community services.
