User Choice Program

The User Choice program offers public funding to support training and assessment services for eligible apprentices and trainees in Queensland. The program recognises that employment-based training aligned to skills shortages is a critical priority. Delivered in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government’s Australian Apprenticeship program, the program aims to provide funding aligned to the skill needs of industry and your business.

To be eligible to receive subsidised training under the User Choice program you must:

• Meet the minimum entry age requirements for your chosen traineeship or apprenticeship; and
• Be an Australian citizen or; New Zealand citizens who have entered Australia on a valid passport or; have unrestricted rights to enter into an apprenticeship or traineeship in Australia; and*
• Not have exhausted the maximum of two government funding contributions under the User Choice program
• Not currently be undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship under User Choice funding
• Have an employer to start an apprenticeship or traineeship; and
• Be employed either full time or part time (must be for a minimum of 15 hours per week)
• Your workplace address must be in Queensland (An apprentice or trainee can have an interstate residential and/or postal address and still be registered with the department as long as the physical workplace address is in Queensland and the apprentice or trainee works at that address.)

*Individuals who hold a visa must also ensure their visa subclass is eligible for subsidised training.

The User Choice program is funded by the Queensland Government, click here for further information

How to apply for User Choice funding:

Check out our range of courses to find the one that suits your career goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.

What qualification/s do Racing Queensland offer under User Choice?

• RGR20221 Certificate II in Racing Industry
• RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
• RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
• RGR40221 Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)

QLD Free Apprenticeships For Under 25s

The Queensland Government will cover the cost of training for apprentices and trainees under the age of 25, who commence or are undertaking a priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualification from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024.
Fee-free training also applies to students who commenced in a high priority apprenticeship or traineeship in previous years, where they are under 25 years of age on 1 January 2021 and are still in training.

For more information on QLD free Apprenticeships for under 25’s visit - https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/providers/funded/freeapprenticeships

Student Co-Contribution Fees: 

Subsidised traineeship/apprenticeship requires the payment of student contribution fees for each unit of competency included in the Training Plan. 

Given each training plan is unique, a Schedule of fees containing details of these costs will be provided for consideration and approval. See below table for nominal hour costs.

Employer incentives are available for some qualifications. Please see here for any incentives that may be available to you.

Concession rates apply to those holding a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and is named on that card, or where payment of the co-contribution fee would cause the apprentice/trainee extreme financial hardship.

Partial exemption — tuition fees

• The participant holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and is named on the card.
• The participant issues the SAS with an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the participant, his or her partner or the person of whom the participant is a dependant, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
• The participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Acceptable evidence is as stated on the Training Contract and AVETMISS VET Enrolment Form
   

Full exemption — tuition fees

• The participant has been approved for the fees waiver by SAS at the time of the enrolment (the reason is when contribution fee would cause extreme financial hardship to student).
• Where credit transfer/national recognition has been applied to a unit of competency/module.

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