Career Start provides Queenslanders with skills and support to start their career. The program offers subsidised training to help job seekers secure employment and supports people already in work to move into more skilled roles or full-time employment. Training is delivered by approved training providers under the Queensland Government’s Skills Assure framework.
From 1 July 2025, eligible Queenslanders can access subsidised training under Career Start through either the general training pathway or an apprenticeship/traineeship pathway. Under the general training pathway, students may complete a certificate III level qualification or an introductory-level skill set, while the apprenticeship/traineeship pathway supports students to complete a subsidised apprenticeship or traineeship at certificate II or III level.
Are you Eligible?
To access a subsidised training place under the Career Start general training pathway, a student must:
· Be aged 15 years or older.
To be eligible to enrol in the Certificate 3 Guarantee, prospective students must:
· Not be a school student
· Permanently reside in Queensland.
· Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrant), a temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen.
· Not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills qualifications do not count).
A student may access up to two subsidised training places under Career Start: one certificate III qualification under the general training pathway and one apprenticeship/traineeship, or two apprenticeships/traineeships at certificate II or III level (including school-based apprenticeships and traineeships). Link
Career Start Funding – Co-Contribution Fees
Under Career Start, the Queensland Government pays a subsidy towards the cost of training and students are required to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution (student) fee. The co-contribution fee may vary depending on the qualification, delivery mode and student circumstances, and may be paid by the student or on their behalf by a third party.
| Qualification Code | Qualification Description | Concession amount per qualification | Non-Concession amount per qualification |
| TLI271271 | Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure | $0 | $100 |
For more information about the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Skills Assure program visit: Skills Assure | Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (desbt.qld.gov.au)