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?
Under Career Start, you may access up to 2 funded training places through one of the following options:
- a qualification in a certificate III under the general training pathway and an apprenticeship or traineeship. If the apprenticeship or traineeship is completed first, you are not eligible to access a general training pathway qualification under Career Start
- or
- two apprenticeships and traineeships in either a certificate II or III (school-based apprenticeships and traineeships are included in this total).
General training pathway
To be eligible, you must:
- be aged 15 years or older, and no longer in school
- permanently live in Queensland
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an eligible visa subclass
- 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 don’t count)
- not be enrolled in another qualification, even if it’s on hold or deferred, whether funded by us (Department of Trade, Employment and Training) or not (foundation skills qualification don’t count).
Along with the eligibility criteria above, specific entry requirements or exemptions may apply to certain funded qualifications and skill sets. These are set by industry or sector requirements, as well as national training package guidelines.
Apprenticeship or traineeship pathway
To be eligible, you must:
- have entered into a training contract for a qualification that is funded by DTET and be registered on their systems
- if you’re from overseas, have a visa allowing you to work in Australia
- not be enrolled in another qualification
- not have already completed 2 apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications (including a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship) within the last 10 years.
Learn more about apprenticeship and traineeship funding.
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 |
| TLI37122 | Certificate III 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)