Funding Programs Available for Apprenticeship Training
Queensland
As a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) approved by the Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Inscope Training is trusted to deliver government-subsidised training across our Certificate III trade qualification courses.
This means eligible students can access significantly reduced course fees through programs designed to kickstart careers — like Career Start and Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Career Start Program
The Career Start Program helps Queenslanders gain real-world skills to enter the workforce, grow in their trade, or secure full-time employment through apprenticeships or traineeships.
For eligible students on an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway under this program, the Queensland Government provides subsidies toward training costs — keeping your out-of-pocket training expenses low. These out-of-pocket training expenses are known as the co-contribution fees.
Co-Contribution Fees
If you are ineligible for the fully subsided training offered under the Free Apprentices for Under 25s program, you’ll still benefit from significantly subsidised training under the Career Start program but you or your employer will be required to make a small co-contribution fee.
The co-contribution fee is based on the nominal hours for each unit of competency, is set by the Queensland Government (not by Inscope Training or your employer) and is paid gradually over the course of your training. If you are required to pay a co-contribution fee, you or your employer will be invoiced before the unit of competency is opened and must be paid before you can start the training for that unit of competency.
Typical the total out-of-pocket (co-contribution fees) for a full Certificate III apprenticeship qualification we deliver range from $1,550–$1,800 and $620–$710 for eligible concession holders. The actual out-of-pocket cost is based on the electives you choose, as some cost more than others to train.
Do you qualify for a concession?
To qualify as a concession holder for reduced co-contribution fees you need to:
- Hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Card, or
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or
- Are under 17, not at school and haven't completed Year 12, or
- Are facing genuine financial hardship (evidence required)
Breakdown of co-contribution fees
Choose your course below to view the co-contribution fee for each unit of competency (core and electives):
- CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry - 34 units = 27 core + 7 elective
- CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating - 29 units = 26 core + 3 elective
- CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining - 29 units = 22 core + 7 elective
- CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling - 20 units = 17 core + 3 elective
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Program
If you're under 25 and meet the other eligibility criteria for the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Program your training is provided fully subsided. That means no co-contribution fees — your apprenticeship training costs are completely covered.
New South Wales
Smart and Skilled Program
As a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) approved by the Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Inscope Training is trusted to deliver government-subsidised training across our Certificate III trade qualification courses.
This means eligible students can access significantly reduced course fees through programs designed to kickstart careers — like Career Start and Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.
Career Start Program
The Career Start Program helps Queenslanders gain real-world skills to enter the workforce, grow in their trade, or secure full-time employment through apprenticeships or traineeships.
For eligible students on an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway under this program, the Queensland Government provides subsidies toward training costs — keeping your out-of-pocket training expenses low. These out-of-pocket training expenses are known as the co-contribution fees.
Co-Contribution Fees
If you are ineligible for the fully subsided training offered under the Free Apprentices for Under 25s program, you’ll still benefit from significantly subsidised training under the Career Start program but you or your employer will be required to make a small co-contribution fee.
The co-contribution fee is based on the nominal hours for each unit of competency, is set by the Queensland Government (not by Inscope Training or your employer) and is paid gradually over the course of your training. If you are required to pay a co-contribution fee, you or your employer will be invoiced before the unit of competency is opened and must be paid before you can start the training for that unit of competency.
Typical the total out-of-pocket (co-contribution fees) for a full Certificate III apprenticeship qualification we deliver range from $1,550–$1,800 and $620–$710 for eligible concession holders. The actual out-of-pocket cost is based on the electives you choose, as some cost more than others to train.
Do you qualify for a concession?
To qualify as a concession holder for reduced co-contribution fees you need to:
- Hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Card, or
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or
- Are under 17, not at school and haven't completed Year 12, or
- Are facing genuine financial hardship (evidence required)
Breakdown of co-contribution fees
Choose your course below to view the co-contribution fee for each unit of competency (core and electives):
- CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry - 34 units = 27 core + 7 elective
- CPC30620 - Certificate III in Painting and Decorating - 29 units = 26 core + 3 elective
- CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining - 29 units = 22 core + 7 elective
- CPC31320 - Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling - 20 units = 17 core + 3 elective
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Program
If you're under 25 and meet the other eligibility criteria for the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s Program your training is provided fully subsided. That means no co-contribution fees — your apprenticeship training costs are completely covered.
The NSW Smart and Skilled program provides fee free apprenticeship training to eligible NSW apprentices, including school-based apprentices whose training commenced after 1 July 2018. This means your apprenticeship training costs are completely covered.
Training for the following courses is subsided by the NSW Government under the Smart and Skilled program:
- CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry - 34 units = 27 core + 7 elective, and
- CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining - 29 units = 22 core + 7 elective
Still confused about how much your training will cost?
We know funding and eligibility can get a little technical — but we’re here to help. Call us on 1300 579 808 to speak to our friendly team to:
- Check if you're eligible for free or subsidised training
- Understand your expected co-contribution costs (Queensland only)
- Learn more about what each qualification includes
National incentives for apprentices and their employers
The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive program, offers a number of public funded initiatives to eligible employers and apprentices. The initiatives are to help employers hire and retain apprentices in occupations where there is deemed a skill shortage and help apprentices with the cost of living and buying equipment needed for their trade.
Contact your local Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) for help determine your eligibility for incentives payments
Financial Hardship
We understand that students may be facing financial hardship from time to time. Inscope Training may be able to enter into arrangements with students and their employers to assist in the assurance that co-contribution fees are paid.
If you require assistance please get in touch with us for more details.
Contact Inscope
