Overview
Understand the Costs and Government Subsidies Available for Your Training
At Tec-NQ, we deliver a range of nationally recognised trade qualifications that may be subsidised under Queensland Government funding programs.This page outlines how each funding option works, what student contribution fees may apply, and when you may be eligible for reduced or fee-free training. Our Training Pathways provide structured training towards nationally recognised qualifications, whether you’re a senior school student exploring trade careers, an apprentice gaining skills on the job, or an adult learner looking to up skill or re-enter the workforce.
Scroll down to explore the Queensland Government funding programs available through Tec-NQ, and learn more about applicable fees, eligibility criteria, and possible exemptions. These government and industry subsidies may reduce or fully cover the cost of your training at Tec-NQ. Below is a brief overview of each funding program to help you determine which option best aligns with your career goals, eligibility, and individual circumstances.
|
Funding Program |
Supports which training Pathway |
Who it’s for |
|
Career Start Program |
General pathway, apprenticeships & Traineeship Pathways, Certificate ΙΙΙ programs or priority short courses. |
Apprentices and trainees who are employed or entering employment under an approved training contract. Job seekers who want to access free and reduced cost training that meets industry needs and leads to employment |
|
VET in Schools (VETiS) |
Certificate Ι-ΙΙ qualifications (school-based) |
School students in Years 10, 11 and 12 |
Tec-NQ is an approved Skills Assure Supplier, meaning we are authorised by the Queensland Government to deliver subsidised training under key Vocational Education and Training (VET) funding programs.
Being a Skills Assure Supplier provides students, families, and employers with confidence that Tec-NQ meets rigorous government standards for quality training delivery and strong student outcomes.
As a Skills Assure Supplier, Tec-NQ delivers qualifications through the following funded programs:
Career Start Program — Provides public funding for students to gain Certificate III qualifications, supporting entry into employment. This includes funding for Certificate III and above qualifications, as well as priority skill sets across school-based pathways, apprenticeships and traineeships.
VET in Schools (VETiS) — Qualifications delivered at Tec-NQ are funded through the Queensland Government’s VETiS program. As an approved Skills Assure Supplier, Tec-NQ ensures senior school students receive high-quality, industry-relevant training that supports successful transitions into further study or employment.
Career Start supports eligible Queensland job seekers to begin their careers or progress into more skilled or full-time employment through reduced-cost, industry-aligned training delivered via general pathways, apprenticeships, or traineeships.
Career Start provides eligible Queenslanders with:
-
- Access to certificate III qualifications in priority and emerging industries
- Access to apprenticeship and traineeship training in priority and emerging industries
- Access to lower-level qualifications identified by industry as the entry point for jobs
- Expanded access to foundation skills such as language, literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- Increased access to training in regional and remote areas
- Supported training pathways for women and priority cohorts to take up skilled careers.
Some government-funded training programs, such as Career Start provide subsides that reduce the cost of training. Eligible apprentices who meet the Queensland State funding requirements will be charged a nominal co-contribution of $1.60*/nominal hour. Certified training is GST free.
A a priority 2 funding level, 87.5% of the training will be subsidised under the User Choice Program. Employer or trainee will be responsible for the remaining training costs.
Nominal hours for each unit of competency are provided in the training plan.
Fees are set by the Queensland Government Skills Assure Supplier Policy. Fees are subject to change over the course of an apprenticeship.
Other concession discounts and forms of funding may be available. Please refer to our website or contact general enquiries to check your eligibility.
| Co-Contribution Funding | ||||||
| Qualification | Locations Available | Full Qualification Nominal Hours | Co-contribution Fee Amount ($1.60 per Nominal Hour) | Concessional Co-contribution Fee Amount ($0.64 per Nominal Hour)* | ||
| Career Start | AUR30620 - Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Pathway 1 | Townsville | 390 | $624.00 | $249.60 | |
| Career Start | AUR30620 - Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Pathway 2 | Townsville | 400 | $640.00 | $256.00 | |
| Career Start | AUR31120 - Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Pathway 1 | Townsville | 855 | $1,368.00 | $547.20 | |
| Career Start | AUR31120 - Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology - Pathway 2 | Townsville | 855 | $1,368.00 | $547.20 | |
| Career Start | AUR31220 - Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology | Townsville | 1090 | $1,744.00 | $697.60 | |
| Career Start | CPC30220 - Certificate III in Carpentry | Townsville, Cairns | 1098 | $1,756.80 | $702.72 | |
| Career Start | CPC32420 - Certificate III in Plumbing | Townsville | 1205 | $1,928.00 | $771.20 | |
| Career Start | MEM30219 - Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade | Townsville | 916 | $1,465.60 | $586.24 | |
| Career Start | MEM31419 - Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic | Townsville | 898 | $1,436.80 | $574.72 | |
| Career Start | MEM31925 - Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade | Townsville | 960 | $1,536.00 | $614.40 | |
| Career Start | UEE30820 - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician | Townsville, Cairns, Mackay | 1210 | $1,936.00 | $774.40 | |
| Career Start | UEE33020 - Certificate III in Electrical Fitting | Townsville, Cairns, Mackay | 1190 | $1,904.00 | $761.60 | |
| VET in Schools | AUR20720 - Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation | Townsville | 265 | $424.00 | $169.60 | |
| VET in Schools | CPC10126 - Certificate I in Construction | Townsville | 302 | $ - | $ - | |
| VET in Schools | CPC20220 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways | Townsville | 244 | $ - | $ - | |
| VET in Schools | UEE22020 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) | Townsville | 412 | $ - | $ - | |
| VET in Schools | UEE22025 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) | Townsville | 410 | $ - | $ - | |
| VET in Schools | MEM20422 - Certificate II in Engineering Pathways | Townsville | 366 | $ - | $ - | |
| VET in Schools | 52887WA - Certificate II in Plumbing (transition to removal by end of 2026) | Townsville | 298 | $ - | $ - | |
* Eligibility for concession and other forms of funding may vary. Please contact general enquires to check your eligibility.
What is VET in Schools (VETiS)?
VET in Schools (VETiS) enables eligible Queensland secondary school students in Years 10, 11 or 12 to undertake nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualifications while completing their senior schooling. The program provides students with practical, job-ready skills and a pathway to further training or employment. Students may complete a Certificate I or II qualification through a general training pathway or commence a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT), which combines paid employment with formal training.
How can VETiS be Delivered?
VETiS qualifications can be delivered as a standalone Certificate I or II through a general training pathway, or as part of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. At Tec-NQ, students undertake a pre-apprenticeship qualification as part of their trade pathway and Senior Education and training (SET) Plan.
If a student is employed as an apprentice, eligible units of competency from the pre-apprenticeship qualification specified by their employer. Students who attain an apprenticeship progress towards an Apprenticeship Qualification (Certificate |||). School-based apprenticeships and traineeships require students to be employed and undertaking structured workplace training alongside their school studies.
How is VETiS Funded?
VETiS is funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET). Subsidised training is delivered by approved Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS). For eligible students participating in VETiS in 2026, the Queensland Government covers the cost of training and assessment. Tec-NQ School fees still apply.
