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Overview

Understand the costs and government subsidies available for your training.

At Australian Trade Training College, we offer a range of nationally recognised qualifications that may be subsidised under Queensland Government Funding Programs — such as User Choice, Certificate 3 Guarantee, and VET in Schools (VETiS).

This page explains how each funding option works, what contribution fees may apply, and when you might be eligible for reduced or fee-free training.

Our Training Pathways are how you access these qualifications — whether you’re a school student exploring trades, an apprentice learning on the job, or someone returning to the workforce. Each pathway aligns with a funding opportunity and is supported by structured, high-quality training.

Scroll down to explore the government funding programs that support each pathway — and what fees or exemptions may apply.

We are a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS)

Australian Trade Training College is an approved Skills Assure Supplier, meaning we are authorised by the Queensland Government to deliver subsidised training under several core VET funding programs.

Skills Assure gives students and employers confidence that training providers like ATTC meet strict government standards for quality and positive training outcomes.

As a Skills Assure Supplier, ATTC delivers courses through the following funded programs:

  • User Choice — public funding for entry-level training for apprentices and trainees
  • Certificate 3 Guarantee — government subsidy for eligible Queenslanders to obtain their first post-school Certificate III qualification
  • Higher Level Skills — subsidy for selected Certificate IV and above qualifications and priority skill sets to help secure employment or career advancement

VET in Schools (VETiS) qualifications are funded through the Queensland Government’s VET Investment budget and are also delivered by approved Skills Assure Suppliers such as ATTC, ensuring quality training for senior school students.

Funding Opportunities

These are government subsidies that may reduce or cover your training fees. Here’s a brief overview of who each funding program is best suited for, helping you identify the option that matches your training goals and circumstances.

Funding program Supports which training pathway? Who it’s for
User Choice Apprenticeships & Traineeships Apprentices and trainees who are employed or entering employment under an approved training contract
Certificate 3 Guarantee Certificate III programs, and short courses Varied, check program page for more information
VETiS Certificate I–II qualifications (school-based) School students in Years 10–12
Higher Level Skills Certificate IV+ or priority short courses Adults seeking upskilling or career change

Certificate 3 Guarantee

Overview

The Certificate 3 Guarantee provides eligible Queenslanders with access to a government-subsidised Certificate III qualification, helping them gain join-ready skills for employment, re-enter the workforce, or progress in their careerThis funding is provided under the Queensland Government’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) Investment Plan and supports the completion of your first post-school Certificate III qualification.

Certificate 3 Guarantee Student Fact Sheet is available via the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) website.

Important: Once you complete a qualification under this program, you will have used your one Certificate 3 Guarantee entitlement.

 

Co-Contribution Fees

Students undertaking training under this program must contribute to the cost of their training. This is known as a Co-Contribution Fee and may vary depending on the qualification.

  • Co-Contribution Fees are discussed prior to enrolment
  • Fees are payable upon commencement of the course
  • An employer or third party may pay this fee on your behalf

Concessional Student Status

  • Students may be eligible for a reduced Co-Contribution Fee if they meet one of the following:
  • Hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card (or are listed as a dependent or partner on the card)
  • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Have a disability
  • Are a school student enrolled in a VETiS program

Refunds

Refer to Australian Trade Training College Refund policy and Certificate 3 Guarantee Schedule of Fees.

Higher Level Skills

Overview

The Higher Level Skills program provides a government subsidy in selected Certificate IV and above qualifications and priority skill sets. It supports Queenslanders to gain the advanced skills required for employment, career advancement, or further study.

Once a student completes a qualification through this program, they will have used their one Higher Level Skills subsidy entitlement.

Student Contribution Fees

Students undertaking training under Higher Level Skills are required to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee.

  • This fee may be paid by the student, their employer, or another third party.
  • Fees will be clearly discussed before enrolment and are payable upon commencement of the qualification.

Refer to the Higher Level Skills Schedule of Fees for full details on qualification cost.

Concessional Student Status

You may be eligible for reduced co-contribution fees if you meet one or more of the following:

  • Hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card (or are a named dependent/partner)
  • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Are a school student enrolled in a VETiS program
  • Have a disability

Refunds

For information on refunds, refer to the Australian Trade Training College Refund Policy and Higher Level Skills Schedule of Fees.

User Choice - Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Overview

The User Choice program provides a public funding contribution towards the cost of training and assessment for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees. It operates alongside the Commonwealth Australian Apprenticeships System, where apprentices and trainees enter legally binding training contracts with their employers and receive structured training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

Student Contribution Fees

  • Apprentices and trainees funded under User Choice contribute $1.60 per nominal hour for each unit of competency.
  • Contribution fees are discussed before enrolment and payable upon commencement of each unit.
  • Fees may be paid by the student, their employer, or another third party on their behalf.

For the full list of fees, see the User Choice Schedule of Fees offered by Australian Trade Training College.

Fee Exemptions

Partial Contribution Fees (40% charge) apply if the apprentice/trainee:

  • Is under 17 years of age at the end of February in the training commencement year and has not completed Year 12
  • Holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or is a partner/dependent named on such a card
  • Identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

Full exemption of student contribution fees applies if the apprentice/trainee:

  • Is a school-based apprentice or trainee

  • Commences a high priority qualification within 12 months of completing Year 12
  • Is under 21 or under 25 and commenced a high priority qualification (free apprenticeship programs)
  • Is under extreme financial hardship

Refunds

Refer to the Australian Trade Training College Refund Policy for details. Refunds for User Choice are calculated based on the proportion of nominal hours of training completed at the time of cancellation or withdrawal.

Training Delivery

The User Choice program is designed to combine paid employment with flexible, structured training.

To undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship with Australian Trade Training College:

  • You must be employed full-time or part-time in a role relevant to the qualification.
  • Training is delivered through a blend of online theory and practical, on-the-job learning.
  • Your learning will follow a customised training plan, tailored in partnership with you and your employer.
  • Online theory is delivered via our Learning Management System (LMS), allowing for self-paced progression.
  • Practical training and assessment takes place at your workplace, using real industry tools and processes.

  • A dedicated trainer and assessor — with current industry experience — will guide and assess your progress.

This structure ensures your learning experience aligns with your job role, career goals, and industry expectations.

VET in Schools (VETiS)

What is VETiS?

VETiS enables school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while still at school. These programs teach essential industry skills and can contribute toward the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Training can be delivered as:

  • A standalone VETiS qualification, or
  • As part of a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT)
  • VETiS qualifications are typically offered at Certificate I or II level, in one employment stream only.

How VETiS is Funded

VETiS is funded by the Queensland Government’s VET Investment budget and must be delivered by a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) — such as Australian Trade Training College.

Training is provided fee-free to students, but:

  • There may be a shortfall between the government subsidy and the training cost
  • This co-contribution fee must be paid by the student’s school

Refer to the VET Investment Schedule of Fees for full details on co-contribution amounts.

Want to know more?

If you’d like more information about any of the courses at Australian Trade Training College, please complete the form and a team member will be in contact.