---
title: "QLD - Career Start Program Fact Sheet"
canonical: "https://help.strategix.edu.au/space/CS/3049848845/QLD%20-%20Career%20Start%20Program%20Fact%20Sheet"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (details)
>
> | **Status** | [CURRENT] |
> | --- | --- |
> | **Classification*** | [PUBLIC] |
> | **Department** | [ALL] |
> | **Review** | 3/31/2027 |
> | **Notes** | |
>
> *See [Information classification policy](#)
# Program Changes
From 1 July 2025, the following funded training programs have been discontinued for new students through the [Skills Assure Supplier framework](https://dtet.qld.gov.au/training/providers/sas/framework):
- Certificate 3 Guarantee
- User Choice (for apprentices and trainees).
The above funded programs have now been replaced with:
- [Career Start](https://www.qld.gov.au/education/training/funded/career-start) – for job seekers
Please refer to the Continuing Students policy for instructions.
# **Overview**
Strategix Training Group is an approved Skills Assure Supplier, this means you may be able to access funding while studying with us.
In this document, you will find all the relevant information on the Career Start Program funding and how it relates to eligible students. If you choose to enrol and apply for funding, you will receive both a tentative enrolment email and a confirmation of enrolment which will provide you with the specific times, locations, and requirements for your enrolment.
# What is Career Start?
Career Start is a funding program managed by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET). Career Start provides Queensland job seekers with skills and support to start their career.
The program provides training to help job seekers secure a job and supports those already employed to move into more skilled roles or full-time employment.
You can participate in either a general training pathway, or an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway. You'll receive reduced-cost entry-level training aligned to the skill outcomes required by industry.
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 to support qualification completion
- increased access to training in regional and remote areas
- supported training pathways for women and priority cohorts to take up skilled careers.
# **Skilling Queenslanders for Work**
Skilling Queenslanders for Work helps eligible Queenslanders gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need to enter and stay in the workforce.
The initiative offers programs that deliver training and support to improve skills and employment opportunities. The programs focus on supporting:
- young people, including those in and transitioned from out-of-home care
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people with disability
- mature-age job seekers
- women re-entering the workforce
- veterans and ex-service personnel
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- recently released prisoners.
The programs are delivered across the state by several bodies, including registered training organisations like Strategix.
For program funding guidelines, how to apply, approved project lists and other information, visit the [Department of Trade, Employment and Training website](https://dtet.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/incentives/sqw).
## Foundation Skills
Career Start also offers foundation skills training for students who require support in Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills. This training can be delivered as a single unit of competency or multiple units, either before or as part of the vocational qualification, depending on student needs.
Funding is directed to formally recognised, assessable training outcomes, ensuring clear, measurable pathways to vocational qualification completion and employment outcomes or further study.
Only Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS) approved by DTET to provide foundation skills, can deliver this training.
If a student requires foundation skills training, Strategix will:
- Develop a tailored Training and Support Plan including vocational qualification under the general training pathway, or incorporate the training into the existing Training Plan for an apprentice or trainee
- If a student is eligible for a Career Start Program and needs more intensive LLN&D assistance before enrolling, there are several Australian Government programs available, including [Language and literacy classes](https://www.qld.gov.au/education/further-ed/short-courses/literacy), the [Adult Migrant English Program ](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program)[ ](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program)[(AMEP)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program), and [Skills for Education and ](https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-education-and-employment)[ ](https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-education-and-employment)[Employment (SEE)](https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-education-and-employment)
- DTET also offers [Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW)](https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/incentives/sqw/job-seekers), which provides foundation skills and vocational training. Students requiring a full foundation skills qualification and wrap-around support may wish to consider participating in an SQW program.
## **Lower-Level Qualifications **
Career Start also supports access to certain lower- level qualifications including pre-apprenticeships, qualifications for SQW projects, qualifications for adult prisoners and young people in detention, and qualifications defined by industry as the entry point for jobs in the sector (e.g. Certificate II in Maritime). Funded lower-level qualifications are identified on the QSTL.
Where a student completes a lower-level qualification as either a pre-apprenticeship qualification or as part of a SQW project, they may be eligible for a second subsidised training place in an aligned certificate III qualification.
> ℹ️ **Note: **Eligible individuals are unable to complete more than one lower-level vocational qualification funded under Career Start or previous iterations of the program (e.g. Certificate 3 Guarantee program).
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ This also means that an individual who has completed a department-funded lower-level vocational qualification within the last 10 years, which is directly aligned to an employment outcome and recognised as a pathway into jobs within that industry, is not eligible to undertake another lower- level qualification under Career Start.
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ Individuals cannot access more than one government-funded certificate II qualification through a post-school training program, except for qualifications undertaken through SQW.
If a lower-level qualification delivered through local, community-based support would better suit a student’s needs, the student may wish to consider an SQW program.
# Eligibility
Under Career Start, you may access **up to 2 funded training places** through one of the following options:
1. a certificate III qualification 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
2. two apprenticeships and traineeships in either a certificate II or III (school-based apprenticeships and traineeships are included in this total).
In addition, under Career Start, students may access **one subsidised introductory-level skill set**.
A student **cannot** do 2 general training pathway qualifications under Career Start.
> 📝 You will receive and be required to complete a student training and employment survey from the Department of Small Business and Training within three months of completing or discontinuing the qualification.
> 📝
> 📝 For independent information please access the department's [Career Start Program Overview](https://www.qld.gov.au/education/training/funded/career-start).
> ℹ️ Eligible Career Start qualifications and introductory skill sets are listed on the Queensland Subsidised Training List (QSTL). This list also includes any entry restrictions or exemptions, based on requirements determined by industry and national training packages.
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ please note some qualifications are only available through a specific training pathway (general pathway, apprenticeship or traineeship), based on the preferred delivery methods of the industry or sector.
## Eligibility Requirements
### General Training Pathway
You can enrol directly in a general training pathway qualification even if you are not already employed in the industry (unless this is a specified eligibility requirement).
It helps people gain skills and qualifications through an approved training provider to support their career goals.
| **To be eligible, you must:** | **You are NOT eligible if you:** |
| --- | --- |
| - Aged 15 years or older
- Not a school student
- Permanently reside in Queensland
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an [eligible visa subclass](https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/support/migrants-refugees) | - are a school student
- have completed a certificate III or higher qualification within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student, through a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project and foundation skills qualifications don't count)
- are enrolled in another qualification funded by us (Department of Trade, Employment and Training), even if it is on hold or deferred. (Foundation skills qualifications and self-funded/fee-for-service qualifications do not impact eligibility). |
| 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:** | **You are NOT eligible if you:** |
| --- | --- |
| - be employed as a Queensland apprentice or trainee with a training contract registered on our systems for a qualification that is funded by us
- if you're from overseas, have a visa allowing you to work in Australia. | - are a school student
- are enrolled in another qualification funded by us, Department of Trade, Employment and Training, even if it is on hold or deferred, (foundation skills qualifications and self-funded/fee-for-service qualifications don’t impact eligibility)
- have completed 2 apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications (including a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship) within the last 10 years. |
| School students can only access apprenticeships and traineeships through a registered SAT. This is to ensure a school student does not use their entire apprenticeship/traineeship entitlement while at school.
Where a school student completes a DTET-funded certificate I or II through a general training pathway while at school, this does not impact their eligibility to access subsidised training under Career Start or Career Boost.
Whereas completion of a subsidised SAT exhausts one apprenticeship/traineeship pathway entitlement under Career Start and Career Boost.
Learn more about [apprenticeship and traineeship funding](https://www.qld.gov.au/education/training/funded/apprenticeship-funding). |
## Eligibility Evidence
To be deemed eligible to receive Career Start funding, you are required to provide Strategix with official identification documents. These documents are required to be valid and current at the time of enrolment to be accepted.
If you require assistance regarding the ID we accept, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
| **Evidence Category** | **Types of accepted evidence** |
| --- | --- |
| **Proof of age** | - an Australian Federal or Queensland State Government issued identification card containing the student’s photo and date of birth
- official birth certificate |
| **Proof of residency displaying the student’s name and Queensland address** | - an Australian Federal or Queensland State Government issued identification document, or
- one of the following issued no more than six months prior to the enrolment date:
- an Australian Federal, Queensland State or Queensland Local Government correspondence
- a bank statement
- an electricity, gas, phone, data or internet account
- a NDIS letter
- a property contract showing occupancy of property. |
| **Proof of Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent or temporary residency or visa status** | - a green Medicare card (must be a colour copy)
- self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander within the signed enrolment form
- an Australian or New Zealand passport
- an Australian or New Zealand citizenship certificate
- an Australian or New Zealand official birth certificate
- eligible visa or work permit, as set out on the department’s Visa eligibility under VET investment programs section, contained in either:
- the student’s passport; or
- documents provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) Notification (apprentice or trainee only. |
| **Proof of concession (if applicable)** | - self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander within the signed enrolment form
- adult prisoner evidence (Collect the required Queensland Corrective Services documents.)
- a Pensioner Concession Card – their own card or named as a dependant
- a Department of Veterans' Affairs card – their own card or named as a dependant
- a Health Care Card – their own card or named as a dependant
- a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – their own card or named as a dependant
- self-identified that the main language spoken at home is other than English
- self-identified as having a disability |
---
# **Fees and Charges**
## Co-Contribution Fees
### General Training Pathway
Given the benefits of training, including improved job opportunities and higher earnings, students enrolled in certificate III qualifications and skill sets, and non-concessional students in lower-level qualifications, are required to contribute to the cost of training through a co-contribution (student) fee. This fee can be paid by an employer/organisation, a family member, a friend, or another organisation, but it cannot be paid or waived by Strategix or any person or entity associated with the Strategix.
If you are required to pay fees personally, you will be given a payment advice that details the total amount due and a payment schedule. Students have the option of choosing multiple methods to pay for their course fees (i.e., EFTPOS, in person, o**r o**ver the phone). Refer to the Fees and Charges Information Sheet for more details.
The amount owed by each student will vary depending on their individual situation, including the overall fee being reduced for any credit transfers that apply to the students enrolment.
Fees are calculated by *Course Fee – Credit Transfers = Total due*. The fee for a Credit Transferred unit is calculated by dividing the Course Fee by the number of units, to give the cost per unit (i.e. Course Fee ÷ No. of units = cost per unit).
> ℹ️ Example: If a course fee is $20 and the qualification contains 13 units and the student has 3 Credit Transfers, the course fees will be calculated as follows:
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ **Work out the Credit Transfers first:**
> ℹ️ *Course Fee ÷ No. of units = cost per unit*
> ℹ️ $20 *÷ 13 = $1.53 per unit*
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ There are 3 units that are being credit transferred:
> ℹ️ $1.53 x 3 = $4.59
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ **New Course Fee:**
> ℹ️ *Original Course Fee – Credit Transfers = Course Fee*
> ℹ️ *$20 – $4.59 = $15.41*
> 📝 *Please note: for credit transfer to be successfully applied to your enrolment, they must be supported by a copy of the relevant certificate, statement of attainment or USI transcript and be verified by the issuing training provider, USI transcript and/or ASQA (for closed training providers).*
### Apprenticeships & Traineeships Pathway
For apprenticeships and traineeships, the fee is different as both the employer and Strategix share responsibility for training. The fee is set at $1.60 per nominal training hour for each unit of competency and is the same across all SAS providers. Only DTET can adjust the fee amount, which is reviewed each year.
These fees can be paid by an employer/organisation, a family member, a friend, or another organisation, but it cannot be paid or waived by Strategix or any person or entity associated with the Strategix. If you are required to pay fees personally, you will be given a payment advice that details the total amount due and a payment schedule.
Students have the option of choosing multiple methods to pay for their course fees (i.e., EFTPOS, in person, o**r o**ver the phone). Refer to the Fees and Charges Information Sheet for more details.
Please note, due to the co-contribution fees being charged per unit of competency (nominal hours per unit) the overall fees for each course and delivery method (online, campus and workplace) will differ. The amount owed by each student will vary depending on their individual situation, including the overall fee being reduced for any credit transfers that apply to the students enrolment.
> 📝 *Please note: for credit transfer to be successfully applied to your enrolment, they must be supported by a copy of the relevant certificate, statement of attainment or USI transcript and be verified by the issuing training provider, USI transcript and/or ASQA (for closed training providers).*
#### Concessions
If an apprentice/trainee meets any of the below criteria, Strategix will only charge 40% of the standard fee:
- under 17 years of age at the end of February in the year training is provided;
- is not at school and has not completed Year 12;
- holds concessional status as defined in this program policy - including, Health Care Card or Veteran or Pensioner Concession Card, or are the partner or dependent of someone with such a card and are named on the card;
- have a Commonwealth form confirming eligibility for concessions under a Health Care, Veteran, or Pensioner Concession Card;
- identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (First Nations people);
- have a disability;
- are adult prisoners;
If an apprentice/trainee is experiencing serious financial difficulties and can demonstrate this, they may qualify for a full fee exemption.
### **Delivery and Fee**
#### **Campus Delivery (Face-to-Face) **
Students must attend the nominated days/weeks at a Strategix venue and Vocational Placement where required.
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Qualification Code** | **Qualification Name** | **Assessment Methods** | **Non-Concession** | **Concession** |
| **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** | **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** |
| *BSB30120 | Cert III in Business | SAQ, P, CS, RP | $1300 | $100 | $650 | $50 |
| CHC30121 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $2.94 | $20 | $1.17 |
| CHC32015 | Cert III in Community Services | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $4.16 | $20 | $1.66 |
| CHC33021 | Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| FBP30121 | Cert III in Food Processing | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $50 | $2.94 | $20 | $1.17 |
| SIT30622 | Cert III in Hospitality | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| *SIR30216 | Cert III in Retail | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $50 | $3.84 | $20 | $1.53 |
| *TLI30321 | Cert III in Supply Chain Operations | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $1,100 | $79 | $1,050 | $75 |
| TLI31222 | Cert III in Driving Operations | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $100 | $6.66 | $50 | $3.33 |
| HLT33115 | Cert III in Health Services Assistance | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| MSM30116 | Cert III in Process Manufacturing* | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $50 | $2.38 | $20 | $0.95 |
| CHC30221 | Cert III in School Based Education Support | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| *TLI20421 | Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $1,050 | $75 | $1,000 | $71.42 |
**Please enquire for course availability*
Key - select to expand
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SAQ | Short Answer Questions | RP | Role Play |
| CS | Case Study | SO | Skills Observation |
| P | Project | VP | Vocational Placement |
| WSV | Work Skills Verification | | |
#### **Online Delivery**
Course delivered online with face-to-face or online practical sessions and Vocational Placement where required.
| **Qualification Code** | **Qualification Name** | **Assessment Method** | **Non-Concession** | **Concession** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** | **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** |
| BSB30120 | Cert III in Business | SAQ, P, CS, RP | $50 | $3.84 | $20 | $1.54 |
| CHC30121 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $2.94 | $20 | $1.17 |
| CHC32015 | Cert III in Community Services | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $4.16 | $20 | $1.66 |
| *SIR30216 | Cert III in Retail | SAQ, P, CS, RP, SO | $50 | $3.84 | $20 | $1.53 |
**Please enquire for course availability*
Key - select to expand
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SAQ | Short Answer Questions | RP | Role Play |
| CS | Case Study | SO | Skills Observation |
| P | Project | VP | Vocational Placement |
| WSV | Work Skills Verification | | |
#### **Workplace Delivery**
Course delivered on the job as face-to-face or online.
| **Qualification Code** | **Qualification Name** | **Assessment Method** | **Non-Concession** | **Concession** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** | **Co-Contribution Fee** | **Cost Per Unit** |
| BSB30120 | Cert III in Business | SAQ, P, CS, RP | $50 | $3.84 | $20 | $1.54 |
| CHC32015 | Cert III in Community Services | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $4.16 | $20 | $1.66 |
| CHC33021 | Cert III in Individual Support (Ageing) | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| CHC33021 | Cert III in Individual Support (Disability) | SAQ, P, CS, RP, VP | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| FBP30121 | Certificate III in Food Processing | SAQ, P, CS, SO, WSV | $20 | $1.17 | $10 | $0.58 |
| MSM30116 | Cert III in Process Manufacturing | SAQ, P, CS, SO, WSV | $20 | $0.95 | $10 | $0.47 |
| TLI31222 | Cert III in Driving Operations* | SAQ, P, CS, SO | $50 | $3.33 | $20 | $1.33 |
| TLI30321 | Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations* | SAQ, P, CS, SO | $1,100 | $79 | $1,050 | $75 |
| CHC30125 | Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (School-based Traineeship) | SAQ, CS, VP, P, TL, SO | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
**Please enquire for course availability*
Key - select to expand
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SAQ | Short Answer Questions | RP | Role Play |
| CS | Case Study | SO | Skills Observation |
| P | Project | VP | Vocational Placement |
| WSV | Work Skills Verification | TL | Task Logs |
## **Refund Policy**
Please refer directly to the [Fee Refund Policy and Information](https://help.strategix.edu.au/space/CS/3047850009/Fee+Refund+Policy+and+Information).
---
# **Course Details and Requirements**
## **Training Timeline/s**
| | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Qualification Code** | **Qualification Name** | **Campus*** | **Structured Online*** | **Online*** | **Workplace*** |
| BSB30120 | Cert III in Business | 12 weeks | Not Available | 12 months | 12 months |
| CHC30121 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | 21 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| CHC30125 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | 48 months for SBT* |
| CHC30221 | Cert III in School Based Education Support | 22 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| CHC32015 | Cert III in Community Services | 16 weeks | 16 weeks | Not Available | 12 months |
| CHC33021 | Cert III in Individual Support | 23 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| FBP30121 | Cert III in Food Processing | 12 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| MSM30116 | Cert III in Process Manufacturing | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| SIR30216 | Cert III in Retail | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| SIT30622 | Cert III in Hospitality | 20 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| TLI30321 | Cert III in Supply Chain Operations | Enquire for Availability | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| TLI31222 | Cert III in Driving Operations | 12 weeks | Not Available | Not Available | 12 months |
| HLT33115 | Cert III in Health Services Assistance | TBD - Coming Soon | TBD - Coming Soon | TBD - Coming Soon | TBD - Coming Soon |
**Students are afforded additional time and opportunities where required (assessed on a case-by-case basis).*
### **Special Requirements **
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Qualification Code** | **Qualification Name** | **VP ** | **Special Requirements** |
| BSB30120 | Cert III in Business | Not required | Must have a computer and regular access to internet |
| CHC30121 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | 160hrs | Students are required to obtain a Blue Card prior to attending Vocational Placement. |
| CHC30125 | Cert III in Early Childhood Education and Care | 160hrs | Students are required to obtain a Blue Card prior to attending Vocational Placement. |
| CHC30221 | Cert III in School Based Education Support | 100hrs | Students are required to obtain a Blue Card prior to attending Vocational Placement. |
| CHC32015 | Cert III in Community Services | 40hrs | Students are required to obtain the site-specific clearances to participate in Vocational Placement, this may include Disability clearance, Blue card or criminal history check. |
| CHC33021 | Cert III in Individual Support | 120hrs | Students no longer require a nationally coordinated criminal history check to complete Individual Support. Instead this is covered in the Yellow Card application which is free for volunteers. Persons accessing NDIS clients will also require a Disability clearance, this is completed with the host or employer. *Students can complete this course without a blue card provided the host service they are doing VP with does not require one* |
| SIT30622 | Cert III in Hospitality | 36 services | No special requirements |
## **Delivery Locations**
> Macro (excerpt-include)
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# **Learner Support Services**
> Macro (excerpt-include)
---