Career Start is one of the Queensland Government’s core funded vocational education and training (VET) programs, managed by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).

The core VET programs provide subsidised training opportunities for Queenslanders aligned to the priorities set out in the DTET Training Priorities Plan.

Career Start provides individuals with the skills and support to start their career. The program provides training to help individuals find a job and supports those already employed to move into more skilled roles or full-time employment, including after completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Career Start supports the delivery of entry-level training to students, apprentices and trainees aligned with the skill outcomes required by industry. Career Start offers either a general training pathway or an employment-based apprenticeship or traineeship pathway.

Under Career Start, an individual may access up to two subsidised training places through one of the following options:

• a general qualification at Certificate III and an apprenticeship/traineeship, noting that if the apprenticeship/traineeship is done first, the individual is no longer eligible to access a general qualification under Career Start; or

• two apprenticeships/traineeships at either Certificate II or III, including school-based apprenticeships or traineeships (SATs).

In addition, under Career Start, individuals may access one subsidised introductory level skill set.

An individual cannot do two general pathway qualifications under Career Start. This is to ensure equitable access for all eligible Queenslanders to a training opportunity.

What are the training pathways?

General Training Pathway

Qualifications and introductory skill sets delivered through a general training pathway are available for direct enrolment. Students do not need to enter into a training contract (apprenticeship/traineeship) with an employer.

This pathway is suitable for individuals looking to build skills to start their career or to gain a nationally recognised qualification without being employed as an apprentice or trainee.

👉 For more information, follow this link: General Training Pathway

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway

For apprenticeships and traineeships, an individual must be employed as an apprentice or trainee. This pathway is part of the Australian Apprenticeships system and requires all parties to sign an Apprenticeship and Traineeship Training Contract (the Contract) as defined by the Further Education and Training Act 2014 (the Act).

Employers must provide or arrange:

• appropriate workplace facilities
• a suitable range of work
• supervision and on-the-job training as required under the Act and training plan

The Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO) is responsible for:

• assessing employment arrangements
• completing an Employer Resource Assessment
• developing a training plan in consultation with the employer, apprentice and/or trainee to ensure compliance with the Act

👉 For more information, follow this link: Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway