Career Start Funding
Queensland Government Initiative
Career Start is a Queensland Government-funded program (effective from July 1 2025) that replaces the Certificate III Guarantee. It helps eligible Queenslanders access government-subsidised training to begin a Certificate III qualification, and potentially an apprenticeship or traineeship, in priority or emerging industries.
The program focuses on entry-level training aligned with industry needs, including Certificate III qualifications, apprenticeships, traineeships, and foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability.
The program supports two main pathways:
1. General Training Pathway: Direct enrolment into a Certificate III or lower-level qualification (plus possibly an introductory skill set).
2. Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway: Employer-linked apprenticeship or traineeship under the Australian Apprenticeship system.
Career Start - General Training Pathway Courses
The courses that are included in the Career Start General Training Pathway are:
Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Limited to SQW)
Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation
Fees
While the Queensland Government subsidises most of the training cost through Career Start, all students are required to make a small co-contribution fee – this fee reflects the personal benefit you’ll gain from your qualification and helps keep the program fair and sustainable.
General Training Pathway Fees
Concessional Students – $30.00
Non-Concessional Students – $50.00
Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway Fees
Charged at $1.60 per nominal hour of training
Concessions (40% of fee) apply if you:
Are under 17, not at school, and have not completed Year 12
Hold a Health Care Card, Pension Card, Veteran Card, or are a dependent.
Are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
These fees are set at affordable levels to ensure training remains accessible for all Queenslanders.
For eligibility enquiries, please contact Civil Safety or complete our eligibility enquiry form.
Benefits of Completing a Career Start Qualification
Completing a Career Start qualification:
Enrols you in a nationally recognised qualification in a priority or emerging industry
Provides competency-based training, so some students may finish faster than others
Opens pathways to employment, apprenticeships, or further study, depending on the course and skills gained
Am I Eligible for Career Start Funding?
To qualify for Career Start funding (General Training Pathway), you must:
Be 15 years or older and no longer at school
Permanently reside in Queensland
Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an eligible visa toward permanent residency
Not hold a Certificate III or higher qualification completed in the last 10 years (school or foundation qualifications excluded)
Not be enrolled in another qualification, excluding foundation skills
How Many Times Can I Access Career Start Funding?
You can access Career Start funding up to two times, choosing from:
Pathway 1: One Certificate III qualification (General Pathway) + one apprenticeship or traineeship
Pathway 2: Two apprenticeships or traineeships at Certificate II or III level (including school-based options)
You may also complete one introductory skill set.
Important Notes:
If you complete an apprenticeship or traineeship first, you cannot later use Career Start for a General Certificate III
Once you’ve used your two training places, you are no longer eligible for Career Start funding
For more information please visit the Queensland Government Career Start page.
Summary
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Program Name | Career Start (effective from 1 July 2025) |
Purpose | Helps Queenslanders start or advance in their careers through subsidised training |
Pathways Offered | Certificate III training / Apprenticeships & Traineeships |
Training Limits | Up to 2 subsidised training places per person |
Eligibility (General Pathway) | 15+ years, Queensland resident, relevant citizenship/residency, no recent Certificate III+, not currently enrolled |
Additional Support | Foundation skills, remote area access, support for women, priority cohorts |
For further information please complete our funding eligibility form or contact us at info@civilsafety.edu.au.
View Career Start Policy.