Queensland Funding
The National Skills Training Institute (NSTI) is an approved Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) under the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT). This approval allows eligible Queensland students to access nationally recognised training with heavily subsidised fees, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
What is the Career Start Program ?
The Career Start Program is a Queensland Government initiative that provides subsidised vocational education and training to help people begin or advance their careers. Managed by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET), it supports entry-level training for individuals seeking their first job, aiming for more skilled roles, or completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The program is designed specifically for Queensland residents who are at least 15 years old and meet eligibility requirements such as citizenship or permanent residency. By offering government-funded training places through approved Skills Assure Suppliers, Career Start makes nationally recognised qualifications more accessible and affordable for people across the state.
The goal of Career Start is to build a skilled workforce that meets industry demand while giving Queenslanders the confidence, knowledge, and practical experience to succeed. Whether through a general training pathway or an apprenticeship/traineeship, the program helps participants gain valuable skills, improve employment prospects, and create clear pathways to further education or long-term careers
Qld Funding Eligibility
- Be 15 years or older.
- Not be enrolled as a school student.
- Permanently reside in Queensland.
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen.
- Not have completed a certificate III or higher within the last 10 years (school qualifications and foundation skills qualifications do not count).
- Not be enrolled in another qualification (excluding foundation skills).
What Qualifications are Funded ?
Through the Queensland Government’s Career Start Program, eligible Queensland residents can access nationally recognised qualifications at heavily subsidised rates. Students only need to pay a small co-contribution fee, with concessional and non-concessional rates available. This support reduces out-of-pocket expenses while providing the opportunity to gain industry-leading skills with Australia’s most awarded training providers.
Funded Qualifications Available at NSTI:
- ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
- ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services
- ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services – Pet Grooming
These funded pathways provide hands-on training and real-world experience, helping you build the skills and confidence to succeed in the animal and pet industry.
How the Program Works
Career Start offers two flexible pathways.
1. The General Training Pathway allows you to enrol directly in approved Certificate II or III qualifications or introductory skill sets without needing an employer contract.
2. The Apprenticeship or Traineeship Pathway lets you learn on the job while earning, under a formal training contract with your employer and a Supervising Registered Training Organisation.
Both options are subsidised by the Queensland Government, keeping costs low and ensuring high-quality training
Costs and Funding
Because the government pays most of the training cost directly to approved training providers, your contribution is small.
For general training, each Skills Assure Supplier sets a co-contribution fee that covers all tuition and materials and is clearly listed on their website.
Trainees pay a standard fee of $1.60 per nominal training hour, with substantial concessions or full exemptions for eligible students, including those who hold a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or are experiencing financial hardship
Extra Support and Outcomes
Career Start Program provides higher subsidies for people who need help with language, literacy, numeracy or digital skills and for priority groups such as First Nations students, people with disability, or those living in regional and remote areas.
Completing a Career Start qualification gives you the confidence and recognised skills to move directly into work, start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or continue to higher-level training. Many students receive career advice and employment connections from their training provider as part of the program
Training Place Limit
Students can only access a maximum of two subsidised training places through the Career Start Program. This means you may complete one general Certificate III qualification and one apprenticeship or traineeship, or alternatively undertake two apprenticeships or traineeships, including school-based options.
However, once you have used these two subsidised opportunities—whether for general training or apprenticeships or traineeships—you cannot receive additional Career Start funding for further qualifications. This limit ensures fair access for all eligible Queenslanders and encourages careful selection of your training pathway
Explore the Qld Funded Qualifications
