Victoria skills first funding
Victorian Government Skills First Funding
Now is the ideal time to make a start on gaining new skills, or upgrading your existing skills, to help you get the job you want. The Skills First Program is a Victorian Government scheme that makes vocational training more accessible to people who do not hold a post-school qualification, and/or a higher level qualification than they already hold. There are now number of government-subsidised training places available to people who meet the eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am i eligible for a government funding?
To be eligible for a government-subsidised training you must meet all three criteria below:
1. To be eligible you must be either:
- an Australian citizen;
- an Australian Permanent Resident (holder of a permanent visa); or
- a New Zealand citizen;
2. Physically present in the State of Victoria at all times during the course,
3. Upskilling if over 20 years of age:
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- under 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training; or
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- over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in a Foundation Skills List course; or
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- over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training as an Apprentice (not Trainee); or
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- over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in training in the Victorian Certificate of Education or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (Intermediate or Senior); or
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- over 20 years of age (as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training) and seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training in a course that is at a higher qualification level than the highest qualification held at the time of the scheduled commencement of training.
In addition an individual is only eligible to:
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- commence a maximum of two government subsidised courses in a calendar year. Where an individual is enrolled in a course(s) that is scheduled to commence at a later date in that calendar year, this course(s) must be counted for the purpose of this clause when assessing eligibility;
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- undertake a maximum of two government subsidised courses at any one time;
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- commence a maximum of two government subsidised courses at the same level within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in their lifetime; and
- commence a maximum of two government subsidised accredited courses with the title ‘Course in…’ in their lifetime.
Am i eligible for a JobTrainer funding?
You are eligible to participate under JobTrainer if you are:
- an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or asylum seeker, and
- 17 to 24 years old when the course starts; or
- A Job seeker of any age, where a job seeker is defined as a person who:
- holds a valid and current Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran’s Gold Card; or
- unemployed.
- be physically present in the state of Victoria during their training and assessment;
Exclusions and Extension of Eligibility Provisions
There are some exclusions and exemptions available to above eligibility criteria. Please contact us to discuss your eligibility for Government Funding.
Apprentice/Trainee
What is an Apprenticeship or traineeship? A traineeship is a training contract between an employer and an employee in which the apprentice/trainee learns the occupation or trade. A traineeship can be undertaken on a full time or part time basis and can be used to learn new skills and or further develop skills industry. Traineeships include structured, off-the-job training or workplace based training organised. Successful completion will lead to trainees receiving a a nationally recognised qualification. Eligibility Requirements for Apprentice/Trainee In addition to above eligibility requirements the Individual needs to be:
- employed in Victoria in either a full time or part time capacity under an award or registered agreement;
- undertaking an Approved Training Scheme;
- a signatory to a Training Contract with their employer which is registered with the VRQA;
- a signatory, jointly with the employer and the RTO, to a Training Plan; and
- involved in paid work and Structured Training, either workplace based or off-the job.
Whether an individual is an Apprentice or a Trainee depends on how the qualification they are undertaking is designated in the relevant Approved Training Scheme. Information on current Approved Training Schemes can be found at: http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/apptrain/Pages/schemes.aspx
For more information on Skills First funding programs and eligibility criteria, please refer to: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/skillsfirst/Pages/about.aspx
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Enrolment under Skills First Funding may impact access to further government subsidised training.