User Choice

The User Choice program provides public funding to registered training organisations (RTOs) for the delivery of accredited, entry-level training to apprentices and trainees.

Information for apprentices and trainees about User Choice is also available.

How User Choice works

Apprentices or trainees and their employers can select a preferred RTO to deliver subsidised training from a list of User Choice Skills Assure suppliers (SAS).

SAS can then claim payments for the training they deliver.

The subsidy is paid directly to the SAS on behalf of the apprentice or trainee once training is delivered and reported.

Apprentices or trainees pay the remaining training costs as a co-contribution fee.

A third party such as an employer or a parent may pay this fee on behalf of the apprentice or trainee but the SAS cannot pay or waive this fee.

Qualifications and subsidy levels

Not all apprenticeships and traineeships are funded under the User Choice program.

Information about funded qualifications and subsidy levels is available.

Subsidy levels vary for concessional and non-concessional students.

How to access User Choice funding

RTOs must apply to become a SAS to deliver training under the User Choice program.

Once approved, the RTO will be listed on the Queensland Skills Gateway as an approved SAS.

Funding under the program is fully contestable, allowing apprentices, trainees and employers to choose their preferred SAS.

Skills Assure supplier requirements

User Choice SAS must meet a number of performance standards to maintain their status.

These include:

  • the number of apprentices and trainees who have successfully completed training
  • whether the training resulted in an employment benefit such as securing a job or advancing their career.

For more information, refer to the User Choice Skills Assure supplier policy and agreement.

More information

Visit the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.

Related links