The Lower Fees, Local Skills program is an initiative of the Western Australian Government and the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Through this program, the state government of WA is heavily subsidising VET training courses in job growth areas and industry sectors that play an important role in diversifying the economy of WA.
There are more than 180 vocational education and training courses discounted under Lower Fees, Local Skills — from Certificate II qualifications through Advanced Diploma.
Priority areas include IT, hospitality and tourism, agriculture, community services, engineering, defence, and construction, but there are also eligible qualifications in the automotive trades, childcare, mining, and environmental studies.
Eligible courses under Lower Fees, Local Skills are discounted from 50-72%, and students will have their course fees capped for each year of study. Concession students and young people (aged 15-24 years) will pay no more than $400 per year, while non-concession students will pay no more than $1,200.
To qualify for a subsidised course under Local Fees, Local Skills you must be a resident of Western Australia, and the discount will depend on your concession status. Full discounts are available for concession students including young people aged from 18-24 years (excluding school students), JobKeeper recipients, people on Commonwealth support and employment programs, or receiving receiving the Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY, people who hold Pensioner Cards, Health Care Cards, and Veteran Cards, and inmates of custodial institutions.