Mackay

Government funded courses

Government funding provides subsidised course fees to eligible students in an effort to address skills shortages.

Government funding available in Mackay

Certificate 3 Guarantee

The Certificate 3 Guarantee provides funding for a range of Certificate III qualifications as well as foundation skills training.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 15 years of age or older
  • not enrolled at any school (with the exception of VET in Schools students)
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
  • not hold, or be enrolled in, a certificate III level or higher qualification (not including qualifications completed at school and foundation skills training).
Additional criteria may apply.

Construction Skills Queensland

Eligible Queensland building and construction workers can have up to 75% of training costs covered by Construction Skills Queensland for short courses, higher qualifications, skills assessments, and gap training, supporting those seeking to upskill or re-enter the industry.

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Eligibility criteria
  • not enrolled at any school
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
  • be employed in the building and construction industry for at least six months or be an unemployed eligible worker for no more than six months
  • not be an employee of an authority
  • not be a contracted trainer, assessor, or existing worker of an RTO
  • not be receiving funding from another source for the same training
  • not be funded for more than eight short courses in the same program period
  • not be funded for more than three high-risk work units (excluding asbestos units) in the same program period
  • not be seeking a Verification of Competency
Additional criteria may apply.

Fee-Free TAFE

Fee-Free TAFE (QLD) is a state government initiative that offers eligible Queenslanders the chance to attain a fully accredited diploma, certificate qualification, or short course at zero cost.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 15 years of age or older
  • not enrolled at any school
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
  • not have enrolled in the course previously (not including foundation skills training)
  • not have completed a qualification previously under Fee-Free TAFE or Free Nursing
Additional criteria may apply.

Free training for Apprenticeships

This funding scheme provides free training for students who are under 21 years of age in priority apprenticeship and traineeship programs.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 25 years of age or younger
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
Additional criteria may apply.

Free training for Year 12 graduates

Fee Free Training for Year 12 Graduates enables eligible Year 12 graduates to access fee-free apprenticeships, traineeships and training in high priority areas. The Queensland government provides subsidised training within the calendar year after graduating from high school.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 17 years of age or older
  • have completed Year 12 in Queensland and hold a Senior Statement, or equivalent certification
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live in QLD
Additional criteria may apply.

Higher Level Skills

The Higher Level Skills Program provides funding for Certificate IV or higher level qualifications within priority skill sets.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 15 years of age or older
  • not enrolled at any school
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live in QLD
  • not have enrolled in the course previously
Additional criteria may apply.

JobTrainer

JobTrainer Queensland is an investment of more than $201 million into the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Queensland. This joint initiative between the Federal Government and the QLD state government will allow new workers, school leavers, apprentices, and trainees to access free and low cost training.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 17-24 years of age
  • not enrolled at any school
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
  • not have enrolled in the course previously
Additional criteria may apply.

Skills Checkpoint

Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within Queensland. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.

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Eligibility criteria Additional criteria may apply.

User Choice

User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship.

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Eligibility criteria
  • be 17 years of age or older
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
  • live or work in QLD
  • have entered a training contract for a qualification funded by the government
  • have selected a government-approved training provider.
Additional criteria may apply.

Popular government funded courses

Enquire with a course provider to confirm availability of funded places and eligibility requirements.

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
CPP20218

Certificate II in Security Operations
On Campus
3 weeks
$20 - $1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
On Campus, Online
12 months
$2,150
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aboriginal Disability Worker Aboriginal Aged Care Worker Trainee Support Worker
Disability Service Officer Disability Support Worker Senior Support Worker Aged Care Worker Personal Carer Community Care Worker Residential Care Worker Home Care Assistance Worker Home Carer
+ 9 more
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
On Campus
3 months
$3,199
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Home Carer Trainee Support Worker Aboriginal Disability Worker
Disability Support Worker Disability Team Leader Disability Service Officer Senior Support Worker Personal Carer Aged Care Worker Community Care Worker Residential Care Worker Home Care Assistance Worker
+ 9 more
MSL40122

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
On Campus
7 months
$5,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Science Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Attendant
Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Forensic Science Technician Medical Laboratory Technician Laboratory Attendant Laboratory Technician Pathology Assistant Pathology Collector + 3 more
CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
8 - 18 months
$100 - $6,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer Community Care Worker Family Support Worker
Aboriginal Community Care Worker Community Development Worker Community Corrections Officer Senior Support Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Support Worker Case Manager Intake Worker
+ 10 more
CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health
Blended, On Campus
6 months
$3,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Outreach Worker Relationship Counsellor Peer Support Worker
Support Worker Student Counsellor Family Support Worker Mental Health Worker Crisis Support Worker Mental Health Practitioner Mental Health Clinician Mental Health Counsellor Mental Health Support Worker
+ 9 more
SIS30321 & SIS40221

Dual Certificate III in Fitness & Certificate IV in Fitness
Blended, On Campus, Online
24 months
$3,490
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fitness Instructor Personal Trainer Gym Instructor
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fitness Instructor Personal Trainer Gym Instructor
CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
On Campus
3 months
$3,199
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Home Care Assistance Worker Residential Care Officer Residential Care Worker
Community Care Worker Aged Care Worker Personal Carer Support Worker Aged Care Manager Senior Support Worker Disability Support Worker Aboriginal Aged Care Worker Trainee Support Worker Home Carer Patient Care Assistant
+ 11 more
HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Online
12 months
$2,150
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Allied Health Assistant Patient Services Assistant Hospital Attendant
Occupational Therapy Assistant Patient Care Assistant Operating Theatre Technician Nursing Assistant Pathology Assistant Ward Assistant
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Allied Health Assistant Patient Services Assistant Hospital Attendant Occupational Therapy Assistant Patient Care Assistant Operating Theatre Technician Nursing Assistant Pathology Assistant Ward Assistant + 6 more
FNS40217

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Online
24 months
$1,495
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Payroll Officer Assistant Accountant Accounts Clerk
Accounts Receivable Officer Bookkeeper Accounts Officer BAS Agent
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Payroll Officer Assistant Accountant Accounts Clerk Accounts Receivable Officer Bookkeeper Accounts Officer BAS Agent + 4 more
SIS30321

Certificate III in Fitness
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 months
$0 - $2,390
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fitness Instructor Gym Instructor
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fitness Instructor Gym Instructor
CHC43415

Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
Blended, On Campus
8 months
$3,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Diversional Therapy Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Diversional Therapy Assistant Lifestyle Coordinator Occupational Therapy Assistant
CHC42021

Certificate IV in Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$100 - $3,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Support Worker Intake Worker Mental Health Support Worker
Residential Care Officer Community Care Worker Residential Care Worker Housing Officer Family Support Worker Youth Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker Youth Case Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Support Worker Community Development Worker Case Manager Peer Support Worker Community Corrections Officer Senior Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator
+ 18 more
SIR40216

Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant Dispensary Technician Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Assistant
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant Dispensary Technician Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Assistant + 1 more
SIR30116

Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant Pharmacy Technician Pharmacy Assistant
CUA51020

Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services)
On Campus
12 months
$5,017
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Makeup Artist Special Effects Makeup Artist Hair and Makeup Artist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Makeup Artist Special Effects Makeup Artist Hair and Makeup Artist
CHC43121

Certificate IV in Disability Support
Blended, On Campus
6 months
$3,950
  • Completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Completion of CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aboriginal Disability Worker Disability Support Worker Disability Team Leader
Disability Service Officer
+ 1 more
  • Completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Completion of CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
  • Completion of CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
Additional requirements may apply.
Aboriginal Disability Worker Disability Support Worker Disability Team Leader Disability Service Officer + 1 more
AVI20118

Certificate II in Transport Security Protection (Air Cargo Examination Officer)
Blended, On Campus, Online
5 days
$990
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Air Cargo Examination Officer
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Air Cargo Examination Officer
BSB30120

Certificate III in Business
Online
12 months
$1,795
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Customer Service Representative Receptionist Data Entry Operator
Executive Assistant Administration Officer Personal Assistant Office Assistant Appointment Setter Operations Coordinator Administration Manager Business Administrator School Administration Officer Scheduler Administrative Assistant Payroll Clerk Accounts Clerk
+ 13 more
CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services
Online
12 months
$1,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Support Worker Peer Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator
Support Worker Outreach Worker Youth Case Worker Youth Support Worker Welfare Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Community Support Worker Peer Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator Support Worker Outreach Worker Youth Case Worker Youth Support Worker Welfare Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker + 6 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Government funding by Location