The User Choice program provides a public funding contribution towards the cost of training and assessment for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees.
The program provides the flexibility for apprentices, trainees and their employers to select a preferred training provider (registered training organisation or RTO) from a list of Skills Assure suppliers (SAS) for the delivery of accredited training to meet their specific needs. SAS are training providers who have contract with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to deliver funded training.
The program works in conjunction with the Commonwealth Australian Apprenticeships system, under which apprentices and trainees (also known in some jurisdictions as “Australian Apprentices”) enter into legally binding training contracts with their employers and receive structured training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
Apprenticeships are a great opportunity if you want to progress to a higher qualification, gain work experience or follow a vocational route to employment. The range of skills and knowledge you achieve will prepare you for whichever future path you choose to pursue. Apprenticeships are available across most industry sectors and are a great way to gain recognised qualifications while working and gaining real workplace experience.
Studying an apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to:
The User Choice Program is eligible for apprentices or trainees who:
The government contribution for a User Choice funding contribution is detailed in the apprentice or trainee’s letter of registration from the department, and is subject to student eligibility and their selection of an eligible SAS to deliver their training.
Student contribution fees are currently charged at the rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. The total is based on the State Governments nominal hours it allocates to each unit of competency in your qualification. All student contribution fees may be paid upon enrolment or may be paid prior to commencement of each unit. If agreed between the employer and the apprentice, student contribution fees can be paid by the employer or third party.
InTech Institute of Technology has been approved to deliver the following qualifications under the User Choice Program:
InTech provides a range of support services for learners to achieve their study goals. Learners who have been identified with learning barriers are supported with agreed strategies. The range can include:
You will be provided with a qualification and Results Record on successful completion of the course. Apprentices and trainees can only receive one government contribution for a User Choice funded qualification at any single point in time, i.e. a student is not funded to undertake two apprenticeships or traineeships at the same time. If you fail to complete the qualification, you will be provided with a statement of attainment for completed units.
As a condition of your enrolment, you will be required to complete a student training and employment survey within three months of finishing or discontinuing your training.
