Will doing VETiS at school affect my access to funding later?

The short answer is no—completing a VET in Schools (VETiS) qualification does not stop you from accessing government-subsidised training once you leave school. In fact, it can give you a real head start.

1. Government Funding After School

After finishing school, students may still be eligible for Queensland Government subsidised training (such as Certificate III and above) under programs like Caree Start or Career Boost.

• Completing a VETiS course does not use up your eligibility for these programs.

• Funding eligibility is based on factors such as age, residency, and prior qualifications.

Career Ready (VET in Schools – from 1 Jan 2026)

• What it is: The new VETiS funding model under the Skills Assure Supplier framework. Schools deliver fully funded Certificate I or II qualifications (e.g., Hospitality, Tourism) to eligible students at no cost to families. 

• Eligibility: Must be a Queensland resident; Australian/New Zealand citizen or suitable visa holder; in Years 10–12; and must not have previously used VETiS funding. You can only access one funded VETiS qualification during school.

Career Start (Replacing Certificate III Guarantee — from 31 Aug 2025)

• What it is: Supports entry-level training for school leavers or job seekers through subsidised Certificate III qualifications or apprenticeships/traineeships. 

• Eligibility hints: Must be 15+, not a current school student, and Queensland resident (citizen, PR, NZ citizen, or suitable visa). Note: Career Start usually allows up to two subsidised places, but cannot include two general training pathway qualifications. 

Career Boost (Replacing Higher-Level Skills & User Choice — from 1 July 2025)

• What it is: Supports higher-level training for existing workers or school leavers—Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Skill Sets (up to two).

  Eligibility:

  • Be 15+, not a current school student, and a Queensland resident (citizen, PR, NZ citizen, or eligible visa).

  • Must not already hold a Certificate IV or higher (excluding school-acquired or foundation skills) in the last 10 years (this rule doesn’t apply to Skill Sets).

  • Must not already be enrolled in another qualification.

  • If you've already completed two apprenticeships/traineeships (including school-based or through Career Start) in the past 10 years, you cannot access another under Career Boost.

  • Also, you can only complete one general training pathway qualification under Career Boost.

   

  Key Takeaways

  • VETiS does not block you from future funding.

  • You’re still eligible for post-school subsidised training through Career Start or Career Boost once you graduate.

  • Your VETiS qualification may even give you a head start—with skills, confidence, and possibly RPL—accelerating your next steps.