Funding Options for Certificate III Qualifications in Queensland

Update as of 2025:

• The traditional User Choice program has been discontinued as of 1 July 2025. Students already enrolled before that date may still finish under existing arrangements.

• Moving forward, Career Start now provides Certificate III funding for eligible Queensland students via free or low-cost training. This includes school-based apprenticeships/traineeships—replacing the old User Choice pathway

Blueprint Pathways: Career Ready & Career Boost

Career Ready (Certificate III via Career Start)

• Delivers Certificate III qualifications through school-based apprenticeships or traineeships—fully or partially subsidised under Career Start.

• Offers hands-on work experience while studying.

Career Boost (Certificate IV and Above)

• For those aiming higher, Career Boost supports:

  • General pathway: Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or

  • Apprenticeship/traineeship pathway at Cert IV or above.

• Also includes up to two skill set subsidies in priority sectors.

• Note: Not available if two funded apprenticeships/traineeships have been accessed in the past 10 years.

Delivery Locations 

Blueprint delivers these vocational training programs across Queensland—in locations such as:

• Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs, Far North Qld, North Qld, North Coast, and South West Qld.

Why These Programs Matter

Both Career Start (for Certificate III) and Career Boost (for higher-level training) offer more practical, career-focused pathways:

• Work-and-learn opportunities via apprenticeships/traineeships.

• Real-world experience, potential wages, and strong employment outcomes.

• Supported by government funding with Blueprint’s local delivery footprint.