User Choice Program

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. 

To be eligible to receive a government contribution, the apprentice or trainee must:

• have entered into a Training Contract for a qualification that is funded by the department
• be registered on DELTA with a commencement date or recommencement date on or after 1 July 2020
• select a training provider that holds SAS status for their nominated qualification.

To be able to enter into a User Choice training contract you will need be working in the same industry that you are signing up into the apprenticeship or traineeship. Both you and your new employer will need to sign into a training contract with an Australian Apprenticeships Support Network representative before you start training with your training organisation.

To find an Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) representative who supports employers, apprentices and trainees during the term of an apprenticeship or traineeship, please click on the link below. 

https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/

What is the difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship?

• Traineeships can be either a full-time or part-time employment based training arrangement, usually for around 12 - 24 months and are generally in a non-trade related area. Traineeships cover a huge range of industries that don’t require a trade certificate, working in fields such as marketing, administration, hospitality, retail, tourism, plus many more.
• Apprenticeships usually take up to three years to complete. This is where you learn an art, trade, or job. Apprentices become skilled workers once they have acquired the knowledge and skills in a trade or occupation, such as a butcher, chef, builder or electrician to name just a few. 

For more information regarding User Choice please click the below link which will direct you to the Queensland Government, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.

https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/incentives/userchoice