As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you can offer apprenticeships or traineeships in two ways. Through:
- The ACT Government-subsidised User Choice program
- An unsubsidised fee-for-service training program.
User Choice Program
The User Choice program provides ACT Government-subsidised training. Subsidies are for eligible Australian Apprentices undertaking approved qualifications in the ACT. The program provides funding for apprentices and trainees to undertake qualifications that meet current and future workforce needs.
To get User Choice funding, RTOs must have a Training Initiative Funding Agreement. They must also comply with the ACT Quality Framework.
The ACT Government is also investing in:
- support for apprentices and trainees
- improvements to vocational education infrastructure
- the development of specialist training opportunities in the clean energy economy and emerging technologies.
Current User Choice funding arrangements
The User Choice program funding prioritises:
- young people entering the workforce
- jobseekers and career changers
- occupations identified on the ACT Skills Needs List
- industries experiencing workforce shortages
- qualifications that support the ACT's economic and environmental priorities.
Current funding includes a subsidy equivalent to 90 per cent of the ACT efficient price for:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology
- Certificate III in Carpentry
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
- Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling.
Visit the ACT Qualifications Register to find approved qualifications, subsidy levels and funding. Changes to qualification funding do change depending on workforce demand and government priorities.
Delivering fee-for-service training
RTOs can deliver Australian Apprenticeship training through a fee-for-service arrangement. This is negotiated directly with employers, not the User Choice program funding.
RTOs that offer apprenticeship or traineeship training under a fee-for-service arrangement do not need a User Choice program agreement.
How to apply
To be recognised as a fee-for-service provider on the ACT Qualifications Register, an RTO must:
After you apply
- Applications are assessed by Skills Canberra.
- Outcomes are provided in writing within 7 to 14 calendar days of receipt.
- Organisations that are not approved may reapply after six months.
