User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an Australian Apprenticeship. The level of funding varies by state, and in the Australian Capital Territory the subsidies are paid directly to the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) who delivers the training.
User Choice Funding ACT reduces the cost of training employers have to pay. It covers a wide range of industries with nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma.
To access User Choice Funding you must already be working in the ACT and being paid. As a minimum you must also be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, NZ passport holder with more than 6 months residency or hold another eligible visa; at least 15 years old; undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship with an approved RTO.
Your employer will need to prove that you receive proper supervision at work as well as on-the-job instructions and guidance. They must also demonstrate that you will be supported to attend off-site training and be given time to complete assignment tasks.
New Workers vs Existing Workers
To be eligible for funding, you must already be in paid employment and you will be assessed on your status as either a New Worker or an Existing Worker. You are considered a New Worker if you are full time (employed for less than 3 months) or part time (employed for less than 12 months). You are classed as an Existing Worker if you have been employed for longer.