What is User Choice funding?
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 must pay. It covers a wide range of industries with nationally recognised qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma.
Who is eligible for User Choice Funding?
User Choice Funding is targeting young people wanting to enter the workforce, people who have lost their jobs due to impacts of COVID19, and key industries experiencing skill shortages.
Funding will only be available for courses listed on the official User Choice qualification subsidy list. 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, and undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship in the ACT with an approved RTO in an occupation identified on the current ACT Skills Needs List.
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.
Who is NOT eligible for User Choice Funding?
From January 2022, the following workers are no longer eligible for User Choice funding in the ACT:
New Australian Apprentices (AAs) directly employed by the ACT or Australian Government. Note: there are exceptions for school-based apprentices.
Existing employees working in an occupation that is NOT on the current ACT Skills Needs List.
New Workers vs Existing Workers
Your eligibility for funding may include an assessment 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.