QLD Government Funding

Career Start & Career Boost Program for Queensland Residents

You must meet eligibility criteria and provide specific documented evidence.

Information for students: Career Start, Career Boost

Career Start & Career Boost are funded by the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training

The Queensland Government’s Career Start & Career Boost Program allows Training and Personnel Australia to offer you via the general training pathway from the 1st December 2025, if you are eligible, a government subsidised Certificate qualification. A student co-contribution is also required. On completion of a Career Start or Career Boost program graduates may no longer be eligible for a future government funded subsidised training place.

Locations of Training & Personnel Australia’s Career Start & Career Boost Program Delivery

• Townsville Region
• Cairns Region
• Cape York
• Torres Strait Islands

Are you eligible for the Career Start & Career Boost Program?

To access a subsidised training place under Career Boost, a student must meet the following criteria:

• aged 15 years or older;
• not be a school student;
• permanently reside in Queensland;
• be an Australian citizen, or Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), or a temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
• not already have a certificate IV or higher qualification (including tertiary qualification) completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills qualifications do not count). 
• Note: This eligibility requirement does not apply to individuals seeking to enrol in a skill set;
• not be enrolled in another qualification, even if it is on hold or deferred, whether funded by DTET or not (foundation skills qualifications do not count).

To access a subsidised training place under Career Start, a student must meet the following criteria:

• aged 15 years or older;
• not be a school student;
• permanently reside in Queensland;
• be an Australian citizen, or Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), or a temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
• not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills qualifications do not count);
• not be enrolled in another qualification, even if it is on hold or deferred, whether funded by DTET or not (foundation skills qualifications do not count). 

Are you eligible for a concession?

The Queensland Government’s goal is to fund training to all those who require further skills. Proof of the following eligibility criteria is required for a concessional co-contribution. You must either:

• Hold a health care concession card or pensioner concession card or, you’re the partner or dependant of a person who holds one of these cards
• Be Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander

Check your eligibility online by using the Queensland Skills Gateway website and read the Career Boost and Career Start Fact Sheets for more information.

How to Apply:

• It is recommended that you contact our friendly team by phoning 1300 TO JOB (1300 867 562) – we are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week!
• OR alternatively email you interest to
• OR alternatively please complete the Online Funding Application
• If your application is approved, you’ll be sent back a booking confirmation and invoice reflecting the funded amount.
• If your application is not approved, you’ll be emailed with an update on the progress of your application either requesting more documentation or notifying you why you are not eligible.
• Please note that all documents must be submitted prior to the course commencement date in order for your funding to be approved. Your funding will not be approved if documents are submitted late.