1300 616 180Student Login
Australian Institute of Personal Trainers
1300 616 180
Male athlete pushing a heavy weighted sled across indoor gym turf during a fitness training session.

QLD Skills Assure & Career Start Program

The Career Start Program is funded by the Queensland Government under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).

Enquire Now
Skills assure logo

About Career Start Program

The Career Start Program is funded by the Queensland Government under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).

This program helps eligible students access subsidised training for entry-level Certificate III qualifications, supporting Queenslanders to:

  • Move into employment

  • Re-enter the workforce

  • Advance their careers

AIPT is an approved Skills Assure Supplier delivering subsidised training through the Career Start Program.

Eligibility for Career Start Subsidised Training

Eligibility requirements differ depending on whether you are accessing funding through the General Training Pathway or Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathway. 

Eligible Students must meet the following criteria:

  • be aged 15 years or older;
  • be a permanent Queensland resident;
  • be an Australian citizen, or Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), or temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;

The following individuals are NOT eligible for Career Start for the General Training Pathways program:

  • School students; 
  • individuals currently enrolled in a Qualification funded by the Department, even if it
  • is on hold or deferred;
  • individuals who have completed a Qualification within the last 10 years immediately
  • preceding the individual’s enrolment with the exception of:
    • Qualifications completed as a school student; or
    • Foundation Skills Qualifications;
    • Qualifications funded by the Department under a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Program.

To access subsidised training through Career Start (Apprenticeships and Traineeships), you must meet the following criteria:

  • Are currently employed as a Queensland apprentice or trainee (under a registered training contract) in a funded apprenticeship or traineeship Qualification through this Program, as published on the Queensland Subsidised Training List;

The following individuals are NOT eligible for the Career Start Traineeship and Apprenticeship Pathways program:

  • school students;
  • individuals currently enrolled in a Qualification funded by the Department, even if it is on hold or deferred;
  • individuals who have completed two Department funded apprenticeship/traineeship qualifications (including School Based Apprenticeships) within the 10 years immediately preceding the individual’s proposed enrolment with the exception of qualifications funded by the Department under a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Program; or
  • individuals who have completed a Department funded general training pathway Qualification and Traineeship/Apprenticeship within the 10 years immediately preceding the individuals proposed enrolment.

Some qualifications and skill sets may also have additional entry requirements or exemptions. These are determined by industry or sector requirements and national training package guidelines.

For more information regarding the Career Start Program, please ensure you read the fact sheet as released by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.

It is important to note that an individual is no longer eligible for a government-subsidised training place under the Career Start Program once they complete a Certificate III level vocational qualification.

For more assistance on selecting the right course for you, please feel free to contact a Careers Advisor on 1300 616 180.

  • For clarity, Students will be funded by the Department, for a maximum of two apprenticeships/traineeships or one apprenticeship/traineeship and one Qualification funded by the Department across the School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs), Free Apprenticeships, Career Start and Career Boost Programs combined.
  • Students can receive funding for only one apprenticeship or traineeship at a time. If two training contracts are registered at the same time, the contract with the earliest start date will qualify for funding, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

Student Co-Contribution Fees

Students undertaking Certificate III level training and non-concessional students undertaking lower-level vocational training are required to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. 

  • The out-of-pocket cost depends on your chosen course and eligibility and is set by AIPT. 

  • Co-contribution fees are confirmed prior to enrolment. 

  • Fees may be paid on your behalf by an employer or third party. 

  • AIPT (or any other related organisation) cannot pay or waive training fees unless explicit approval has been granted by the Department. 

  • No fee is charged for units achieved through Credit Transfer. 

Exemptions and Concessions 

Free apprenticeships and traineeships for under-25s: Eligible students who commence by 30 June 2027 may receive fully subsidised training through to completion. 

Concessional rates (lower co-contribution fees) may apply if you are: 

  • a student (or partner or guardian) holding a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card 

  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student 

  • a student with a disability 

  • an adult prisoner. 

For more information about concessional student status, please refer to the Department of Trade, Employment and Training's website  or contact a Careers Advisor on 1300 616 180. 

Mentor and student

Career Start General Training Courses and Fees 

AIPT offers subsidised Certificate III qualifications under Career Start (General Training). For full course details, including entry requirements, see the individual course overview pages. A pricing breakdown is provided to students during the enrolment process.

Non-Concessional Student Co-Contribution Fees 

Course Co-contribution fee total Co-contribution fee per unit
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness  $990*  $66 

Concessional Student Co-Contribution Fees 

Course Co-contribution fee total Co-contribution fee per unit
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness  $790* $52.67

Career Start Apprenticeship and Traineeship Courses and Fees 

AIPT offers subsidised Certificate III qualifications under Career Start (Apprenticeships and Traineeships). For full course details, including entry requirements, see the individual course overview pages. A pricing breakdown is provided to students during the enrolment process.

Non-Concessional Student Co-Contribution Fees 

Course Co-contribution fee total Co-contribution fee per unit
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness  $995* $66.30

Concessional Student Co-Contribution Fees 

Course Co-contribution fee total Co-contribution fee per unit
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness  $398* $26.50

External Unit Costs 

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) include one or more units that must be completed through an external training provider of your choice. Our website's course information page outlines the specific unit(s) that must be completed externally.  

  • These units are recognised via Credit Transfer. We do not charge additional fees to process your Credit Transfer.
  • Costs for these units are not included in the co-contribution fee total listed.
  • As a guide, the First Aid unit (HLTAID011) typically costs $100–$250 depending on provider and location. Students pay these costs directly to their chosen provider.

Not Eligible for Funding?

We believe everyone should have access to quality education. This is why we have a range of payment options to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Payment Options

Important Information About Career Start Funding 

  • Training for eligible Queensland students is subsidised under the Skills Assure Queensland VET Investment Program. Eligibility criteria and availability apply. 

  • Student co-contribution fees may apply unless an exemption applies. 

  • Amounts may change. No outcomes are guaranteed. 

  • As a condition of enrolment, you may receive a survey from the Department seeking feedback on your training experience. 

Last updated: June 2026 

Courses.
Help.
Legal.

Industry Supplier

AUS Active logo

Proud member of

iteca logoskills-assure-logo
Kick-start your fitness career with AIPT

© Australian Institute of Personal Trainers | RTO Number 32363

1300 Go AIPTEnquire Now