User Choice Funding

Funding program available for apprentices and trainees enrolled in workplace based industry Qualifications with Ascent Training Solutions.

How does User Choice funding work?

The program provides the flexibility for apprentices, trainees, and their employers to select a preferred registered training organisation (RTO), like Ascent Training Solutions,for the delivery of nationally recognised, accredited training to meet their specific needs.

The program works in conjunction with the Commonwealth Australian Apprenticeships System, under which apprentices and trainees (also known in some jurisdictions as “Australian Apprentices”) enter legally binding training contracts with their employers and receive structured training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

The Queensland Training Information Services (QTIS) website provides comprehensive information on all apprenticeships and traineeships that are approved in Queensland, including the priority level and government contribution.

The Qualifications Ascent is contracted to deliver under the User Choice Program are listed below.

Construction

RII30820 Certificate III in construction plant operations

Learn More

RII30120 Certificate III in surface extraction

Learn More

RII30920 Certificate III in civil construction (pipe laying)

Learn More

Landscaping and Trades

CPC30220 Certificate III in carpentry

Learn More

CPC30320 Certificate III in concreting

Learn More

Contribution Fees and Charges

Student Contribution Fees are the non-government financial contribution to the cost of the training and assessment services provided by the Skills Assure Supplier (SAS), ie. Ascent Training Solutions.

Students are required to contribute to the cost of the Qualification (unless in a priority qualification or under the age of 25) which is broken down into the nominal hours required to complete a unit of competency. The student fee contribution rate is set by the DESBT and is subject to change, we will advise you of any changes on 1 January of the calendar year.

The units of competency in each qualification funded under the User Choice Program are broken down into nominal hours. The contribution rate ($1.60) is multiplied by the nominal hours. For example, RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations is made up of 80 nominal hours. Therefore, the contribution fee to be paid by the apprentice/trainee on completion of the unit is $128.00.

Student Contribution Fee – $1.60 per nominal hour

Partial exemption Fee – $0.64 (40% of the student contribution fee)

Full Exemption – $0 

Who is entitled to partial and full exemption fees?

Partial Exemption

  • The participant was or will be under 17 years of age at the end of February in the year in which the SAS provides training, and the participant is not at school and has not completed year 12.
  • The participant holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued under Commonwealth law, or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and is named on the card.
  • The participant issues the SAS with an official form under Commonwealth law confirming that the participant, his or her partner or the person of whom the participant is a dependant, is entitled to concessions under a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
  • The participant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Acceptable evidence is as stated on the Training Contract and AVETMISS VET Enrolment Form.

Full Exemption

  • Where payment of the student contribution fee would cause extreme financial hardship, then the SAS may waive these fees.
  • Where the Queensland Government, as represented by the departmental officer responsible for the User Choice budget, advises in writing that fees are optional. Where credit transfer/national recognition has been applied to a unit of competency/module
  • The participant is a school-based apprentice or trainee
  • The participant is undertaking a qualification as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work – Work Skills Traineeship program.

Did you know?

Fee-free training for Under 25s is also available through the User Choice Program. Learn more about the Fee Free Training for Under 25’s.

Speak to an Ascent course advisor

Our highly skilled and friendly trainers conduct construction training in a way that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to get a job in the industry.

Contact us today to book in your next training course!

Enquire Here