NO-COST TRAINING

Government Subsidised Training Schemes

Currently, eligible people are able to undertake selected Certificate III and IV courses, and have them fully paid for by the Government.  That’s right – you may be able to undertake training at no cost and you don’t have to be unemployed or a pensioner to access these courses. 

Generally to be eligible you just need to be a Citizen or Permanent Resident and not already have (or be studying to attain) a qualification at the Certificate III or IV level or higher.

Subsidised courses are available across a broad range of areas, including administration, manufacturing and logistics, driving operations, mining and resources, aged and community care, hospitality and more. To find out if you are eligible for subsidised training use our Training Eligibility Checker.

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

These are essentially paid positions where you are paid, a reduced wage, to work and study on the job.  For more information check out Job Access and Australian Apprenticeships.  

Volunteering

If you are able to secure a volunteer placement with a prospective employer you may be able to learn vital job skills at no cost.  One of the things that employers will want you to have is your own insurance.  If you are not getting paid, you will not be covered by their WorkCover insurance, and not having any insurance at all may be a barrier to your placement.  Check out local work experience insurance company Experience Worx to find out about organising insurance before you talk to potential employers.

In order to find yourself a voluntary placement, follow the same steps that you would use to find a job.  Download our Ultimate Job Seeker's Guide for help.

Training at Your Work

If you are currently employed, don’t forget that your own workplace can be a valuable source of free training.  Many employers are happy to support you in undertaking training courses, especially where they enhance the skills that you need in the job, or provide you with upskilling to take on higher duties in the company.

Deferred-Cost Training

The Australian Government provides eligible students the opportunity to defer the payment of their study fees, either under the HECS-HELP or VET FEE-HELP programs.  These allow eligible students to study at University or College or other recognised institutions and pay for their fees at a later date, usually once they start working.

Your training institution can give your more information about how this might work for you.

Before committing, be sure to do your research about what sort of return on investment you can expect, and whether investing in training is the right decision for you.