User Choice Funding
What is User Choice Funding?
User Choice funding arrangements provide subsidised traineeships and are an initiative funded by the ACT and Australian Governments, available to eligible learners pursuing nationally recognised qualifications. The User Choice funded training contract is initiated by an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) and establishes a connection between the employer, trainee, and registered training provider (in this case, CPLE).
User Choice Funding is specifically for Australian Apprentices and Trainees enrolled in certain qualifications in the ACT. “Australian Apprenticeships” encompass both apprenticeships and traineeships, combining paid work with off-the-job training, which can be full-time, part-time, or school-based. At CPLE, we refer to students enrolled under this funding as “Trainees.” Traineeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications and equip trainees with essential job experience for their desired careers.
*Australian Apprenticeships in the ACT are funded by the ACT and Australian Governments.
What are the benefits of enrolling under User Choice Funding with CPLE?
There are many benefits to both the student (trainee) and the employer:
- The qualification is paid for by the Government, with the trainee only being required to pay a one-off Student Administration Fee
- The employer may be eligible to receive trainee wage incentives depending on the sector in which the trainee is working within. Up-to-date information can be found on the Skills Canberra Website
- The trainee may be eligible to receive additional Government incentive payments. Up-to-date information can be found on the Skills Canberra Website
- The trainee will receive high quality training from CPLE, whilst implementing their new knowledge and skills within the workplace
- The trainee will be eligible for paid study time as part of the User Choice arrangements
- The employer will have access to open communication with CPLE regarding the student’s progression and support needs.
What CPLE qualifications can I access with this funding?
BSB30120Certificate III
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CHC30121Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
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CHC50121Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
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BSB20120Certificate II in Workplace Skills
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How do I know if I’m eligible for User Choice Funding?
To be eligible for an ACT training contract under User Choice funding arrangements, you must:
- Work in the ACT, and
- Be at least 15 years of age, and
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand passport holder resident for more than 6 months, OR an eligible visa holder, and
- Receive remuneration for your work, and
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours combined work and training per week (11 hours for an Australian School-based Apprentice undertaking a Certificate II), and
- Undertake an approved Australian Apprenticeships qualification with an approved registered training organisation, as listed on the ACT Qualifications Register, and
- Have the required supervision in the workplace for an Australian Apprentice/Trainee.
Australian School-based Apprenticeships: In addition to the above, to be eligible for an ACT training contract an Australian School-based Apprentice must:
- Be enrolled in a school under legislation that covers education in the relevant state/territory
- Combine part time work with an employer and structured industry-approved training whilst attending school
- Continue employment and on/off-the-job training throughout the year including school holidays.
CPLE will assist you to identify if you are eligible for this funding.
NOTE: If you are not eligible for User Choice Funding or are seeking a different training pathway, you may be eligible for Skilled Capital Funding.
Are there any costs to enrol as a User Choice student?
The Government mandated User Choice Student Administration Fee is $350.
This fee covers all CPLE training and assessment services as the rest of the fees are covered via User Choice funding by the ACT and Australian Governments.
Payment Plans: Student Administration Fee payment plans are available to cater to varying financial situations. You will be required to select and sign a payment plan during the enrolment process.
OPTION 1: Upfront payment $350.00
OPTION 2: Two $175.00 payments over 2 fortnights
OPTION 3: Five $70.00 payments over 5 fortnights