Have you ever wanted to learn new job skills but worried about the cost? Now, you don’t have to worry about that. The Australian government has a program called the Certificate 3 Guarantee that can help. Let’s explore what this means for you in detail.
What is the Certificate 3 Guarantee?
The Certificate 3 Guarantee is a Queensland Government initiative designed to help eligible Queenslanders gain their first post-school Certificate III qualification. This program aims to increase the number of Queenslanders with certificate level qualifications, which are considered the minimum standard for many industries.
The program works by providing a subsidy to approved training providers, allowing them to offer courses at a significantly reduced cost to eligible students. This means you can access quality vocational education and training without the burden of high fees.
How a cert 3 guarantee education makes a difference in your life
Completing government-funded training through programs like the Certificate 3 Guarantee can lead to several positive outcomes that improve a person’s life after finishing their studies:
- Improved employability:
Graduates gain job-ready skills that are in demand by employers, increasing their chances of finding employment or advancing in their current careers.
- Social mobility:
For those from disadvantaged backgrounds, these programs can provide a pathway to better economic and social outcomes.
- Job security:
By gaining skills in high-demand areas, individuals may experience greater job security.
- Career advancement:
The qualifications obtained can lead to better job prospects and opportunities for career progression.
- Increased earning potential:
With new skills and qualifications, individuals may be able to secure higher-paying jobs or negotiate better salaries.
- Entry into new industries:
The training provides pathways to enter industries with skill shortages, opening up new career opportunities.
- Personal development:
Gaining new skills and knowledge can boost confidence and self-esteem.
- Contribution to the economy:
Graduates become part of a skilled workforce that drives innovation and productivity, contributing to economic growth.
- Lifelong learning:
The experience can encourage continued education and skill development throughout one’s career.
- Improved quality of life:
With better job prospects and potentially higher income, individuals can experience an overall improvement in their quality of life
Who Can Get This Help?
Eligibility for the Certificate 3 Guarantee is based on several criteria:
- Queensland residency:
You must be a Queensland resident. This means you need to live in Queensland and be able to provide evidence of your residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
- Age requirement:
You must be 15 years or older and no longer at school. There’s no upper age limit, so whether you’re a school leaver or a mature-age student, you can apply.
- Citizenship status:
You need to be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen.
- Prior qualifications:
You must not hold, and not be enroled in, a Certificate III or higher-level qualification. This doesn’t apply to qualifications completed while at secondary school. The program is designed to help people gain their first post-school Certificate III qualification.
- Other requirements: You can only access the Certificate 3 Guarantee funding for one Certificate qualification, so it’s important to choose your course carefully.
What Can You Learn?
The Certificate 3 Guarantee covers a wide range of industries and occupations. Here are some examples of the areas you can study:
- Aged Care and Disability Support:
Learn how to provide personal care and support to elderly individuals or people with disabilities. This field is growing rapidly due to Australia’s ageing population.
- Business and Administration:
Gain skills in office administration, customer service, and basic accounting. These skills are valuable in almost every industry.
- Construction and Trades:
Learn practical skills in areas like carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. The construction industry often has high demand for skilled workers.
- Hospitality:
Develop skills in food preparation, barista work, or front-of-house service. This can lead to jobs in restaurants, cafes, or hotels.
- Childcare:
Learn about early childhood education and care. This field offers rewarding career opportunities working with young children.
- Information Technology:
Gain skills in computer networking, software use, or IT support. These skills are increasingly important in today’s digital world.
- Community Services:
Learn how to work in community development, youth work, or social services. This field is ideal for those who want to make a difference in their community.
Each course is designed to provide you with practical, job-ready skills that are in demand by employers. When choosing a course, consider your interests, strengths, and the job opportunities in your local area.
When selecting a course under the Certificate 3 Guarantee program, it’s crucial to choose one that not only aligns with your interests but also enhances your employability. Here’s how you can do this:
- Assess Your Interests and Strengths:
Start by reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at. This self-awareness will help you choose a course that you’re likely to excel in and enjoy.
- Research Local Job Markets:
Investigate the industries and job roles that are in demand in your local area. Look at job listings, talk to local employers, or consult with your local job services provider to understand which skills are most sought after.
- Explore Course Offerings:
Review the list of courses available under the funding program. Pay close attention to the course descriptions, focusing on the skills and knowledge you’ll gain.
- Match Courses to Job Opportunities:
Look for courses that directly relate to the job opportunities you’ve identified in your local area. For example, if there’s a growing demand for aged care workers, consider a Certificate III in Individual Support.
- Consider Future Growth:
Think about industries that are projected to grow in the future. Courses in areas like healthcare, technology, or renewable energy might offer good long-term prospects.
- Talk to Training Providers:
Reach out to approved training providers offering the courses you’re interested in. Ask about their connections with local employers and any work placement opportunities they offer as part of the course.
- Seek Career Guidance:
Consult with career advisors or use government resources like the JobOutlook website to understand the career paths associated with different qualifications.
- Consider Transferable Skills:
Look for courses that teach transferable skills (like communication, problem-solving, or digital literacy) alongside industry-specific skills. These can increase your versatility in the job market.
- Check Industry Recognition:
Ensure the course is recognised and valued by employers in your chosen industry. Some industries have preferred qualifications or training providers.
- Plan for Further Education:
Consider how the Certificate course could be a stepping stone to further qualifications if you decide to continue your education in the future.
Do You Need to Pay Anything?
While the Certificate 3 Guarantee significantly reduces the cost of studying, students are required to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee. Here’s what you need to know about the costs:
- Co-contribution fee:
This is a compulsory fee that all students must pay. It’s set by the training provider and can vary depending on the course and the provider.
- Fee amounts:
The co-contribution fee is typically between $1 to $8 per unit of study. For a full Certificate course qualification, which usually consists of 10-15 units, the total cost could range from:
- $20 to $50 for concession card holders
- $50 to $200 for non-concession students
- Concessions:
If you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veterans’ Affairs Concession Card, you may be eligible for a lower co-contribution fee. Some providers also offer concessions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- What the fee covers:
The co-contribution fee typically covers your part of the course cost, learning materials (like textbooks or online resources), and any equipment you need to use during the course. For example, the CPP30619 Cert III in Investigative services is offered at a co-contribution basis at just $14 for the entire course.
- Payment options:
Many training providers offer flexible payment plans to help you manage the cost. Some may allow you to pay in instalments over the duration of your course.
- Employer contributions:
In some cases, if you’re employed, your employer might be willing to pay the co-contribution fee on your behalf. It’s worth discussing this with your employer if the course is relevant to your work.
- Financial hardship:
If you’re experiencing financial difficulties, talk to your chosen training provider. Some have policies in place to assist students facing hardship.
Remember, even though you have to pay this fee, the government is covering the majority of the course cost. Without this funding, these courses would typically cost several thousand dollars.
How Do You Start?
Starting your journey with the Certificate 3 Guarantee involves several steps:
- Choose your course:
Think carefully about what you want to study. Research different career paths and talk to people working in fields you’re interested in.
- Find a training provider:
Look for a highly trusted RTO like ATI in your area. It is always good to check if your RTO is Skills Assure Supplier as these are training providers approved by the Queensland Government to deliver Certificate 3 Guarantee courses. You can find a list of these providers on the Queensland Government’s training website.
- Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI):
A USI is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications. You need this to enrol in any nationally recognised training in Australia. You can apply for a USI for free on the Australian Government’s USI website.
When you contact a training provider, they will assess your eligibility for the Certificate 3 Guarantee. Be prepared to provide evidence of your Queensland residency, age, and citizenship status.
- Enrol in your course:
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can enrol in your chosen course. You’ll need to complete enrolment forms and pay your co-contribution fee (or arrange a payment plan).
- Start learning:
After enrolment, you’ll receive information about your course start date, timetable, and any materials you need. Courses can be delivered in various ways, including in-person classes, online learning, or a combination of both.
Important Things to Remember
- One-time opportunity:
You can only access the Certificate 3 Guarantee funding once, so it’s crucial to choose your course carefully. Think about your long-term career goals when making your decision.
- Course completion:
While there’s no penalty if you don’t complete your course, it’s important to try your best to finish. If you’re struggling, talk to your trainers or the student support services at your training provider. They may be able to offer additional help or flexible learning options.
- Registered Training Organisation:
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a provider accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority to deliver nationally recognised vocational education and training courses. In the Certificate 3 Guarantee scheme, RTOs play a crucial role as approved Skills Assure Suppliers, delivering subsidised training to eligible students. They are responsible for assessing eligibility, providing quality training and assessment, and reporting outcomes to the government to receive the subsidy payments.
- Course-specific requirements:
Some courses might have additional entry requirements. For example, courses in childcare or aged care often require a criminal history check. Make sure you understand all the requirements before you enrol.
- Changing circumstances:
If your situation changes during your course (for example, if you move or change jobs), inform your training provider as it may affect your eligibility or ability to complete the course.
- Future study:
Remember that completing a Certificate course can be a stepping stone to further study. Many Certificate courses graduates go on to complete higher-level qualifications.
- Stay informed:
Government policies can change, so always check the latest information on the Queensland Government’s training website or with your chosen training provider.
By taking advantage of the Certificate 3 Guarantee, you’re investing in your future and contributing to a skilled workforce in Australia. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and open doors to new career possibilities without the burden of high education costs. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, advance in your current job, or simply learn new skills, this program could be your pathway to success.
