User Choice Funding* (often referred to as Apprenticeships or Traineeships) is a work-based study pathway where the qualification fees are heavily subsidised by the Government. It is available to students who are employed, or seeking to be employed, on a permanent basis in an ACT workplace.
Under this Government funded option, you will only be required to pay a one-off $350 Student Administration Fee**, and the Government will pay for the remainder of the course. We also have various payment plans available for this fee to make it even more affordable!
There is eligibility criteria students must fulfil to be able to enrol as a User Choice Funded student, which includes needing your employer (or future employer) to agree to a User Choice Funded training contract. Cple can assist you to have these conversations with your current or future employer.
*Australian Apprenticeships in the ACT are funded by the ACT and Australian Governments.
** The Government mandated minimum User Choice Student Administration Fee is $350. This fee covers all Cple enrolment and administration services as the rest of the qualification fees are covered via User Choice funding by the ACT and Australian Governments.
What qualifications can I access with this funding?
User Choice funding is currently available for the following Cple qualifications:
CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Learn the fundamentals to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development in early learning settings. Learn more.
CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Progress your career in the early learning sector. Build leadership skills through hands-on experience and lead teams with confidence in every role. Learn more.
BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills
Build essential skills to get started in almost any career. Learn computer skills, time management, customer service and more. Learn more.
BSB30120 Certificate III in Business
Learn the skills that keep workplaces running smoothly. Develop critical thinking, workplace planning, health and safety and communication skills. Learn more.
Benefits of enrolling under User Choice Funding
There are many benefits to both the yourself and your employer:
Low upfront cost
- You only pay a one-off Student Administration Fee, while the Government pays for the remainder of the qualification. You may even be eligible for further fee concessions.
Access extra Government incentives
- You may be eligible to receive additional Government incentive payments depending on the sector you work in. Up-to-date information can be found on the Skills Canberra Website.
Paid time to study at work
- You may be eligible for paid study time as part of the User Choice arrangements – which will be discussed with your employer.
Employer wage incentives available
- Your employer may also be eligible to receive wage incentives depending on the sector you work in. Up-to-date information can be found on the Skills Canberra Website.
Nationally recognised, award-winning training
- You will receive highly regarded nationally recognised training – which has won several awards!
- At Cple, we tailor our study model to suit you and your workplace, making your entire study journey much less stressful.
Flexible study that fits your job
- You will receive highly regarded, nationally recognised training. We were awarded ACT Small Training Provider of the Year 2025
How do I know if I’m eligible for User Choice Funding?
You can apply for User Choice Funding in the ACT if you meet all of the requirements below. We will assist you in identifying if you are eligible for this funding.
Work in the ACT
- Your job must be based in the Australian Capital Territory.
Meet the minimum age
- Be at least 15 years of age.
Meet residency or visa requirements
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand passport holder resident for more than 6 months, OR an eligible visa holder
Be paid for your work
- Receive remuneration for your work, and your role must be a paid position in the ACT.
Meet the minimum weekly hours
- 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
Workplace supervision
- Have the required supervision in the workplace for an Apprentice/Trainee.
NOTE: If you are not eligible for User Choice Funding or are seeking a different training pathway, you can also choose to enrol as a Fee-for-Service student.
If you are not yet employed on a permanent basis, you can commence as a Fee-for-Service student and then change to User Choice Funding if you find permanent employment in an ACT workplace. Cple will assist you to discuss this option with your potential employer.
Need help understanding User Choice Funding?
Cple can support you with:
- Checking your funding eligibility
- Navigating the enrolment and pre-training assessment process
You can verify your eligibility for the User Choice Funding now by completing the enquiry form.
