Costs to train your apprentice or trainee

The award or agreement that applies to your business will outline your obligations to pay for your apprentice's or trainee's training. If you are unsure, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

How much training costs

You will need to talk to your registered training organisation (RTO) about the costs of the training. RTOs set tuition prices, so prices vary and it pays to shop around.

Training costs may include the following:

  • course fees
  • student fees
  • safety or testing equipment
  • textbooks
  • tutoring
  • travel
  • assessment
  • printing (manuals, industry standards).

Find out how to choose a registered training organisation.

Learn how to compare training courses.

Funded apprenticeship training

Some pre-approved RTOs, known as Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS), are funded by us to provide training for all apprenticeships, and some traineeships, at a reduced cost.

All eligible apprentices (full-time, part-time and school-based), and all school-based trainees, are eligible to receive funded training through SAS in funded qualifications.

You can choose to pay full tuition fees through an unfunded RTO or reduced fees through a SAS.

Funded traineeship training

Trainees studying a funded certificate II or III traineeship are eligible to receive funded training through SAS if they are doing a traineeship identified in the Queensland Subsidised Training Skills List. This is a list (updated annually) of all the funded courses in high priority areas.

Search the Queensland Subsidised Training List for qualifications and skill sets that attract government funding.

Funded training for priority population groups

Funded training is also provided for apprentices and trainees who belong to priority groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from non-English speaking background, people with disability, impairment or long-term conditions.

Find out about the government funding contribution for individuals declared in priority population groups.

Other incentives and subsidies

Find information on financial support for employers of apprentices and trainees.