What Government Funded Trades Courses are Available?

8/06/2018

Are you looking for your next career move in the trade industry? Do you need financial assistance to do so?

The good news is that there are so many options at your fingertips through Builders Academy.

Whether you’re just starting a new job in the construction industry, or want to upskill into a new speciality, there are building and construction courses available to suit every budget, learning style and career goal.

There are also significant government subsidies and loans for financial assistance for a number of courses.

Your financial situation shouldn’t determine your education, or how you might progress in your career. Perhaps you’d like to enter into a loan agreement and pay it back once you’re earning.

It might be that you want to know the most affordable pathways for building and construction courses, or areas where subsidies exist for you to specialise in a certain area.

It’s important to remember that each state and territory throughout Australia has their own funding arrangements and specialised programs.

Trained advisors at Builders Academy can help you navigate the courses and assistance on offer, whether it’s a student loan or government subsidy.

Victoria

If you’re a student in Victoria, then you should start researching the Victorian Skills First program. This is a government initiative offering subsidised funding for many courses.

You could be eligible for this approach whether you are looking at new qualifications, or want to further your training within your current industry.

To be eligible for this subsidy, you will be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have a permanent residency visa.

You must also demonstrate that the course in question is at a higher level than what you are currently qualified to do.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, you’ll want to investigate the NSW Smart and Skilled program.

Depending where in NSW you live, and whether you fit a number of other eligibility conditions, this can be a fantastic way to kick-start your next career move.

It should be noted that this program is specifically for people who are upskilling in their present trade. You’ll have to demonstrate that you’re currently employed in a trade applicable to the building and construction course in question.

There are a number of payment options available for this program, including financial assistance. Don’t be afraid to reach out and chat to our trained advisors who can help you find an accessible and affordable way to further education.

Queensland

The Queensland Department of Education and Training offers subsidies to permanent residents and Australian citizens aged 15 or older under the Higher Level Skills Program.

This is a once-off arrangement, and you will not be able to access future subsidised training after you complete your first course.

Trade Support Loans are a fantastic option when considering your financial options. A national program, over the 4 years of your apprenticeship you can receive up to $20,808. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll also receive a 20% discount on the loans you have received!

At Builders Academy, we can point you in the right direction for how you can achieve your goals. Speak to one of our advisors to find out more.

VET Student Loans

Have you heard of VET Student Loans? If not, it could be because they’re a new avenue for financial assistance. Introduced from the beginning of January 2017, this scheme now replaces the old VET FEE-HELP Loans.

This Australian Government loan program can help you reach your education and career goals sooner. You can apply for this if you want to study a course listed on VSL and if the provider is an approved course provider.

Similar to many university HECS-HELP schemes, you complete your studies without upfront payment, and instead slowly begin to pay back the loan when you’re earning enough money.

However, when a loan is not enough to cover the cost of your course, this is called a gap fee. These need to be paid upfront to your course provider.

There’s a minimum payment threshold, and once that is reached, a little money will be withdrawn with tax at regular intervals.

The loan fee is equal to 20% of the amount you borrow, but most students find that getting an education earlier is worth the pay off in the long term.

This arrangement is a helpful way to get a leg up into education, and you can find out more about VET Student Loans here.

The trusted and knowledgeable advisors at Builders Academy are on hand to help you find the right education for your career aspirations. Get in touch today to make your next trade career move.

Get into the construction industry with Builders Academy

Now that you know the government subsidies and financial support available for trade courses, it’s time to take the next step in your career. Getting into the construction industry will require practical skills and theoretical knowledge that you will apply to building and construction projects. By giving you these foundational skills, BAA will help you kick off your career in the construction industry.

If you have other enquiries on the financial pathways, eligibility, or trade courses online, enrolment process, and requirements,  speak to our course advisors on 1300 534 363