Career Start Program (2025–2028)
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About the Program
Career Start Program (2025–2028)
The Career Start Program is a Queensland Government initiative, delivered through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET). It provides subsidised training for eligible Queenslanders to help them enter the workforce, gain industry-relevant skills, and start their careers.
Water Training Australia is a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) approved to deliver the NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations through both the General Training Pathway and Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway under Career Start.
WTA currently holds the contract to deliver training to the locations listed above/below. Please contact WTA to discuss your specific delivery locations and any site-based requirements
| Program Schedule | Qualification Code | Qualification Name | Delivery Location/s | Delivery Mode/s | Pathway |
| Program Schedule 3 – Career Start | NWP30222 | Certificate III in Water Industry Operations | Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs – Maranoa, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan – Beaudesert, Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday, Moreton Bay – North, Moreton Bay – South, Queensland – Outback, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wide Bay | Face to Face | General Training |
| Program Schedule 3 – Career Start | NWP30222 | Certificate III in Water Industry Operations | Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs – Maranoa, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan – Beaudesert, Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday, Moreton Bay – North, Moreton Bay – South, Queensland – Outback, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wide Bay | Face to Face | Traineeship |
About NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations
This nationally recognized qualification provides learners with the essential skills and knowledge to:
- Perform routine tasks in water and wastewater treatment, network operations, or catchment management
- Operate and monitor water industry systems and equipment
- Apply safety procedures, environmental practices, and industry regulations
- Support the delivery of clean water and effective wastewater services across a range of operational roles
The NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations is an ideal entry point for those starting a career in the water industry or for existing workers looking to formalise and enhance their skills.
Who is Career Start for?
Career Start supports individuals who are:
- New to the workforce
- Looking to gain practical, entry-level skills
- Already working and want to move into more skilled roles
Eligible individuals can access:
- One Certificate III general qualification and one apprenticeship/traineeship (note: if you do the traineeship first, you’re no longer eligible for a general enrolment under this program), or
- Two traineeships/apprenticeships at Certificate II or III level (including SATs)
- One subsidised introductory skill set
Individuals cannot complete two general pathway qualifications under Career Start.
Pathway Options at Water Training Australia
General Training Pathway
(For Learners Currently Employed in the Water Industry)
Learners who are already working in the water industry can enrol directly into the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations without the need for a formal traineeship or training contract. This pathway offers flexibility for individuals who:
- Are employed but not undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Want to formalise their skills with a nationally recognised qualification
- Are looking to upskill or advance their current role within the industry
This option suits individuals whose employment aligns with the course but who prefer a general enrolment model rather than the structured traineeship pathway.
Traineeship Pathway
This option is for individuals employed in the water industry who undertake the course as a formal traineeship.
- Requires a signed training contract between the Learner, employer and SRTO (Water Training Australia)
- Includes structured on-the-job training
- Registered under the Australian Apprenticeships system
Water Training Australia will assist in developing a compliant Training Plan, complete an Employer Resource Assessment, and support both Learner and employer throughout the traineeship.
Learner Eligibility –General Training Pathway
To be eligible for Career Start funding under either pathway, you must:
- Be aged 15 years or older
- Be no longer at school
- Permanently reside in Queensland
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible temporary resident (including New Zealand citizens)
- Not already hold a Certificate III or higher qualification completed in the last 10 years (school-based or foundation skills qualifications do not count)
- Not be currently enrolled in another vocational qualification
Additional entry restrictions or exemptions may apply depending on the course and industry requirements.
Learner Eligibility– Traineeship Pathway
To be eligible for Career Start funding under either pathway, you must:
- Be no longer at school
- Have entered a Training Contract with an Apprenticeship Centre
- Not have already completed 2 apprenticeship/traineeship qualifications within the last 10 years. This includes school-based apprenticeships or traineeships
- Not be currently enrolled in another vocational qualification
Additional entry restrictions or exemptions may apply depending on the course and industry requirements.
Learner Co-Contribution Fees
Career Start- Traineeship Pathway Co-Contribution
| Delivery Method | Non-Concessional | Concessional |
| Face to Face | $1.60 per nominal hour | $0.96 per nominal hour |
Career Start- General Pathway Co-Contribution
| Delivery Method | Non-Concessional | Concessional |
| Face to Face | $720.00 per course | $432.00 per course |
General Pathway
Learners are required to pay a co-contribution fee, determined by Water Training Australia, to reflect the benefits of the training. This:
- Covers course and material costs
- Must be published on our website
- Cannot be waived by Water Training Australia
- Can be paid by a third party (e.g. employer or family member)
Traineeship Pathway
A standard co-contribution fee applies:
- $1.60 per nominal hour for each unit of competency
- Reduced to 40% for eligible Learners, including those who:
- Are under 17 and left school before completing Year 12
- Hold a Health Care, Pensioner or Veteran Concession Card
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Are experiencing serious financial hardship (subject to full exemption eligibility)
Apprenticeships
Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s
The Queensland Government’s Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s initiative removes the cost of training for eligible young people who enrol in high-priority apprenticeships and traineeships, including qualifications in the water industry.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for free training if you:
- Are employed as an apprentice or trainee in Queensland under a registered training contract
- Are training in a priority qualification (such as NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations)
- Are under the age of 25 at the time of commencing or recommencing training
- Started your apprenticeship or traineeship between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2027
Training Delivery with Water Training Australia
Before enrolment, we provide:
- A clear Course Overview including:
- Total Learner fees and payment schedule
- Delivery mode and schedule
- Assessment methods and completion requirements
- Our Privacy Notice
- Our Refund Policy
- Details on Learner support services
- Information on your entitlement under Career Start and how it will be used
What Training Is Available?
The NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations is included on the Queensland Subsidised Training List (QSTL) and aligns with key industry skill priorities.
The course is suitable for roles in:
- Water and wastewater operations
- Network systems
- Water treatment and monitoring
- Dam and Irrigations
Foundation Skills Support
Learners who require extra help with Language, Literacy, Numeracy or Digital (LLND) skills can access support as part of the course or through other DTET-funded programs such as:
- Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW)
- Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
- Skills for Education and Employment (SEE)
Support
Under 25’s Funding and Support
The Queensland Government subsidises training costs based on:
- Course complexity
- Industry demand
- Regional delivery
Extra support is available for Learners from priority groups, including:
- First Nations Learners
- Learners with a disability
- Concession card holders or is the partner or a dependant of a person who holds such a card
- Adult prisoners
- Learners in regional/remote Queensland
Outcomes and Support
By completing this program with Water Training Australia, Learners will:
- Build industry-recognised skills
- Increase job readiness or advancement potential
- Gain pathways into further study or higher-level qualifications
We also support graduates with:
- Career advice
- Connections to potential employers
- Transition planning into further education or work
Learners may be asked to complete a feedback survey from DTET to help improve training outcomes for all Queenslanders.
Employers – How You Can Get Involved
Career Start can benefit your business by:
- Building the skills of new or existing employees
- Offering structured training with government-subsidised support
- Supporting workforce development and retention
Employers must ensure their staff understand the program and eligibility requirements before enrolment. Any additional costs beyond the co-contribution fee must be:
- Clearly outlined
- Agreed in writing by all parties
Enrol Now or Learn More
To Check your eligibility for training subsidies, contact our team about NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations.
Get Started
For more information or to register interest in the NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations through the Career Start Program, contact Water Training Australia directly.