Career Start & Career Boost

From 1 July 2025, there are changes coming to government subsidised training in Queensland. The Career Start and Careers Boost will offer Queenslander’s access to free and reduced cost training that industries need and leads to jobs, provide more support to achieve positive learners’ outcomes, and deliver training where it is needed across the state.

Career Start Program (2025–2028)

About the Program

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.

About NWP30222 Certificate III in Water Industry Operations

This nationally recognised 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 Contribution Fees

Please contact us for a detailed fee schedule– To be available soon on our website.

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)

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)

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

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.

Let Water Training Australia help you build your career in the water industry.

Career Boost Program (2025–2028)

Take Your Water Industry Career to the Next Level

Water Training Australia is proud to offer the nationally recognised NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations under the Career Boost Program, a Queensland Government initiative that subsidises training aligned to industry priorities. This qualification is ideal for experienced water industry workers looking to upskill, take on higher-level roles, or transition to supervisory or specialist positions.

What is the Career Boost Program?

The Career Boost Program is designed to support Queenslanders who want to:

• Gain higher-level vocational qualifications
• Advance in their current job or transition to a new career
• Prepare for further education or training (e.g. university pathways)

Funded by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET), Career Boost provides access to:

• One subsidised Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification
• Up to two subsidised skill sets in priority industries
• Higher-level apprenticeships/traineeships, where applicable

Note: Individuals may only access one general qualification under Career Boost.

About NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations

This nationally recognised qualification equips Learners with the skills and knowledge to:

• Lead water industry teams and operations
• Manage compliance, safety, and environmental risks
• Analyse and improve water treatment and distribution systems
• Support innovation and workplace productivity

Training Pathways Available

General Training Pathway
Delivered directly by Water Training Australia, no apprenticeship or traineeship contract is required. Learners can enrol directly with our team and begin training.

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway
This qualification is not currently offered through an apprenticeship or traineeship model.

Eligibility Criteria

To enrol in NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations under the Career Boost Program, you must:

• Be 15 years or older and not a school Learner
• Permanently reside in Queensland
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible temporary resident, or New Zealand citizen
• Not have completed a Certificate IV or higher (including university qualifications) within the last 10 years (qualifications completed at school or foundation skills do not count)
• Not be enrolled in another funded qualification at the time of application
• Learners must be an Existing Worker in the Water industry

Course Delivery and Learner Support

Water Training Australia provides flexible, industry-aligned delivery options, including:

• Trainer support
• Face-to-face workshops
• Workplace-based training

We also provide:

• Clear course information including fees and materials
• Learner support services throughout the training journey
• Help with career planning and post-training pathways

Course Fees – Co-Contribution

Under the Career Boost program, eligible Learners are required to pay a co-contribution fee.

• This fee is set by Water Training Australia and includes tuition and materials
• Fees must be clearly published on our website and discussed prior to enrolment
• Fee concessions apply to eligible Learners (e.g. Health Care Card holders, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Learners, Learners with disability)

Please contact us for a detailed fee schedule– To be available soon on our website.

Foundation Skills Support

If you need help with Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills before starting the Certificate IV, we can connect you to:

• Foundation skill training support
• Alternative programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) or Career Start

Government Subsidy and Funding

Water Training Australia is a Skills Assure Supplier approved to deliver this qualification. The Queensland Government pays the training subsidy directly to us, based on course type and industry alignment.

Additional support funding may apply for:

• Priority Learner groups (e.g. First Nations peoples, people with disability, jobseekers)
• Regional or remote Learners through location loadings

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this qualification can pursue roles such as:

• Water/Wastewater Plant Supervisor
• Network Operations Leader
• Compliance or Technical Officer in the water sector

We support Learners through:

• Tailored career advice
• Post-training employment or training guidance

Enrol Now or Learn More

To Check your eligibility for training subsidies, contact our team about NWP40120 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations.

Phone: 0439 015 951
Email: [email protected]

Information for Employers

Water Training Australia partners with employers to:

• Upskill staff through subsidised training
• Support workforce development in the water industry
• Ensure staff understand eligibility and program conditions

Employers may co-contribute to training fees or provide support during the training period. All fees and arrangements will be agreed upon prior to enrolment.

More Information

Visit the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) website or contact their team for detailed program guidelines.
DTET Info Line: 1300 369 935
www.desbt.qld.gov.au