Securing Jobs for Your Future Skills for Victoria is a Victorian Government initiative to improve and refocus the training system.

As a result of the Skills Reform package, many changes will come into effect on 1 July 2009, including changes to the schedule of fees for new enrolments in all training courses.

If you are eligible for a government-subsidised place, the government pays most of the cost of your course, but you will still pay some fees, according to the new fee schedule.

If you are not eligible for a subsidised place, you can still undertake a course, but would have to pay for your training on a fee-for-service basis.

Eligibility

How do I know if I'm eligible for a subsidised place?

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a holder of a Special Category Visa (for New Zealand citizens), you have met the first eligibility requirement.

If you are also under 20 on 1 January in the year when you will be undertaking the course, there are no more requirements - you are eligible!

What if I've already turned 20?

If you are 20 or older on that date, your provider will ask you what qualifications you already hold.

If you are enrolling in a course that is accredited at a higher level than the highest qualification you hold, then you are eligible.

For example, if you have completed year 12, that counts as equivalent to a Certificate II qualification. Or you may have completed a Certificate III qualification. A Diploma or Advanced Diploma is higher than these, so you would be eligible.

However, you would not be eligible for a subsidised place in a course at the same level. So if you have already completed a Diploma, you would not be eligible for a subsidised place in another Diploma course.

What happens if I'm not eligible?

If it turns out that you are not eligible for a government subsidised place in the course of your choice, your provider may have other options to suggest that would suit your needs just as well. Or you might choose to take a place without a government subsidy.