User Choice is a national policy that encourages a direct market relationship between employers, Australian Apprentices and training providers.

User Choice is designed to increase the responsiveness of the training system to client needs.

Previously, the provision of nationally recognised training and qualifications was mostly limited to the state and territory Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges.

Under the new system:

• non-government organisations can register to provide nationally recognised training and qualifications
• funding is available for these non-government registered training organisations (RTOs).

As a result you, together with your Australian Apprentice, can select a public or private training provider that suits your needs.

You can also negotiate aspects of the training such as:

• the structure and content of the training
• where the training will be delivered
• how it will be delivered
• when the training will occur
• which trainer/facilitator will conduct the assessment of training.

Other benefits:

• Employers who operate in more than one State or Territory can choose a RTO that satisfies their needs nationally
• As new Training Packages - sets of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications - become available, there is scope to negotiate aspects of the selection and sequencing of units of competence
• The cost of any training which is not publicly funded can be negotiated with the RTO.

Financial incentives for RTOs to train Australian Apprentices, ensure they remain focused on your needs and requirements and deliver to high quality standards.