What is JobTrainer Victoria?
JobTrainer is a funding scheme that provides free or low-fee training so you can get your career on track.
The JobTrainer initiative in Victoria is run by the Commonwealth Government in partnership with the Victorian Government.
The scheme was developed to support Australians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including unemployed and young people. Since its initial run, the scheme has been opened up to a wider range of people looking to upskill or retrain, especially in areas where demand for skills is high.
If you qualify for JobTrainer, the government will reimburse your training provider for your student tuition fees upon enrolment.
The JobTrainer fund also supports the Skills First program and complements other funding initiatives. While the JobTrainer fund operates across Australia, eligibility and other conditions differ in each state and territory.
Courses in Victoria
Certificate IV in Hospitality (Melbourne Only)
Barista Coffee & Food Handlers’ Course (Melb Only)
What courses does JobTrainer subsidise?
JobTrainer covers vocational courses, apprenticeships and traineeships at all levels from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma.
Courses span a broad range of areas where demand for skills and employment growth are strong, like:
• Aged care
• Disability care and services
• Healthcare, mental health and community services
• Beauty services and hairdressing
• Digital skills
• Child care and education
• Agriculture
• Food processing
• Financial services (like bookkeeping)
• Agriculture and horticulture
If you enrol in a JobTrainer course, you’ll pay just 20% of the provider’s tuition fees — the subsidy covers the rest. If the course is also on the Free TAFE course list and you study at a TAFE institute, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees at all.
Both TAFE institutions and approved registered training organisations (RTOs) are able to offer subsidised courses. To confirm your eligibility and to enquire about availability, contact the provider first.
If you’re eligible for JobTrainer, you are also eligible to take a free “skill set”. In contrast to longer, full qualifications (e.g. a Certificate IV), these approved short courses can take just a few days. A skill set can help you upskill and help you step up in your current career.
Find the full list of JobTrainer courses at: www.myskills.gov.au/jobtrainer
Am I eligible for JobTrainer?
Eligible students must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen or asylum seeker, and must also meet one of the following eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria:
• Aged 17-24 at the start of the course
• A job seeker of any age who is either:
– unemployed
– holds a concession card (Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran’s Gold Card)
• Enrolling in a course in aged care, disability services, child care or digital skills (regardless of age or job seeker status)
Enquire about a course to learn if you are eligible to take it through JobTrainer. When you speak to the training provider, they will verify your eligibility and if there are any open training places.
Others Government Funding Schemes in Victoria
Skills First
Skills First is a Victorian government funding scheme that helps eligible individuals pay less for training and upskilling in high-priority areas.
Learn MoreSkills Checkpoint
Skills Checkpoint is a government program that helps Australians over 40 retrain and upskill so they can stay in their current role, find a new role, or change careers.
Learn MoreFAQ
Will JobTrainer be extended?
JobTrainer was extended in 2022 for an additional two years.
How many courses can I do on JobTrainer?
If you are eligible for JobTrainer, you can enrol in up to one qualification and one short course (skill set) in a variety of high-demand industries.
What are the benefits of JobTrainer?
Benefits of using JobTrainer include:
• You‘re not limited to the “upskilling” and “two at level in a lifetime” requirements you must meet for Skills First eligibility
• Free TAFE programmes at TAFE institutes
• Affordable training for all JobTrainer AQF certifications
• Free JobTrainer skill sets training.
What are the fees for JobTrainer Victoria?
Under JobTrainer, you’ll only pay 20% of the usual tuition fees. If you study a Free TAFE course at a TAFE institute, you will pay nothing for your tuition. You may have to pay for other fees yourself, like textbooks or facilities.
What skills will I learn on JobTrainer?
Skills covered by JobTrainer include:
• aged care
• digital skills
• disability care
• children’s services
• health
• agriculture
• food processing
• financial services.