Gold Coast Trades College has been recognised as a quality provider and holds preferred supplier contracts with both the Department of Trade, Employment & Training (DTET) and Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).
All training and assessment fees will be discussed and agreed prior to enrolment. We will help you select the appropriate course, check for any credits available through previous study and check your eligibility for any subsidies or concessions that are available.
Skills Assure - Department of Trade, Employment & Training (DTET)
Gold Coast Trades College is an approved Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) with the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET), delivering subsidised training to eligible students across a range of priority trade qualifications. As a contracted provider, we meet strict quality and compliance standards to support Queenslanders into employment and career pathways in industry.
VET IN SCHOOLS 2026
Through the Queensland Government’s VET in Schools (VETiS) 2026 program, Gold Coast Trades College delivers funded vocational qualifications to eligible Year 10–12 students. This program provides school students with nationally recognised trade qualifications while completing their senior schooling, creating clear pathways into apprenticeships and employment.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be enrolled in Years 10, 11 or 12 at a Queensland secondary school (or juvenile detention centre);
- You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa;
- Specific entry restrictions or exemptions as outlined on the Queensland Subsidised Training List, [QSTL*] may apply to certain subsidised qualifications and skill sets. These are set by industry or sector requirements, as well as national training package guidelines.
- Click here to learn more about VETiS 2026 Summary of Eligibility
Student Co-Contribtion Fees
No Student Co-Contribution Fees apply under VETiS 2026 — training is fully funded by the Queensland Government. Foundation skills units are not funded under VETiS 2026
* When a SAT converts to a full-time or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship, co-contribution fees must be charged for training and assessment for any units of competency not yet commenced
CAREER START - GENERAL TRAINING
Career Start – General Training supports eligible participants to complete entry-level or pre-apprenticeship qualifications that build the foundation skills required for employment in the trades.
At Gold Coast Trades College, this stream focuses on:
- Developing practical, job-ready trade skills
- Building workplace safety knowledge and industry tickets
- Preparing students for apprenticeship opportunities
- Connecting participants with local employers
This pathway is ideal for job seekers looking to gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the construction industry.
Eligibility Criteria
• Be aged 15 years or older;
• No longer be enrolled in secondary school;
• Be a Queensland resident;
• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa;
• Not hold a Certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed more than 10 years ago do NOT affect eligibility; school-funded qualifications excluding SATs do NOT affect eligibility);
• Not currently be enrolled in another qualification under Career START (foundation skills qualifications are excluded from this restriction).
• Specific entry restrictions or exemptions as outlined on the Queensland Subsidised Training List, [QSTL*] may apply to certain subsidised qualifications and skill sets. These are set by industry or sector requirements, as well as national training package guidelines.
- Click here to learn more about Career START Eligibility
Student Co-Contribtion Fees
Concessional Fees – $20 per unit of competence
Non Concessional Fees– $40 per unit of competence
This fee represent the total costs to the student for the qualification, including
materials costs
CAREER START - SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIPS
Career Start funding supports eligible school students undertaking a School-Based Apprenticeship (SAT), allowing them to commence a trade qualification while completing senior schooling.
This pathway enables students to:
- Begin paid employment in their chosen trade
- Complete nationally recognised units toward a Certificate III qualification
- Transition seamlessly into a full-time apprenticeship after school
- Build real industry experience early
Our strong employer partnerships ensure students are supported both on the job and in training.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be aged 15 years or older;
- Be a Queensland resident;
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa;
- Not hold a Certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed more than 10 years ago do NOT affect eligibility; school-funded qualifications excluding SATs do NOT affect eligibility);
- Not currently be enrolled in another qualification under Career START (foundation skills qualifications are excluded from this restriction).
- For the Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway, you must be engaged under a registered Queensland training contract.
- Specific entry restrictions or exemptions as outlined on the Queensland Subsidised Training List, [QSTL*] may apply to certain subsidised qualifications and skill sets. These are set by industry or sector requirements, as well as national training package guidelines.
Student Co-Contribtion Fees
Students enrolled in a School-based traineeship are exempt from co-contribution fees under the Career Start program for the duration of their schooling. Please note that fees may become applicable should the training contract be converted to a full-time or part-time arrangement.
CAREER START - APPRENTICESHIPS
Career Start funding supports eligible apprentices undertaking priority trade qualifications.
At Gold Coast Trades College, we deliver apprenticeship training that is:
- Industry-aligned and employer-supported
- Delivered in modern workshop environments
- Structured to support progression and completion
- Focused on long-term career development
We work closely with employers and apprentices to ensure training outcomes align with workforce needs and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
• Be aged 15 years or older;
• Be a Queensland resident;
• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa;
• Not hold a Certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed more than 10 years ago do NOT affect eligibility; school-funded qualifications excluding SATs do NOT affect eligibility);
• Not currently be enrolled in another qualification under Career START (foundation skills qualifications are excluded from this restriction).
§ For the Apprenticeship/Traineeship Pathway, you must be engaged under a registered Queensland training contract and no longer enrolled in secondary school. Students on this pathway may already hold a Certificate III.
§ Specific entry restrictions or exemptions as outlined on the Queensland Subsidised Training List, [QSTL*] may apply to certain subsidised qualifications and skill sets. These are set by industry or sector requirements, as well as national training package guidelines.
Student Co-Contribtion Fees
Under the Career Start program, the Co-Contribution Fee is calculated at a rate of $1.60 per nominal hour and varies depending on the elective units selected. This fee covers the full cost of enrolment, training, and qualification attainment. Where applicable, the Co-Contribution Fee may be paid by an employer or a third party on the student’s behalf.
Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ)
Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) helps you get the skills, training and work tickets you need. CSQ funds important courses and training to make it easier for you to update your skills or the skills of your workers. Gold Coast Trades College is one of their selected registered training organisations who deliver training for the building and construction industry across Queensland.
Building & Civil short courses
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Higher qualifications
The Higher Qualifications Building Program provides funding to Gold Coast Trades College to deliver qualifications to workers in the Queensland Building and Construction industry to expand their knowledge and skills, provide pathways to further learning, and open opportunities to move into higher level and paraprofessional roles. Linked to industry demand for deeper skills and qualifications, the program allows existing, eligible workers to higher level qualifications at Certificate IV level and above.
Skills Assessment and Gap Training (RPL)
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TRY A TRADE
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TRADE READY
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