Skills First is a reform of the Victoria State Government with the purpose of ensuring that Victoria’s training system delivers high quality training that leads learners to real jobs.

The Victoria State Government, Department of Education and Training is responsible for Skills First and leads policy, planning, funding, regulation and advice on VET and employment in Victoria. For more information visit their website; https://www.education.vic.gov.au

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding. Essential Skills Training and Recruitment is an approved training provider on a restricted contract.

To be eligible for Skills Victoria funding you must be;

• A Victorian Employee of a National Enterprise with which ESTR has a legally binding agreement, and be enrolling in training arranged by that National Enterprise;
• Be physically present in the state of Victoria at all times whilst undertaking training and assessment;
• Be an Australian citizen; or a holder of a permanent visa; or a New Zealand citizen; AND
• Under 20 years of age as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training; OR
• Over 20 years of age as at 1 January in the year of commencement of training and you are enrolling in a qualification that is at a higher level than the highest qualification you already have; or enrolling in a Skill Set;

• In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements listed above you can only commence a maximum of two (2);
  • Skills First subsidised Skill Sets in a calendar year;
  • Skills First subsidised programs that are AQF Qualifications in a calendar year;
  • Skills First subsidised programs at any one time;
  • Government subsidised programs at the same AQF level in your lifetime.

Fees

**The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.**

Concession Fees

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Victorian Government subsidised course, you may be entitled to a concession on your tuition fee. Concession fees are available to students who;

• Self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• Are studying qualifications up to and including Certificate IV and prior to the commencement of training and hold a;
• Health Care Card issued by the Commonwealth;
• Pensioner Concession Card; or
• Veteran’s Gold Card; or
• An alternative card or concession eligibility criterion approved by the Minister;
• A dependant spouse or dependant child of one of the above card holders;

Any applications for fee concessions must be accompanied with documentation that supports your eligibility for such concessions.

The impact of Skills First Government subsidised training

Where you access Skills First funding, it may have an impact on your entitlement or eligibility for any future program support. The impact is;

• If the course is a Certificate III or higher qualification, you will no longer be eligible for a subsidised training place once you have completed the qualification, or you may pay a higher fee for any future courses.
• You may however access subsidies for subsequent apprenticeships, traineeships or a higher-level qualification program.