User Choice is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of apprenticeships, and traineeships helping individuals and their employers reduce out-of-pocket costs while building skills in key areas.

In order to receive User Choice Funding, your employee must be signed up as a trainee on a Training Contract. Training Contracts in the ACT are managed by an Apprenticeship Network Provider: MAS National or MEGT (Australia) Ltd.

For a trainee to qualify for the TAE50122 Diploma of VET they must be a new worker and must be a experienced VET professional, however for the TAE40122 - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment they can be new or existing.

Here is the criteria.

New Worker - employed less than three months full-time or twelve months part-time, up to the commencement date of the training contract.

or

Existing Worker - Employed as a permanent or part-time employee for more than three months full-time or twelve months part-time prior to the commencement date of the training contract, in a qualification where funding for existing workers is available in the ACT Qualifications Register.

To be eligible for User Choice funding in the ACT, your employee must:

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
• Work in the ACT and receive remuneration for your work
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours combined work and training per week
• Be employed on a part-time or full-time basis (not casual)
• Be applying for a qualification in a field that you are employed in, and are able to apply and demonstrate the learning in your role.
• Not have completed the same qualification previously.
• Not already be signed up under another current and active UCF Training Contract or other subsidy schemes with Skilled Capital.
• Not be directly employed by the ACT or Australian Government.

STEP 1.

Contact an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) in the ACT, MAS National or MEGT Australia Ltd

MAS National - 1300 627 628

MEGT - 13 63 48

STEP 2:

Your Apprenticeship Network Provider will ensure your employee makes the best possible start to their traineeship. They will conduct a sign-up appointment for the employer and trainee to sign a Training Contract. This official document marks the beginning of the traineeship journey.

STEP 3:

Once the Training Contract is signed, your Apprenticeship Network Provider will register it with the relevant State Training Authority (STA). Your employee will receive a confirmation letter from the STA, acknowledging that your trainee is officially registered. An email will be sent from your APN with the trainee registration number.

STEP 4:

Fortress Learning will receive a notification of business indicating you and your trainee wish to undertake the course with us. We then provide the trainee and you the employer with relevant pre-enrolment information. We will conduct eligibility and skills assessments to identify the best pathway for the trainee.

STEP 5:

The next step is the enrolment process and the development of the Training Plan. Fortress Learning will develop the Training Plan in agreement with the Trainee and you the Employer.

STEP 6:

After Fortress Learning receives the one off payment of $350 for employee contribution to the course fee the learner portal for your trainee will be activated and learning can begin.

STEP 7:

At Fortress, we’re dedicated to supporting our students every step of the way. Although the content is delivered online, the trainer will set up monthly check-ins with the trainee and stay in regular touch with them to support them on their learning journey through to graduation.

The User Choice Funding program requires a minimum tuition fee of $350. We will invoice your trainee directly for this fee. As an employer, you may wish to pay this fee on behalf of your Trainee. Once payment has been made, your trainee's learner portal will be activated, and learning can begin.

Information Regarding Fee Exemptions and Concessions:

Fee Exemptions: You may be eligible for a full fee exemption in specific circumstances, such as if your employer is the training provider, or if you are transitioning between employers within 12 months for the same qualification. You can discuss potential eligibility during your pre-enrolment discussion.

Fee Concessions: If you hold a current Health Care Card, Pension Card, or can demonstrate genuine hardship, you may be eligible for a fee concession. Please chat to us if you would like to apply for a fee concession.

Fore more information view our ACT User Choice Student Handbook

 As part of the traineeship, the trainee will require a designated supervisor in the workplace to provide ongoing support throughout their studies, including allowing the trainee to spend 20% of their work time on tasks related to their studies. 

1. To document tasks related to specific units in the workplace, the trainee and supervisor will complete a workplace activity log showing their progressive learning into practice.  
2. On completion of the learning and assessment tasks, the workplace supervisor will indicate if they feel the trainee has shown the ability to complete the tasks for that unit and will indicate their support for the awarding of competence on successful completion of their assessments.

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The course is delivered online, which allows your trainee to learn flexibly and at their own pace, enabling them to balance their work responsibilities effectively. All learning materials and assessment resources are accessible online. Your trainee will work through the lessons and content at their own pace and submit their assessments online.  

A dedicated trainer will hold monthly online check in sessions with the trainee to provide support, answer any questions, and ensure they stay on track with the timelines outlined in the Training Plan.