For many people, the idea of starting a new career or retraining can feel overwhelming. Course fees, eligibility rules, and the unknowns of stepping into something new often stops people before they even begin. That’s where government funded courses can provide a real leg up.
In South Australia, the state government offers subsidies on hundreds of qualifications, making it easier to gain new skills, enter an industry in demand, or completely change your career pathway. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, government funded courses are a great way to open doors.
What is subsidised training?
The South Australian Government subsidises course fees as part of your training, directly to a registered training organisation, such as Time Education & Training.
While you will still need to cover smaller costs such as checks and clearances, the government funding can contribute towards the tuition, depending on the course you choose and your eligibility. This makes nationally recognised qualifications more affordable and accessible for people from all walks of life.
The aim of subsidised training is to give people the skills employers are looking for right now, and to help industries meet their growing workforce needs and help address the occupation shortage list.
Why subsidised training matters
South Australia is experiencing strong employment growth, with an estimated 146,000 qualifications needed over the next five years. And ‘More than half of these qualifications are achievable through the state’s vocational education and training (VET) system.’
Employers are looking for people with the right mix of practical skills and nationally recognised training. Subsidised programs help bridge that gap by reducing financial barriers for individuals, while building stronger communities through a better-prepared workforce.
For many of our students at Time Education & Training, subsidised training has been the turning point that allowed them to step into meaningful work, support their families, and feel confident about their future.
What types of courses are covered?
Funding is available for an array of courses that span industries where South Australia needs more skilled workers, with a particular focus on health and care, construction, defence and manufacturing.
‘Health and care – is South Australia’s largest employing industry, supporting an estimated 170,300 jobs and representing 17.9 per cent of total employment for the state. All health and care roles highlighted in the Outlook are listed as having a ‘strong’ level of future demand,’ according to the Job and Skills Outlook 2024 released by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
So that means courses like the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, CHC50121Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services, HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Operating Theatre Technician), TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, TAE50122 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training are currently eligible for government subsidy.
Check your eligibility and course options here.
The great news is that you may even be able to undertake two subsidised courses at the same time.
Who is eligible for government funded courses?
To access government funded courses in South Australia, you need to live or work in the state and be:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or
- a permanent Australian resident, or
- an eligible visa holder.
On top of that, if enrolling with Time Education & Training you need to be at least 16 years old, and not enrolled at school.
What’s worth noting is that eligibility has become more flexible over recent years. Even if you’ve studied before or already hold a qualification, you may still be able to access subsidised places in priority courses. This makes retraining or pivoting into a new career more achievable than ever.
Why choose Time Education & Training?
At Time Education & Training, we believe training should be more than just ticking a box. It should feel personal, supportive, and connected to your real-life goals. As an approved provider of a wide range of government funded courses, we are proud to help South Australians gain the skills they need to succeed.
What sets us apart is our focus on community. We don’t just enrol students. We actually get to know them, understand their aspirations, and walk alongside them through their learning journey. Our trainers bring both professional expertise and genuine care, creating a supportive environment that builds confidence as well as skills.
If you’re thinking about starting a new career or retraining for a better future, government funded courses could be your pathway forward. And with Time Education & Training, you’ll have a partner who believes in your potential every step of the way.
