Up-Skilling and Cross-Skilling

The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority (the Authority) provides funding for the training of entry-level and eligible existing workers for the development of skills identified as being in short supply in the ACT building and construction industry. By funding training outcomes and therefore reducing the cost of training to industry, the Authority aims to improve access to training and promote a training culture to support the entry of new people into the building and construction industry.  

The Authority has three operational programs: Entry Level training, Up-Skilling & Cross-Skilling and Access & Equity. The largest funding allocation within these programs is for Up-Skilling and Cross-Skilling. 

Training Rebates

This program covers the largest area of funding support provided by the Authority, in the form of training rebates. Training rebates are provided after successful completion of training in one of two methods: directly to a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) who delivered the training, or to the business employing the training participant(s). For details on eligibility, including a list of previously funded training programs, refer to:  https://trainingfund.com.au/eligibility.  

Training Rebates are paid according to the details provided within the application, dependent on the price paid for training and the total face-to-face hours of delivery. In some instances, the amounts are paid at a flat rate. The current flat rates apply for mandatory safety training in the ACT for eligible workers:

 How to Apply 

Applications for Training Rebates are lodged via the Authority’s website, using an online Application Form. This may be accessed using the Apply button from the Authority’s homepage or at: https://trainingfund.com.au/apply . For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the application process refer to:  https://trainingfund.com.au/applying.  

As an easy reference for new users, factsheets on ‘Applying for Training Rebates’ and ‘Eligibility for Training Rebates’ are available at https://trainingfund.com.au/factsheets.  

Trade Licensing Gap Training

With the extension of Trade Licensing in the ACT, the Authority has approved funding for gap training for eligible workers. The process of obtaining a Trade License may require existing workers to gain Certificate III in a specific trade where they have been employed for some years but not completed a qualification. If eligible workers already working within the ACT are required to obtain a Certificate III in a trade qualification for the purpose of obtaining a mandatory trade license, the Authority will provide a training rebate of 90% of the RTO program fees for gap training. 

Gap training is specific to new information undertaken as part of gaining the qualification. It does not fees required for the recognition of prior learning or experience process applied to determine the gap training requirements. Also, should the qualification be obtained by the candidate enrolling into an apprenticeship which attracts government funding, this funding will not apply.  

How to Apply

Applications can be lodged by an RTO or by the individual candidate or their business, if they are an ABN holder. The application is lodged via the TFA online application form: https://trainingfund.com.au/apply.

NOTE: Within the application, add the specific category of TFA funding following the RTO Training Course Name (e.g. Certificate III in Carpentry – TRADE LICENSE GAP TRAINING GRANTS). 

Confirmation of approval will be sent via email, including details of the amount of approved funding, record ID (reference for TFA purposes) and how to claim.

Claims and Reporting

Once the training is successfully completed, you may claim payments by submitting: 

Following successful completion of training, RTOs may submit a claim for payment. Claims must include:

Evidence of Completion 

• Official transcript or record of results

• Units of competency or training outcomes achieved

• Method of achievement (including Recognition of Prior Learning, where applicable)

Tax Invoice

• Application Record ID

• Candidate name

• Qualification or training completed

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us:

• Email: info@trainingfund.com.au

• Phone: (02) 6262 5630

• Visit: www.trainingfund.com.au