Fees & Government Funding
Victorian Government Funding
What is Skills First funding?
Skills First is a Victorian Government program that provides access to government-subsidised training for courses in growth industries.
Skills First is made up of:
- high-quality training that students and industry can trust, aligned to industry and workforce needs
- a real voice for industry in training
- funding for high needs learners who need additional support to engage with and succeed in education and training
- access to targeted, relevant training for students in regional areas
Skills First training includes qualifications and some skill sets.
Funded Courses
SWC Training has the following course available at subsidised fees through Victorian State Government funding under the Skills First Program for eligible students based in Regional Victoria:
- HLT37015 Certificate III in Sterilisation Services
- HLT37121 Certificate III in Hospital or Health Services Pharmacy Support
- HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- HLT37315 Certificate III in Health Administration
- HLT47321 Certificate IV in Health Administration
- HLT47015 Certificate IV in Sterilisation Services
- HLT47515 Certificate IV in Operating Theatre Technical Support
- SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Am I eligible?
From 1 January 2024, you need to meet these requirements to be eligible for Skills First subsidised training:
Citizenship
You must be:
- an Australian citizen, or
- an Australian permanent resident, or
- a New Zealand citizen.
Physical location
You must be physically present in Victoria while participating in training and assessment.
Course limits
Skills First funding is limited to:
- two courses at a time
- two Qualifications and two Skill Sets a year
As part of our enrolment application process, SWC Training will check your eligibility for subsidised training and any fees applicable.
Student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Find out more about Skills First
Frequently Asked Questions
How many governments funded courses can I do in a year?
In a calendar year, you may only commence a maximum of:
- Two Skills First subsidised programs that are AQF qualifications.
- Two Skills First subsidised Skill Sets; and
 How many government-funded courses can I do at a time?
You may only commence a maximum of two Skills First subsidised programs at any one time.
Can I receive a government-subsidised training place if I’m still attending school?
If you are enrolled at a school, you will not be able to receive a government-subsidised training place for a course through the Skills First Program, unless you are undertaking the course as part of a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship.
Is there still an upskilling requirement?
From 1st January 2024 upskilling is no longer an eligibility requirement for Skills First funding. The Victorian Government is committed to supporting Victorians to get the skills needed to address critical workforce shortages. That’s why from 1 January 2024 you may be eligible for Skills First Funding regardless of any previous qualifications you hold.
What are the fees?
If you are eligible for Skills First Government-subsidised training place with SWC Training you will pay subsidised fees to undertake your course and apply their skills to existing or new roles, and support productivity growth and workplace innovation.
Through this program, you can start an apprenticeship or traineeship that blends paid work with recognised training delivered by SWC Training. These pathways are designed to build the practical skills employers are looking for while reducing your upfront training costs. Rather than paying the full course fee, you or your employer only contribute a smaller portion, with the rest supported by government funding.
The Queensland Government subsidises eligible apprentices and trainees through:
- Career Boost: for individuals looking to develop the higher-level skills needed to secure employment, advance their careers, or progress to further education and training.
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SAT): for high school students wanting to gain hands-on experience.
- Career Start: for job seekers who want to complete a Certificate II or III qualification in a priority or emerging industry. Eligible participants can undertake up to two funded apprenticeships or traineeships at these levels.