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The VETiS 2026 program is a continuation of VETiS 2025, with the core elements of the program remaining unchanged. This includes the long-standing commitment to provide students with access to one departmentally funded qualification at any given time, including the VETiS and SAT programs, in order to maximise access to free and low-cost training for all Queenslanders.

While the intent of the program remains the same, updates have been made to provide greater clarity in areas that were previously silent, implied, or unclear. This resource aims to promote a clearer understanding of existing requirements, improve the quality of training delivery, and support schools, providers, and stakeholders in delivering consistent, compliant, and industry-aligned outcomes for students.

Certain program aspects are now being more closely monitored and implemented to enhance consistency, compliance, and responsiveness to the needs of students and industry.

Exploration: Career Tasters and Gateway to Industry Schools Program FAQs

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Career Tasters will be piloted in 2026 by TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity, with a focus on supporting regional students and those without access to programs like the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.

Career Tasters pilots are still being developed. Details, including eligibility for school students, will be released in Semester 2, 2025. This will include information about special assistance schools and P–10 schools.

No, Career Tasters are not assessable. They are designed to give students a hands-on introduction to working in a sector without the accredited training required for QCE credits.

Yes. Career Tasters are designed to complement existing programs and provide opportunities for students who may not have access to other structured experiences.

For 2026, Career Tasters will only be delivered by TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity as part of the pilot program.

The pilot program aims to provide industry-led experiences, including in regional areas. While Career Tasters won’t be available to all schools in 2026, the program will be reviewed and expanded as it evolves. Students can also access industry connections through the Gateway to Industry Schools Program.

The Career Taster pilot program is on track to launch in Semester 1, 2026.

Employment: DTET-funded qualifications and Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS) FAQs

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Yes. Students can access both pathways under VETiS 2026. However, a student cannot access DTET-funded pathways concurrently (at the same time).

Yes, the qualifications list is developed in consultation with industry to ensure it aligns with workforce needs. See the full list of funded qualifications for 2026.

No. It will remain available through:

  • Career Start, which subsidises post-school certificate III qualifications
  • fee-for-service arrangements with external RTOs.

A new Industry Skills Solutions program is being developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, focused on drone operation in regional and remote areas, and will be available to eligible school students.

Absolutely. Year 10 students are eligible for DTET-funded qualifications under VETiS 2026.

Students can continue their training in 2026 with their current provider under a continuing student agreement.

No, there is no second chance funding for VETiS 2026. That is why it’s pivotal the school and the SAS make the student and parents/carers aware that they are using their entitlement to DTET funding.

Training delivery partners FAQs

Schools are not eligible for Skills Assure Supplier status. However, schools can deliver DTET-funded training through VETiS under an approved third-party arrangement.

School RTOs are funded by the Department of Education to support vocational pathways and are not eligible for DTET funding.

Yes, but only under a third-party arrangement, which must not exceed 50% of the total training and assessment services for each qualification at each school.

Operationalising VETiS 2026

No. All current programs are changing as part of the new funded training program under VETiS 2026. This means that User Choice has been phased out and replaced by school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Yes. Factsheets are being developed and will be available soon. For updates, subscribe to the Queensland Jobs and Skills Connect newsletter.

Eligibility for funded training

A student in Year 10, 11 and 12 can undertake a:

  • funded certificate I or II – general training
  • funded school-based apprenticeship or traineeship

Points to note:

  • VETiS students are not supported to undertake more than one DTET funded qualification at the same time. However, they could do one DTET funded qualification, a fee-for-service qualification and a qualification delivered by their school concurrently (at the same time), as detailed in the VETiS summary of eligibility table.
  • There is no DTET requirement for a student to do a certificate I or II before they do a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. Career Tasters will provide an opportunity for students to try a skill area before enrolling in a qualification.

VETiS 2026 summary of eligibility table provides an overview of eligibility requirements for the VETiS 2026 program.

VETiS 2026 scenarios

Tanya – Year 11

Tanya is in year 11 and would like to do a Certificate II in Hospitality and a Commercial Cookery Apprenticeships (Cert III) through a DTET funded SAT. Tanya has asked whether she can enrol in both at the same time.

Tanya’s VETiS 2026 options

  • No, Tanya can’t enrol in both at the same time. Tanya may choose to complete the Certificate II first, then commence her SAT.
  • However, Tanya could enrol in both concurrently (at the same time) if one is funded by DTET and the other is funded by another arrangement.
  • Tanya may also choose to not complete the Cert II as she has been able to obtain a traineeship in her chosen field.

Emily – Year 11

Emily is a Year 11 student who has successfully completed a government-funded Certificate II in Hospitality through a DTET funded VETiS program. She enjoyed the hands-on learning experience and believes the skills she gained will be valuable for her future career.

However, Emily has realised that event management is her true passion, and she wants to build on her existing skills by completing a Certificate II in Tourism during Year 12. This qualification will help her develop administrative, organisational customer service and booking skills that are essential for event planning.

Emily’s VETiS 2026 options

  • Emily will not be eligible for a subsidised training place under the general training pathway for the Certificate II in Tourism in year 12.
  • Emily will be eligible to undertake that qualification as a subsidised student after she completes school.
  • As an alternative in year 12, Emily may complete a Certificate III in Tourism traineeship as a SAT. If Emily completes this SAT, this will count towards the VET 10-year apprenticeship and traineeship cap, but it will not exhaust her eligibility under Career Start, if she completes it while she’s still enrolled at school.

Joe – Year 12

Joe completed a Certificate II in Resource and Infrastructure Development in year 11, through a DTET funded VETiS program in 2025. Joe has decided he would like to undertake a Certificate II in Automotive in year 12. Will Joe be eligible for a DTET funded VETiS 2026 placement for this qualification?

Joe’s VETiS 2026 options

  • Joe will not be eligible for a VETiS 2026-funded place for this second qualification.
  • As an alternative, Joe can complete the Certificate II in Automotive on a fee-for-service basis or undertake the Certificate III Automotive as a school-based apprentice/trainee.

Liam – 18 years

Liam is an 18-year-old student who participated a DTET funded VETiS program during Year 12 in 2025. Through this program, he began a school-based apprenticeship in commercial cookery, working at a local restaurant and working towards completing his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

After graduating, Liam transitioned to full-time employment with the same restaurant to complete his Certificate III qualification. While he enjoyed the experience and successfully became a qualified chef, Liam realised that his long-term career interests lie in the automotive industry. He now wants to pursue a new apprenticeship in the automotive industry.

Liam’s post-school options

  • Liam is eligible for a subsidised training place as an automotive apprentice.
  • When Liam completes his second apprenticeship this will be the last subsidised training place for Liam for an apprenticeship/traineeship in the 10-year period since completing his commercial cookery apprenticeship.

Mia – 18 Year 10

Mia enjoys hands-on activities and working with tools. While she isn’t sure what specific career she wants to pursue after school, she knows she’s interested in doing a trade.

Mia wants to explore her options and gain some practical experience while still in school to help her make an informed decision about her future.

Mia’s VETiS 2026 options

  • Before considering accessing a DTET funded place, Mia may wish to participate in a Career Taster pilot program or undertake work experience.
  • Mia will be eligible for one certificate I or certificate II subsidised training place (general pathway) at school through the VETiS 2026 program. This qualification will not impact Mia’s access to subsidised training after she finishes school.
  • Mia may also undertake a certificate III SAT. If Mia completes this SAT, this will count towards the VET 10-year apprenticeship and traineeship cap.
  • Mia can also participate in fee-for-service training or VET delivered by a school RTO. If Mia obtains a qualification through either of these options, this will not impact her eligibility for a VETiS 2026 funded place.

Related information

Last updated 10 November 2025

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