Queensland Government funded training is provided by approved training providers, known as Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS).
The SAS framework is made up of the policies, systems and processes put in place by the Queensland Government to contract training providers and quality-assure the funded training they deliver.
The SAS network—and its framework—gives students, parents and employers confidence that funded training in Queensland develops skills that are valued by industry and leads to employment. With the framework linked to both national and Queensland-specific quality standards, SAS status provides a higher level of quality assurance.
The framework doesn't require training providers to pay application or other fees.
New Skills Assure Supplier framework
During 2023 consultations across the state, Queenslanders told us what they expect from publicly funded training, including funding skills that industries need and lead to jobs, enhanced support for students and more training delivered closer to home—no matter where they live.
The new SAS framework has been developed to maximise outcomes from government's significant investment in training. It has a sharpened focus on funding the right training with the right provider where it is needed – putting national and state priorities, including outcomes for students, at the heart of the investment model.
Every financial year, the Queensland Government's Training Priorities Plan will outline the state's skilling priorities and how they inform investment decisions, including training subsidies, and the programs and initiatives developed to maximise outcomes for Queensland and for Queenslanders.
What stays the same
- Queensland's funded training will remain aligned to priorities and informed by industry advice.
- Funded training will be focused on quality and job outcomes, so it will continue to be important for providers to maintain currency and have strong links to industry and employers.
- Quality assurance and monitoring activity will continue.
- SAS will continue to have dedicated contract managers.
What is different
Responding to feedback, we have now streamlined our contracting arrangements with:
- single agreements—no more multiple agreements for different subsidy programs
- multi-year agreements where appropriate—providing greater year-to-year continuity for students and providers
- a single funded course list—no more multiple lists for different programs, with the one list identifying what courses are delivered, including for apprenticeships and traineeships
- funded training must be delivered by contracted SAS—third party delivery is by exception only
- limited changes in control and SAS ownership.
Government investment will also be more actively managed, with evidence and data informing what qualifications will be delivered by what providers and where.
There will also be an enhanced focus on improved equity, access and outcomes for students, including those in regional Queensland, through new delivery standards and more outcomes-focused performance monitoring.
New subsidised training programs
Queensland's subsidies are changing to better meet customer needs. Under the new SAS framework, subsidy programs align to career stages, making it easier for Queenslanders to understand and navigate their subsidised training options. The programs are:
- Career Start for job seekers – from 1 July 2025
- Career Boost for workers – from 1 July 2025.
This means Certificate 3 Guarantee, User Choice and Higher Level Skills are replaced by the new programs.
Discontinuing program arrangements will be phased out over time, so students can continue their funded course and will not be disadvantaged. Learn more about managing your continuing students.
Details of the funded programs, and SAS, to deliver training for school students in 2026 will be available soon.
Last updated 5 August 2025
