CSQ Short Course Program 2024-25: Eligibility & Key Changes

Unlock Your Training Potential with CSQ funding from the CSQ Short Course Program 2024-2025

Are you looking to upskill in the construction industry but worried about the costs? Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) funding might be the answer. The CSQ short course program is designed to reduce the financial barrier to training, with CSQ funding helping workers and businesses in the building and construction industry access affordable, high-quality training. With the new contract period starting from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, now’s the perfect time to explore how you can take advantage of this opportunity.

In this blog, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you understand how CSQ funding works, who’s eligible, and what’s new for the 2024-2025 CSQ short course program.

What is Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) Funding?

Q: What is CSQ funding?
CSQ funding is financial support provided by Construction Skills Queensland to help reduce the cost of training for workers in the construction industry. It is aimed at making upskilling more affordable for eligible participants.

Q: Who provides CSQ funding?
CSQ is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that funds training programs to support workers, employers, apprentices, and trainees in Queensland’s construction industry.

Am I Eligible for CSQ Funding?

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for CSQ funding?
To be eligible, you must be:

• An Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident, or a visa holder with permission to work and study in Australia (visa holders must have been employed for 6 months ore more before applying).
• Aged 15 years or older (must be 18+ for high-risk work licences).
• Substantially engaged in the Queensland building and construction industry.

Q: I’m self-employed in construction. Am I eligible?
Yes, self-employed workers in the construction industry can access CSQ funding if they can provide proof of recent work (e.g., invoices with ABN/ACN registration or a statutory declaration).

Q: Can unemployed workers apply for funding?
Yes, if you’ve been unemployed for less than six months but would otherwise meet the eligibility criteria, you may still qualify for CSQ funding.

For more detail about what constitutes an ‘eligible worker’ then see our detailed CSQ funding page.

What Are the Key Changes for 2024-2025?

Q: What’s different in the new CSQ contract period (1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sept 2025)?
Some of the key changes include:

• Apprentices and trainees must meet the same ‘eligible worker’ criteria as other participants.
• Visa holders must have worked in the industry for at least six months before applying for funding.
• Proof of self-employment now requires more documentation, such as invoices for recent work with their ABN/ACN registration papers or a statutory declaration.
• Approved eligibility evidence no longer includes a current Qleave statement, with QBCC/ESO licences now needing to be accompanied with confirmation that they are substantially engaged in the industry by way of email from employer

What Courses Are Covered Under CSQ Funding?

Q: What types of courses are eligible for CSQ funding?
CSQ funds a wide range of short courses, including High Risk Work (HRW) units such as dogging, rigging and crane operating, Machine Plant Operator (MPO) units related to earthmoving and general construction safety courses. You can find a detailed course list on the CSQ funding page.

Q: How many CSQ-funded courses can I complete?
You can complete up to 8 short courses during the 2024-2025 funding period, with specific limits:

• Maximum of 3 High Risk Work (HRW) units.
• Maximum of 3 Machine Plant Operator (MPO) units.

Q: What happens if I exceed the maximum number of funded courses?
If you exceed the 8-course limit, you or your employer will be liable for the full cost of any additional courses.

For a more detailed explanation about relevant courses offered by On the Job Training, see our CSQ funding page.

How Do I Apply for CSQ Funding?

Q: How can I apply for CSQ funding?
To apply, contact a CSQ-approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like us. We’ll guide you through the process and help determine your eligibility.

You can also apply and check our website for more details on CSQ funding or call us at 07 3807 6061.

Additional Questions About CSQ Funding

Q: I’ve already completed some training using CSQ funding. Can I still access CSQ funding?
Yes, any courses completed before 30 September 2024 don’t count toward the 2024-2025 limit, so you’ll have a fresh set of 8 courses available under the new contract period.

Q: Are apprentices eligible for CSQ funding?
Yes, apprentices and trainees can access CSQ funding if they meet the criteria for an ‘eligible worker.’ However, they cannot access funding for units that are part of their qualification.

Have more questions?
Feel free to reach out to our team at 07 3807 6061 or visit our CSQ funding page for more information.

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