New Funding Schemes Create Opportunities for Workforce Development
A New Era for Water Industry Training
Recent changes to Queensland’s vocational education and training landscape signal a strategic shift in how workforce development is being supported across priority industries—including water. The introduction of Career Start and Career Boost marks a consolidation and enhancement of previous funding programs such as the Certificate III Guarantee, User Choice, and Higher Level Skills.
Career Start and Career Boost: What’s New
Replacing the Certificate III Guarantee, User Choice, and Higher Level Skills programs, the new structure simplifies access to training and aligns funding more closely with career pathways.
- Career Start supports individuals entering the workforce, including through apprenticeships and traineeships. It covers foundational qualifications such as the Certificate III in Water Industry Operations.
- Career Boost targets existing workers seeking to upskill or transition into higher-level roles, with funding available for advanced qualifications like the Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations.
These changes reflect a broader strategy to ensure Queensland’s critical infrastructure sectors are supported by a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Funding That Supports Workforce Growth
Importantly, qualifications relevant to the water industry—such as the Certificate III and IV in Water Industry Operations—remain eligible under these new arrangements. This ensures continuity for organisations already engaged in training, while expanding opportunities for new entrants and career development.
Increased funding under these schemes reflects the government’s recognition of the water sector as a critical infrastructure industry requiring a skilled and sustainable workforce. The reforms are expected to improve training outcomes and reduce barriers to participation, particularly in regional and operational roles.
S&B Reapproved to Deliver Funded Qualifications
Simmonds & Bristow has been reapproved as a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS), enabling continued delivery of funded water industry training under the new framework. With a long-standing history of providing tailored, industry-specific education, S&B is well-positioned to support organisations in navigating the updated funding landscape and implementing effective workforce development strategies.
Coordinated Training Solutions for Teams and Regions
S&B offers coordinated training solutions for organisations looking to deliver programs across multiple sites or as part of broader industry partnerships. Whether it’s a group of councils collaborating regionally or a single organisation managing training across departments, S&B can provide these logistics—saving time and ensuring a seamless experience without you needing to engage a separate project manager, association coordinator or asking your L&D team to manage it. This approach allows for efficient scheduling, consistent delivery, and alignment with operational needs.
Why Now Is the Time to Reassess Training Plans
The introduction of these new schemes presents a timely opportunity for organisations to review their workforce development strategies. With funding now available for both new entrants and existing staff, the water industry is well-positioned to strengthen its talent pipeline and build resilience for the future.
