
Smart and Skilled Information
What is Smart and Skilled?
NSW Smart and Skilled provides eligible NSW students with subsidised training up to and including Certificate III, as well as government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.
The focus of NSW Smart and Skilled is getting people into the workforce by helping them improve language, literacy and numeracy as well as gain specific job skills. Certificates I, II and III are considered the minimum requirements for getting a job.
People who meet the NSW Smart and Skilled eligibility conditions are entitled to enrol in a subsidised course up to Certificate III regardless of the level of any previous qualifications held. So, if you already hold a SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management you can still apply for funding for a BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Administration) or TLI30321 Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing Operations).
While NSW Smart and Skilled focuses on entry-level qualifications, subsidised training is also available for some Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level in targeted areas.
You can also find more information about this initiative on the ‘Smart and Skilled’ website, currently available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw or call 1300 772 104.
- COURSE INFORMATION
- ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer
- Consumer Protection Information
- Support and Assistance for Students
- Contact Details
This is a guide only, applicants are advised to complete our ‘Smart and Skilled’ Eligibility Criteria form or contact us directly to discuss their eligibility for the various programs available.
To be eligible for NSW Smart and Skilled funding applicants must be:
- 15 years old or older;
- no longer at school or home-schooled;
- living or working in NSW
- an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who do not live or work in New South Wales but live in specific defined interstate NSW border areas are eligible for government-subsidised training under ‘Smart and Skilled’.
Applicants can also check their eligibility for ‘Smart and Skilled’ funding here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/apprentices-and-trainees/low-cost-and-free-training-options/smart-and-skilled
Applicants who are not eligible for ‘Smart and Skilled’ funding have the option of applying to enrol as a self-funded student. For more information please contact us on 1300 783 283 or email us at [email protected] .
Since January 2015, all students participating in Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications are required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Australian College is required under Commonwealth Law to have the USI recorded for the student’s training as part of the enrolment process.
Applicants are required to create their own USI by accessing the USI website here: https://www.usi.gov.au/students.
Please note: The USI will be used for reporting Training Activity Data to the Department of Education. To understand how your information will be used for this purpose, please read the Privacy Notice available here.
- Apply to Enrol Online
- Complete the Consent to Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Form
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is all about the skills and knowledge an individual has collected through work and life experience and then transferring them to current training course requirements. RPL must take place at the start of training, apprenticeship or traineeship after enrolling with a Registered Training Provider (RTO).
Credit Transfer also recognises previous formal learning (e.g. completion of other qualifications). It uses an assessment of previous courses completed to determine whether it can be credited to the new course. The assessment determines the extent to which the previous course is equivalent to the required learning outcomes or the applicants desired qualification.
For more information on RPL and Credit Transfer please see our policy available currently on our website here or contact us on 1300 783 283 or email [email protected].
Australian College is aware of its obligation to provide consumer protection for all students according to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the NSW Fair Trading Act 1987, the NVR Standards for RTO’s 2015 and the Smart and Skilled Consumer Protection Policy.
Australian College is committed to ethical conduct as per all its Policies and Procedures, such as Consumer Protection Policy, Marketing and Advertising Policy, Enrolment Policy, Access and Equity Policy, Complaints and Appeals Handling Policy and Privacy Policy.
New applicants and current Students can also access the ‘Consumer Protection’ information provided by Smart and Skilled on their website here.
New applicants and current Students can find more information on Smart and Skilled policies, including information on the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy, currently available here.
It is important to us that our students have the support they need to complete their training course. Australian College has a range of support services available, such as:
- Internal support via trainer/assessor, administration staff, management team.
- Identifying language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills required for learning or referrals to LLN external programs.
- Online learning resources and/or programs to increase access for learners who may require additional support such as learning materials in alternative formats, e.g, in large print.
- Referrals to counselling services – please, be aware that there may be costs associated with external support services.
Student Support – External Services
- For support with reading, writing or basic maths, the following website may assist: https://www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au/
- Phone No:1300 655 506or email: [email protected]
For support with your wellbeing and mental health you can find help with:
- 24/7 personal crisis support and suicide prevention
- Phone: 1300 224 636
- Chat online: 3.00pm to 12.00am / 7 days a week
- 24/7 personal crisis support and suicide prevention
- Phone: 13 11 14
- National Youth Mental Health Association
- Phone: 1800 650 890
Beyond Blue
Lifeline
Headspace
Australian College Contact Details
Phone: 1300 783 283 or 02 9386 2500
Email: [email protected]
Smart and Skilled contact details
Phone: 1300 772 104
Email: [email protected]

Corporate Traineeships in New South Wales (NSW)
Corporate traineeships in NSW offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience and earn a nationally recognized qualification while working in a corporate environment. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with formal education, allowing trainees to develop industry-specific skills and knowledge. Corporate traineeships generally span 1 to 3 years, depending on the industry and the specific qualifications pursued. They can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, providing flexibility to accommodate various schedules. The duration and structure are designed to ensure that trainees acquire comprehensive skills and experience relevant to their chosen field.
School Traineeships in New South Wales (NSW)
School traineeships in NSW provide high school students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and earn a nationally recognized qualification while still completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC). These programs are designed to integrate vocational education and training with secondary education, offering a pathway to both academic and career success.


Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualification Programme (TPPPQ)
The Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualification Program (TPPPQ) is an initiative by the New South Wales (NSW) Government in Australia, designed to provide subsidised training to individuals aiming to enhance their skills and employability. This program focuses on delivering vocational training that equips participants with the competencies required for specific industries and job roles.Australian College’s courses are nationally recognised, ensuring that the qualifications you earn are acknowledged across Australia. This recognition is crucial for those seeking employment or advancement within the country.
TESTIMONIALS