What it costs
Apprenticeship training with RTA is government subsidised in every state we work in. What the apprentice or employer pays depends on the state and the course.
| Course | New South Wales | Queensland | Tasmania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printing ICP31220 | Fee-free | Free for eligible apprentices under 25. Otherwise $1,336.00 Concessional $534.40 | No student fee |
| Picture Framing MSF30518 | Fee-free | $1,273.60 Concessional $509.44 | No student fee |
| Signs and Graphics CPC30216 | Fee-free | Not offered in Queensland | No student fee |
Queensland figures are for the standard set of units; the fee follows the units in your training plan. Tuition fees are subject to change and are correct at the time of publication.
Fee-free apprenticeships
This training is fee-free and fully subsidised by the NSW Government under the Fee-Free Apprenticeships initiative. The NSW Government has extended the initiative repeatedly; we will confirm your fee before you start.
The co-contribution fee
Queensland apprenticeships are subsidised by the Queensland Government. Apprentices also make a co-contribution, set by the Department at $1.60 per nominal hour for each unit, charged as each unit begins.
- Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s: no fee for eligible apprentices under 25 in Printing who commence before 30 June 2027. The Department covers the fee. Picture Framing is not part of this initiative.
- Concessional rate (40%): for apprentices under 17 at the end of February in the training year who are not at school, or who hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Card (or are a partner or dependant named on one), or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- Financial hardship: if paying would cause serious financial hardship, talk to us before enrolment about a fee waiver.
- Who pays: the fee can be paid by the apprentice or by their employer. Many industrial awards require the employer to reimburse an apprentice's course fees.
- Refunds: a full refund if training has not started when the enrolment is cancelled, and a proportionate refund if you withdraw from a unit. See our Fees and Refund Policy.
RTA is a Skills Assure Supplier — proud to be a Queensland Government subsidised training provider.
No student fee
There is no student fee for RTA apprenticeships in Tasmania. This training is subsidised by the Department of State Growth, Tasmania.
Recognition of prior learning
RPL for experienced tradespeople is $5,000 for the full qualification. It is fee-for-service, not government subsidised.
- Paid in instalments of up to $1,500, each one as your units are assessed. We never hold more than $1,500 of your money in advance for training not yet delivered.
- You receive a statement of fees, with the exact instalments, before you enrol.
- There is no charge for talking to us about whether RPL is worth applying for.
Ask us first
We'll tell you exactly what applies to you, before anything is signed.
This training is subsidised by the Department of State Growth, Tasmania.