What is Career Start, and how can you use it?
Career Start Program | Forklift Licence | Supply Chain Operations
Forklift licence funding options in Queensland
By EDB Training Services | March 2026 | 7 min read
Getting your forklift licence doesn't have to come at full cost. In Queensland, eligible learners can access government-subsidised training through the Career Start Program. When forklift, order-picker and EWP training are completed as part of the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, that subsidy can cover the bulk of your training fees.
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The main forklift licence funding option in Queensland is the Career Start program - a Queensland Government initiative that subsidises the cost of Certificate III qualification for eligible Queenslanders. EDB Training Services offers forklift training (LF and LO licence) as part of the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30325), which is delivered under Career Start across Brisbane and regional Queensland.
Career Start replaced the former Certificate 3 Guarantee program from 1 July 2025. It offers two pathways - a general training pathway (no employer required) and a traineeship pathway (employer-based). Both can reduce the cost of your forklift qualification significantly.
What is the Career Start Program?
Career Start is the Queensland Government's primary subsidised training program for people entering the workforce or gaining their first post-school vocational qualification. From 1 July 2025, it replaced the Certificate 3 Guarantee and User Choice programs, consolidating entry-level training support under a single program managed by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).
The program is designed for people at the start of their career journey — whether you are entering the workforce for the first time, changing industries, or looking to formalise skills you already use on the job. It covers Certificate III qualifications across priority industries in Queensland, including supply chain and logistics
Key change from 1 July 2025: Career Start now sits alongside a separate program called Career Boost, which is designed for workers who already hold a Certificate III and want to advance to Certificate IV or higher. If you already have a Certificate III or above completed within the last 10 years, Career Boost may be the relevant program for you.
Under Career Start, eligible Queenslanders can access up to two funded training places. The government pays a subsidy directly to the registered training organisation (RTO) — you pay a reduced co-contribution fee.
Career Start pathways - which one applies to you?
Career Start offers two distinct pathways, and understanding the difference is important before you enrol.
Pathway 1
General Training Pathway
You enrol directly with an RTO like EDB Training Services. No employer or training contract is required.
- Suitable for job seekers and those not currently employed
- Study at your own pace with a funded RTO
- Government subsidy applied — you pay a co-contribution fee
- Must meet standard Career Start eligibility criteria
Pathway 2
Traineeship Pathway
You are employed by a business under a registered training contract and study alongside your job.
- Suitable for new employees entering the logistics or warehousing industry
- Employer and employee sign a formal training contract
- Government subsidy helps offset training costs for both parties
- Training delivered on-site or at EDB facilities
Important: Under Career Start you can access up to two funded training places. However, if you complete an apprenticeship or traineeship first, you are no longer eligible to access a general training pathway qualification under Career Start. It pays to understand your pathway before committing.
Am I Eligible for Career Start?
To access Career Start funding for your Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, you need to meet the following criteria:
- be aged 15 years or older, and no longer in school
- permanently live in Queensland
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an eligible visa subclass
- not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student, and foundation skills qualifications don't count)
- not be enrolled in another qualification, even if it's on hold or deferred, whether funded by us (Department of Trade, Employment and Training) or not (foundation skills qualification don't count).
Not sure if you're eligible? You can check your eligibility on the Queensland Skills Gateway, or contact EDB Training Services directly, and we will discuss your options.
Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations - What we offer
EDB Training Services (RTO ID: 32376) delivers the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30325) as an approved Career Start training provider. The qualification is a nationally recognised AQF Certificate III covering the broad range of skills required for entry-level and mid-level roles in the warehousing, logistics, and transport industries.
The course content includes:
- Warehouse receiving, storage, and despatch operations
- Inventory management and stock control
- Safe load handling and equipment operation
- Workplace health and safety in logistics environments
- Communication and team coordination
- Evaluating and improving current workplace practices
Forklift licence included — LF and LO
As part of the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, EDB Training Services offers the opportunity to add forklift training and assessment to your qualification. This covers both:
- LF licence — Forklift truck (counterbalance and high reach), allowing you to operate standard forklifts in Queensland workplaces
- LO licence — Order-picking forklift truck, for operating order-picking forklifts at height
Completing your forklift licence as part of the Certificate III means the training and assessment fees are bundled within the qualification — and where Career Start funding applies, those costs are covered by the government subsidy rather than coming entirely out of your pocket.
EDB's view: A Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations combined with a forklift licence significantly improves your chances of securing long-term employment in the industry. It is the qualification that logistics and warehousing employers consistently look for when hiring. As an operations manager, the traineeship pathways opens doors for your staff to gain multiple qualifications alongside the Certificate III, at an affordable cost.
Training Locations
EDB Training Services is approved to deliver Career Start traineeship training across the following regions in Queensland:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Ipswich
- Logan – Beaudesert
- Moreton Bay South
- Moreton Bay North
- Toowoomba
- Cairns
- Townsville
- Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday
- Central Queensland
EDB's main training facility is located at 75 Redland Bay Road, Capalaba — east of Brisbane. Practical forklift training is conducted at this facility in a warehouse environment equipped with LPG and Electric forklifts. For traineeship students, EDB trainers can also deliver training on-site at your workplace.
Standalone Licencing vs. Certificate III
Which makes more sense?
In almost any case, it makes more sense for employers and employees to investigate eligibility into the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, EDB Training Services can offer much more value, qualifications and competencies for the contribution cost, with funding from the initiative. For example, LF, LO and EWP (under 11m) would typically cost ~$1500 in total as a standalone licencing course, although, with the funding, EDB can offer this licencing/competency process on-site at no further cost as a part of the qualification, saving the employer approximately $700 (even without considering the cost of the entire Certificate III qualification (valued at another $3000).
How to get started with Career Start at EDB Training Services
- 1
Check your eligibility
Use the Queensland Skills Gateway eligibility checker, or contact EDB Training Services. Key questions: are you over 15, living in Queensland, and without a Certificate III or higher completed in the last 10 years?
- 2
Choose your pathway
Are you currently employed in logistics or warehousing? The traineeship pathway may suit you. Looking to get qualified before job hunting? The general training pathway lets you enrol directly with EDB.
- 3
Contact EDB Training Services
Get in touch with our team at Capalaba. We will confirm your eligibility, explain the co-contribution fee (if any), and walk you through the enrolment process — including how to add forklift training to your qualification.
- 4
Enrol and begin training
Once enrolled, your training plan is set. Theory is delivered by a qualified trainer — either at EDB's Capalaba facility or at your workplace. Practical forklift training and assessment is completed at Capalaba or on-site where suitable equipment is available.
- 5
Complete your qualification and apply for your licence
On completion of the Certificate III and forklift assessment, you will receive your nationally recognised qualification. You then apply for your high risk work licence through WorkSafe Queensland — a separate fee applies at that stage.
Frequently asked questions
What are the forklift licence funding options in Queensland?
The main funding option is the Career Start program — a Queensland Government initiative that subsidises Certificate III qualifications for eligible Queenslanders. When forklift training is completed as part of the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations with an approved provider like EDB Training Services, the government subsidy covers a significant portion of your training fees.
What is the Career Start program in Queensland?
Career Start is a Queensland Government funded training program that provides eligible Queenslanders with access to subsidised Certificate III qualifications in priority industries. From 1 July 2025, it replaced the Certificate 3 Guarantee and User Choice programs. It offers two pathways: a general training pathway (no employer required) and a traineeship pathway.
Who is eligible for Career Start funding in Queensland?
You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (or eligible visa holder), permanently live in Queensland, be aged 15 or older and no longer at school, not have completed a Certificate III or higher within the last 10 years, and not be currently enrolled in another qualification.
Does the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations include forklift training?
At EDB Training Services, yes. We offer forklift training and assessment as an add-on to the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, covering both the LF (forklift) and LO (order-picking forklift) high risk work licence classes. This means your forklift training costs may be covered under Career Start subsidised funding. On-site options are available for any specific machine that aligns with our scope.
Can I enrol in Career Start without having a job?
Yes. The Career Start general training pathway allows you to enrol directly with EDB Training Services without needing to be employed as an apprentice or trainee. You still need to meet the standard eligibility criteria. The traineeship pathway is separate and does require employment under a registered training contract.
Where does EDB Training Services deliver the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations?
EDB is approved to deliver Career Start traineeship training across Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan-Beaudesert, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Moreton Bay South, Moreton Bay North, Toowoomba, and Townsville. Our main training facility is at Capalaba, east of Brisbane.
What is the difference between Career Start and Career Boost?
Career Start is for people gaining their first post-school Certificate III qualification. Career Boost is for workers who already hold a Certificate III and want to advance to Certificate IV, Diploma or higher. For forklift licensing as part of a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, Career Start is the relevant program.
Do I need to pay anything under Career Start?
Career Start reduces your training fees through a government subsidy paid directly to your RTO. You may still be required to pay a co-contribution fee — the amount varies by qualification and provider. Contact EDB Training Services to confirm current fees. Once you complete your forklift assessment, a separate fee applies when you apply for your WorkSafe Queensland high risk work licence.
I'm an employer, what are my options?
EDB Training Services can offer specialised, site-specific training programs to benefit your employees. Contact us directly, and we organise a proposal to target your specific training needs. This often involves on-site training in a class environment with extensive hands-on training in your work environment from experienced trainers.
Related pages
- Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations — EDB course details
- Forklift licence (LF) training in Brisbane — EDB Training Services
- Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations
- Career Start — Queensland Government
- Check your eligibility — Queensland Skills Gateway
