BERT Training Queensland is a joint Union and Employer initiative which provides workers and employers with funding and assistance to improve their skills. The fund, which was previously known as the Queensland Construction Training Fund was established in 1991 to enable industry to take responsibility for the funding of its training needs. Our board is comprised of employer and union directors with each having an equal say in running the Fund.
Who We Help
BERT Training Queensland (BTQ) assists in the training of workers throughout the Queensland building and construction industry. Through skills training, workers covered by the Building Employees Redundancy Trust (BERT) can increase their skills, knowledge and expertise. This leads to better employment options, higher wages and a more productive industry.
How we are funded
BTQ receives annual financial disbursements from BERT and related trust funds. BERT is also a joint Union and Employer initiative. These funds are provided to BTQ for the purpose of improving training outcomes in the industry. Funds provided to BTQ are managed in accordance with policies determined by the BTQ Directors. Since our inception, BTQ has received (and has distributed) over $15 million in training funds to the Queensland construction industry.
Who We Fund
BTQ provides training grants to employees and employers who are BERT members within the building and construction industry in Queensland. BTQ is often referred to as a fund of last resort, which means BTQ provides BERT members with access to funding where other funding sources aren’t available.
Who We Help Train
Funding preference is given to BERT employers and BERT members. BTQ will provide assistance in both the trade and non-trade callings and in the building, civil and engineering construction sectors of the industry.
Who Can Apply?
Any person who is a member of BERT (Building Employees Redundancy Trust) For current BERT Members, the amount of funding that will be approved shall not exceed the total funds having been held in their BERT account for the previous 12 months. New BERT Members must have a minimum balance of $200. The applicant may either be currently employed or unemployed. A seperate application form must be completed for each individual and for each course to be funded.
Making an Application
All training is paid up-front by the applicant or the employer. Reimbursement by BTQ is only made after the training is completed and proof is provided. ie. A copy of a tax paid invoice from the RTO that delivered the training and the training results (certificate or statement of attainment). You can seek funding for up to two (2) training activities over a 12 month period, provided the total cost of the combined activities does not exceed the amount in your BERT account over the past 12 months. Applications must be made prior to the commencement of the training. As BTQ may not fully reimburse the cost of training, it is important to know how much will be reimbursed before you commit to the training.
Funding restrictions
Due to our limited funding, it is unlikely that the full cost of your training will be reimbursed. Applications are determined on a case by case basis. Applicants are notified in writing of the level of support BTQ can provide.
Approval of applications
BERT Training Queensland processes applications continuously. Generally applicants will recieve written confirmation of their grant and the amount to be funded within ten (10) working days. BERT Training Queensland recommends applicants wait until written confirmation has been recieved, before committing to pay for a course. It is a strict requirement that applications must be made prior to the commencement of training. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in your application being rejected.