Programs

WorkReady is about targeting training and employment opportunities to the needs of people, strategic industries and regions.

Individuals need to meet course entry requirements and verify their eligibility for enrolment before being enrolled in a government subsidised training place.

On the website you can quickly check your eligibility as well as browse information about the range of programs available. The website also provides information for employers and businesses as well as industry and workforce information through the knowledge centre.

Foundation skill courses and language, literacy and numeracy bridging units from the new Foundation Skills Training Package will continue to be fully subsidised and accessible to individuals who are assessed to need them. An Upfront Assessment of Need is required for all prospective students. Funding periods generally run for six months and are announced and communicated via the Subsidised Training List.

For information on what courses are subsidised see Find a training course.

Schools offer options including cash, credit card, EFTPOS and online banking. Payment options can also include instalments as arranged with the school. Contact your child's school directly to discuss,

For more information on options available visit the website link below.

Provides extra help with the cost of approved child care for eligible parents undertaking activities such as job search, work, study, training, or undertaking rehabilitation to enter, or re-enter, the workforce.

Covers 50% of out of pocket child care expenses, up to a maximum amount per child per year, in addition to any amount you may receive from Child Care Benefit and/or JET Child Care Fee Assistance (if applicable).

You may be eligible for Child Care Rebate if:

- you use a Child Care Benefit approved child care service

- you are eligible for Child Care Benefit, even if you earn too much to receive payment, and

- you and your partner meet the Work, Training, Study test for Child Care Rebate or are exempt from it

Child Care Rebate is not income tested.

Helps cover the cost of child care, including long day care, family day care, occasional day care, outside school hours care, vacation care, pre-school, and kindergarten. It may also help cover the cost of child care provided by grandparents, relatives, friends or nannies.

To be eligible, you need to:

- use approved or registered child care

- be responsible for paying the child care fees for your child

- ensure your child is immunised, on an immunisation catch up schedule, or is exempt from the immunisation requirements,

- and meet the residence requirements

To receive more than a zero rate of Child Care Benefit you must meet the income test.

Other factors can affect your Child Care Benefit, including:

- your child starting school

- changes in income

- entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement with your employer in which some or all of your child care fees are paid for you

- one of your children no longer using care

- you or your partner no longer meeting the Work, Training, Study test, and

- your participation in work, training or study related commitments

The Department for Education and Child Development provides financial assistance to eligible families on low incomes on the cost of their children's education. Children in government schools may also get the materials and service charges paid.

The School Card scheme offers financial assistance with educational expenses for students attending government schools including:

- school fees (materials and service charges)

- uniforms

- camps and excursions.

Eligibility:

- families with children aged four years and over who attend a school full-time

- independent full time years 10 or 11 students who are studying six subjects

- independent full time year 12 students who are studying five subjects

- adult re-entry students undertaking DECD funded subjects at a government school.

- Family income limits apply

For students at non-government schools, parents are encouraged to speak directly to the school about financial assistance.

Saver Plus is a 10 month financial education and matched savings program that assists families to gain financial skills, establish a savings goal and develop long term saving habits. As an incentive, participants can receive up to $500.00 in matched savings which can be used for education costs.

Participants may be eligible if they:

- Are 18 years or over

- Have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself

- Have a regular income from paid employment (you or your partner)

- Have a current Health Care or Pension Card

- Are in receipt of an eligible Centrelink payment

The Smith Family manages the program in South Australia with Saver Plus workers in the following areas: Adelaide's North and North East (including Tea Tree Gully, Campbelltown District, Gawler, Adelaide Hills and Barossa), Port Adelaide, Enfield, Charles Sturt, Salisbury, Playford and South Adelaide. Over 32,000 people have previously participated in the program throughout Australia.

To seek further information or apply contact 1300 610 355 or visit the website

Education expenses are a major consideration for families. Some families struggle to manage to pay for the basic education needs such as school fees, stationary items and school books. Technology has become an important part of everyday learning at school and the cost of purchasing devices and access to the internet at home can put disadvantaged families even further behind.

The Smith family offers many ways to help disadvantaged children. From assisting with purchasing of school education stationary and technology to programs that help to raise their reading and writing skills.

Their Tech Pack program also provides affordable, refurbished, internet-ready computers and internet access to disadvantaged families around Australia. Participating families receive eight hours of skills training with an accredited trainer and 12 months of free internet access and technical support to ensure they can get the most out of using the equipment.

There is no strict locational boundaries but the focus is more on recognised hardship areas and where there is a current partnership with the community or school.

The Sports Vouchers program provides an opportunity for primary school aged children from Reception to Year 7 to receive up to a $100 discount on sports or dance membership/registration fees. The purpose is to increase the number of children playing organised sport or participating in dance activities by reducing cost as a barrier.

From 1 January 2019 the vouchers have been increased from $50 to $100 and all forms of dance are now eligible.

Who is eligible for the program?

All South Australian primary school aged children, meaning if the child is attending or is eligible to attend primary school (Reception to Year 7, even if Year 7 is based at a high school).

Remember it is one voucher for every primary school aged child per calendar year.