Training contacts
Training
Telephone 1300 369 935
Contact Training
Apprenticeships Info
Telephone 1800 210 210
Contact Apprenticeships Info
Queensland Training Ombudsman
Telephone 1800 773 048
Contact the Training Ombudsman
Funded projects
Job seekers can use our interactive map to find current Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects.
Project lists are also available to view.
Information sessions
Find out about information sessions, webinars and workshops being run across the state to provide organisations with advice on the programs and developing applications that stand out.
Funding announcements
21 March 2024: Applications for 2024–25 first funding round closed.
14 December 2023: 2023–24 second funding round projects announced. View funded project lists.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds community organisations to deliver local training and employment projects, under 8 individual programs.
Community-based not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support disadvantaged Queenslanders to gain the qualifications and skills they need to enter and stay in the workforce.
Local councils and school Parents and Citizens' and Parents and Friends' associations may also apply under some programs.
Apply for funding
There are 2 funding rounds each financial year, taking applications for 7 of the initiative's 8 programs. First and second rounds generally open February/March and August/September respectively.
Applications for the 2024–25 first funding round opened on 29 January 2024 and closed at 5pm, Thursday 21 March 2024.
Additional funding for Work Skills Traineeships
Under the Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs (MHAOD) Implementation Plan (announced in February 2023), an additional $10 million is available to expand the Work Skills Traineeships program to fund up to 20 additional projects to assist people experiencing mental ill-health and alcohol and other drug issues.
Funding for projects to support the MHAOD Implementation Plan will be incorporated into the 2024–25 first and second funding rounds.
Resources for organisations
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work fact sheet (PDF, 169KB) provides an overview of the initiative.
The participant eligibility fact sheet (PDF, 264KB) explains who is eligible to participate in projects under each of the initiative's programs, as well as common situations organisations may need to respond to when assessing project applicants.
Program fact sheets and funding guidelines for each program can be found on the individual program pages below.
The provider kit has information and resources for funded organisations.
Programs
Community Work Skills assists disadvantaged Queenslanders to gain nationally recognised skills and qualifications up to a certificate III level.
Work Skills Traineeships funds paid work placements, for up to 6 months, on projects that benefit the boarder community while participants complete a Certificate I in Business, Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Construction, Hospitality or Retail Services.
Get Set for Work provides intensive employment and training assistance over a 12-month period to young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15–19 years.
Ready for Work assists disadvantaged Queenslanders transition into the workforce by providing 6–8 week courses focused on job search assistance and training.
Youth Skills provides nationally recognised training and employment support for 15–24 year olds who are engaged with, or at risk of engaging with, Youth Justice Services or Queensland Corrective Services.
Community Foundation Skills assists disadvantaged Queenslanders with low-level language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills to gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to participate successfully in a modern knowledge economy.
Skill Up provides assistance to adults 25 years and older to upskill or reskill in entry level positions in high priority industries to maximise existing and future job opportunities. Funding is available to community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will partner with registered training organisations with Skills Assure supplier status.
First Start provides wage subsidies to local councils and community organisations to employ young people and disadvantaged job seekers in traineeships. The program allows job seekers to gain nationally recognised qualifications and at least 12 months employment as a trainee.
View the First Start guidelines for funding 2023–24 (PDF, 397KB) for more information.
Contact us
Email training@desbt.qld.gov.au
Phone 1300 369 935
Community organisations and other eligible organisations with specific enquiries regarding project proposals can contact their local DESBT regional office or email training@desbt.qld.gov.au.
Related information
- Find information for job seekers.
- Find information for employers.
- Find information for training providers.
- Visa eligibility for funded programs.
Last updated 29 January 2024
