Successful large scale projects announced
View the successful large scale projects from the 2023-24 funding round.
The Workforce Connect Fund is an initiative designed to increase investment in industry and community-led projects that address attraction, retention and participation issues within the workforce.
It aims to drive systemic, industry-wide change in relation to these issues to enhance workforce outcomes for employers, employees and jobseekers.
The Fund is a key action of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–32, developed to drive Queensland towards a strong and diverse workforce ready to seize today's jobs and adapt to future opportunities.
Funding
The Workforce Connect Fund provides grants for large, scalable projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations to connect, develop and implement new and innovative strategies, services and/or mechanisms that support the attraction and retention of employees now and into the future.
Organisations proposing large-scale projects can apply for funding of up to $1 million each, with each project to be delivered over a maximum 24-month term.
The Fund also provides funding to small businesses with an immediate need for new and innovative human resources (HR) solutions to support their business. Up to $5,000 is available for HR support and advice (subject to funding availability).
Online case studies
Learn more about some of the successful projects from the 2022–23 funding round of the Workforce Connect Fund:
- Queensland's Car2Bus project is steering towards a diverse and skilled future workforce
- New program helps retail employers think and employ differently.
HR Support Grants for small business
Who can apply
To be eligible, small businesses must:
- have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for GST
- demonstrate their principal place of business is in Queensland
- have fewer than 20 employees (by headcount)
- have an annual turnover of less than $10 million
- demonstrate that at least 50% of the business's income is generated directly from the business (i.e. not solely investments or government funding)
- declare that owners/directors are not insolvent or undischarged bankrupt.
Additionally, small businesses must have engaged with an Industry Workforce Advisor and developed a Workforce Plan that identifies an immediate need for new and innovative HR solutions to support its workforce to be eligible to apply for this grant.
Eligible activities
- Engaging with HR specialists to receive advice and coaching to improve workforce issues
- Specialised recruitment strategies or practices to attract and retain underutilised or specific cohorts.
- New workforce systems or tools that promote human resource support and resources accessible to employees and change the current workforce operations of a business.
- Other new and innovative approaches that support workforce attraction, retention or participation
How to apply
Small businesses that have worked with Industry Workforce Advisors to develop a Workforce Plan that identifies essential HR support needs can request an application form by emailing wcf@desbt.qld.gov.au.
Email requests must include:
- a copy of the completed small business's Workforce Plan
- the relevant contact details of the Industry Workforce Advisor that has been working with the small business.
Help and information
Large scale projects
Successful projects
View the successful projects from the 2023–24 funding round.
View the successful projects from the 2022–23 funding round.
Help and information
For all general enquiries for the Workforce Connect Fund, phone 1300 369 935 or email wcf@desbt.qld.gov.au.
Benefits of the Workforce Connect Fund
Support for local businesses
Employers within specific industries will benefit from large-scale projects completed under the Workforce Connect Fund by having greater access to resources such as:
- human resources support and advice
- new information technology platforms or systems
- new mentoring or coaching services.
Support for local jobseekers
Jobseekers looking to enter a specific industry will benefit from large-scale projects delivered under the Workforce Connect Fund by having greater access to resources such as:
- specific pre-employment programs
- new industry work experience programs
- standardised entry level requirement materials for specific industries.
Connecting to funded projects
Successful projects announced in round 1 of the fund commenced delivery in early 2023.
Connecting businesses
A network of industry workforce advisors will be established to support employers to:
- address gaps in workforces and connect to potential sources of labour supply
- connect employers with other DESBT programs, including the Workforce Connect Fund.
Once projects are approved, they will be published to this website and employers will also be able to make direct contact with funded project contacts.
Connecting jobseekers
Approved projects will be published to this website and jobseekers will be able to make direct contact with funded project contacts.
Funded organisations will partner with a number of organisations that will also assist jobseekers connect to funded projects. Partner organisations will also be published to this website.
Contact us
Email wcf@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935 for enquiries about the Workforce Connect Fund.