Community Work Skills

Community Work Skills is one of the programs that form part of the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. Through a suite of targeted skills and training programs, Skilling Queenslanders for Work aims to improve the skills, employment opportunities and social inclusion of disadvantaged Queenslanders.

Program overview

Community Work Skills offers tailored assistance and integrated learner support to job seekers while they undertake a nationally recognised qualification, up to certificate III level, and employment skills to prepare for work.

The program is being expanded in 2025-26 to pilot new approaches or local solutions to assist a priority industry or local regional workforce need.

In 2025–26, up to $10 million in funding will be available for not-for-profit organisations throughout Queensland. This can include community-based organisations, peak industry associations, local councils and registered training organisations (RTOs).

Funded projects

For job seekers, the best way to find a current Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is by navigating a map.

To view projects recently announced under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, go to the funded project lists.

Who does the program support?

Community Work Skills primarily targets Queensland residents who are ineligible for Australian Government employment services or assistance.

Individuals accessing Australian Government services are eligible if they are disadvantaged and require complementary services, regardless of the length of time they have been unemployed or in receipt of assistance.

What does the program fund?

Community Work Skills funds eligible organisations to support disadvantaged job seekers to undertake formal training to gain nationally recognised skills and vocational qualifications and prepare for work.

The delivery of training and assessment services for community-based training projects are funded under the Career Start program.

The delivery of projects should be tailored to participants' circumstances.

Community Work Skills funds cover the tailored support and employment assistance that accompanies the delivery of training within a community-based setting and the student co-contribution fees.

Community Work Skills projects focus on the attainment of certificate III qualifications, however certain skill sets and lower-level qualifications recognised as an appropriate entry level pathway in high priority industries with skills shortages may be funded.

Community Work Skills will also fund stand-alone projects delivering non-accredited short courses offering career advice, job preparation and job search activities and employability skills.

Flexible delivery models may be developed to determine alternative strategies for industry specific induction or pre-employment projects that connect employers to a diverse pool of workers. Partnership arrangements between organisations will be encouraged as there may be benefits by connecting and collaborating to generate effective employment solutions.

Who can apply for funding?

Not-for-profit organisations, including community-based organisations, peak body associations, local councils and RTOs, registered for GST, are eligible for funding. The training and assessment services component of the funded project must be delivered by an RTO that has Queensland Government Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) status.

More information is detailed in the Community Work Skills Guidelines for funding below.

Funding levels and conditions

Funding is available for a maximum 12-month term. The level of funding is dependent on the type of project and nature of the training and employment support to be provided, as well as the number of participants to be assisted and additional activities or specialist services.

How to apply

Applications are accepted during 2 open funding rounds each year.

First and second rounds generally open February/March and August/September respectively.

Learn more about the application process and how to apply.

Program documents

• Community Work Skills guidelines for funding 2025–26 (PDF, 323KB)
• Sample Skilling Queenslanders for Work services agreement (PDF, 451KB)

Last updated 19 August 2025