Community Work Skills

Community Work Skills is one of 8 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.

In 2025–26, up to $10 million in funding will be available for community-based, not-for-profit organisations throughout Queensland.

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.

The delivery of training and assessment services for community-based training projects are funded under the Certificate 3 Guarantee program.

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

Community Work Skills funds cover the tailored support that must accompany 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 some industries may be funded.

Who can apply for funding?

Community-based not-for-profit organisations, registered for GST, are eligible for funding. The training and assessment services component of the funded project must be delivered by a registered training organisation (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 assistance to be provided, as well as the number of participants targeted by the project.

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, 342KB)
• Community Work Skills 2025–26 fact sheet (PDF, 212KB)
• Sample Skilling Queenslanders for Work services agreement (PDF, 451KB)

Last updated 30 July 2025