Ready for Work

Ready for Work 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

Ready for Work allows community organisations to run courses of up to 6–8 weeks to assist job seekers to transition into the workforce by providing them with the practical skills they need to successfully find work.

In 2023–24, $4 million in funding will be available to community-based organisations with not-for-profit objectives and school Parents and Citizens' and Parents and Friends' associations throughout Queensland to get job seekers ready for work. Priority will be given to identified areas of high need, with courses also expected to provide networking opportunities with local businesses and employers.

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?

Ready for Work primarily targets Queensland residents who either:

• are ineligible for Australian Government employment services or assistance
• require complementary services because they have significant barriers to learning and employment
• or
• have accessed Australian Government services for more than 6 months and remain unemployed.

Priority will be given to young people who have already left school or are undertaking further education and training.

What does the program fund?

Ready for Work will provide job search assistance and training including:

• resume preparation and writing
• job interview skills
• job search advice, including where to look for work, how to apply for work and help to understand employer expectations
• networking opportunities with local businesses and employers to share their experiences and industry knowledge
• employability skills, such as communication in the workplace, working in a team, problem solving, planning and organising, and self-management.

Who can apply for funding?

Community-based organisations with not-for-profit objectives and school Parents and Citizens' and Parents and Friends' associations can apply. To help deliver a Ready for Work project, applicant organisations can partner with organisations that specialise in providing job search assistance.

Funding levels and conditions

The funding available under Ready for Work is for a maximum 12-month term, based on rolling intakes of part-time duration for up to 6–8 weeks (or full-time equivalent) in a variety of locations.

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.

To learn more about the application process and how to apply, go to the Skilling Queenslanders for Work applications page.

Program documents

Ready for Work Guidelines for funding 2023–24 (PDF, 408KB)

Ready for Work 2023–24 fact sheet (PDF, 256KB)

Sample Skilling Queenslanders for Work Services Agreement (PDF, 616KB)

Contact information

For general enquiries about Skilling Queenslanders for Work, email training@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935.

Community-based organisations with specific enquiries about a Ready for Work application should contact their local DESBT regional office or the Skilling Queenslanders for Work team at training@desbt.qld.gov.au.

Related information

• Skilling Queenslanders for Work - home
• Skilling Queenslanders for Work - for community organisations
• Skilling Queenslanders for Work applications
• Skilling Queenslanders for Work provider kit
• Community Work Skills
• Work Skills Traineeships
• Get Set for Work
• Youth Skills
• Community Foundation Skills
• Skill Up
• Certificate 3 Guarantee
• Funded project lists

Last updated 30 March 2023