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 2025–26, $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 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?

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.

Learn more about the application process and how to apply.

Program documents

Ready for Work Guidelines for funding 2025–26 (PDF, 489KB)

Ready for Work 2025–26 fact sheet (PDF, 210KB)

Sample Skilling Queenslanders for Work services agreement (PDF, 533KB)

Last updated 3 April 2025