The Local Skills Solutions program enhances partnerships among local employers, industry, and community organisations to identify and address regional training gaps.
With an initial commitment of $3 million, the program supports local and regional communities facing skills challenges or changes to their economies and labour markets, including transitioning, new and emerging industries.
Projects funded under the Local Skills Solutions program will:
- enable greater access to face-to-face training aligned to localised skills in demand
- provide additional wraparound support, such as mentoring and extra learning support for students
- expand industry engagement and employer participation in training projects.
Funding details
| Funding availability | Up to $250,000 (GST exclusive) per project |
| Application timeframe | Open throughout 2025 and 2026 or until funding is exhausted |
| Co-contribution | Mandatory, with no minimum or maximum percentage required |
| Project commencement | Within 3 months of funding approval |
How to apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Eligible applicants for the Local Skills Solutions program include:
- industry and employer groups
- community-based organisations
- group training organisations with a strong local presence.
Applicants must:
- be Queensland-based
- hold a valid ABN
- be registered for GST.
We encourage you to apply if you are an eligible organisation that is focused on growing workforce participation in Queensland.
Step 2: Review the program documents, aims and requirements
Key program aims
Key aims of the Local Skills Solutions program include:
- identifying gaps in vocational education and training (VET) service delivery, and developing local training solutions to address those genuine skills demands and gaps
- training projects based on co-design principles to ensure solutions are relevant, practical and responsive to stakeholder needs
- improving alignment of skills supply with the demand for workers (with communities determining the focus of training delivered)
- increasing engagement with VET by targeting employer participation in training projects
- supporting a pipeline of local skilled workers to deliver on key government priorities
- facilitating training pathways to secure, meaningful employment for priority student cohorts such as First Nations and people with lived experience of disability.
Key project requirements
- Training proposals must meet the criteria in the Local Skills Solutions funding and application guide 2025–26.
Step 3: Complete and submit the application
Once completed, submit your application form and supporting evidence to VETReview@desbt.qld.gov.au.
More information
You are encouraged to reach out for advice and assistance in shaping your project from:
- your closest Regional Jobs Committee
- the relevant Industry Skills and Jobs Advisors.
For further information on eligibility, criteria, and the application process, email VETReview@desbt.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated 1 May 2025
