The new Local Skills Solutions program will enhance partnerships among local employers, industry, and community organisations to identify and address regional training gaps.

This is a $3 million commitment to support 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 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 your organisation is focused on:

  • growing workforce participation in Queensland
  • creating training and career avenues for priority student cohorts such as
    • First Nations
    • women
    • youth
    • culturally and linguistically diverse individuals
    • and
    • people with lived experience of disability.

Step 2: Review the program documents, aims and requirements

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 students cohorts.
  • Training proposals must meet the criteria in the Local Skills Solutions funding and application guide 2024–25.
  • Training must be provided by a Skills Assure Supplier.
  • Projects should target participants
    • over 15 years of age
    • not in school
    • who are Queensland residents
    • and
    • who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or hold an eligible visa.
  • The applicant organisation must have a strong local presence including well-established community, industry, and employer relationships.
  • The program will provide funding specifically for
    • alternative exit outcomes for Queensland Government subsidised training products (e.g. part qualifications)
    • and/or
    • amended student eligibility and restrictions to support access to Queensland Government subsidised training products
    • non-accredited training that augments the accredited training solution
    • a qualification or skill set not current on the Priority Skills List (if supported by stakeholders and relevant data).
  • Co-contributions can be cash or in-kind and must be included in the project application.

Step 3: Complete and submit the application

Complete the application form

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:

For further information on eligibility, criteria, and the application process, email VETReview@desbt.qld.gov.au.

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Last updated 3 March 2025

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