The VET Emerging Industries (VEI) initiative ensures Queensland has the skilled workers it needs in new and emerging industry sectors and in established industries where new occupations and job roles are evolving.

With a $15 million investment over 2 years to 30 June 2024, VEI is comprised of strategies in 4 main industries:

  • Manufacturing (total allocation of $5 million)
    • Manufacturing Skills Fund – allocation of $3 million
    • TAFEQ Manufacturing Strategy – allocation of $2 million
  • Agribusiness (total allocation of $5 million)
    • TAFEQ Agriculture, Rural and Regional Strategy – allocation of $2 million
    • Agriculture Skills Fund – allocation of $2 million
    • Beef Processing Skills Fund – allocation of $1 million
  • Energy (total allocation of $4 million)
    • TAFEQ Renewable Energy Strategy – allocation of $2 million
    • Hydrogen Skills Fund – allocation of $1 million
    • Electric Vehicle Skills Fund – allocation of $1 million
  • TAFEQ Screen and Digital Strategy – allocation of $1 million.

Activities and outcomes

VEI harnesses the expertise of industry, government and other stakeholders. Through a variety of approaches, projects developed and delivered under VEI will assist the targeted industries to attract and retain new entrants and reskill, upskill, or build on existing qualifications and skills of existing workers.

VEI delivers on 3 key streams of activity:

  • VET products – the development of VET products such as new qualifications, micro-credentials, skill sets, units of competency and non-accredited training courses are crucial in providing innovative and flexible training and teaching solutions to support the skill needs of emerging industries.
  • Skills gap training – analysing and then addressing the gaps between employees' existing skills and those required for industry is an efficient and agile way to upskill and reskill the workforce to meet industry needs.
  • Workforce development – fostering and implementing awareness raising strategies about new or changing industries assists businesses to prepare their workforce and be ready to engage in emerging industries.

VEI strategies

Read industry case studies for each strategy.

Hydrogen Manufacturing Skills

The TAFEQ Manufacturing Strategy is developing resources for accredited and non-accredited hydrogen safety and operations skill sets. Developed in conjunction with CQUniversity, the project includes teacher training and 3 pilot courses:

  • Hydrogen fuel cell driver operations
  • Operate safely around hydrogen
  • Safely manage hydrogen storage and refuelling.

Retention of Food Processing Workforce

Under the Manufacturing Skills Fund, this project hosted by the Food Industries Association of Queensland Inc (FIAQ), aims to accelerate career development and skills acquisition for workers in food processing.

After consulting with industry to identify workplace needs, 2 training skill sets in leadership and food safety will be developed and delivered to up to 60 participants from a range of food processing businesses. The overall objective is to attract and retain workers in a growing industry through the establishment and promotion of training and career pathways.

FIAQ is also leading the Food Industry Mentoring Workforce project to ensure future industry leaders are well-equipped for their careers thanks to the knowledge sharing, expertise and advice passed on by industry veterans.

Industry 4.0 Cobots

Under the TAFEQ Manufacturing Strategy, this project will build a combination of accredited and non-accredited training resources for people working collaboratively with robots (cobots). A pilot course will test new training resources.

Agricultural Digital Support Work Placement Project

Under the Agriculture Skills Fund, the Queensland Farmers' Federation (QFF) will recruit 20 new Digital Support Officers (DSO) with varied backgrounds in technology and introduce them to host agribusinesses across Queensland. Throughout 2024, work placements for up to 12 months will include mentor training for host businesses and additional support for DSOs such as placement inductions, workshops, webinars and training activities.

Overall, the project aims to increase the technological capacity and productivity of Queensland farmers while highlighting the benefits gained from industry experts who might not typically cross paths. An additional objective of the projects is to identify and showcase new career opportunities and work locations for technology graduates and workers.

Drones in Agriculture

The TAFEQ Agriculture, Rural and Regional Strategy is developing an online micro-credential to introduce the operation, servicing, and repairing of drones in agricultural settings. Up to 100 'participants will trial the new 2-hour self-paced course before it features on the TAFEQ Course Gateway.

Building Business Capability for EVs

Under the Electric Vehicle Skills Fund, this Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA) project will assist automotive businesses across Queensland plan for post-warranty servicing of electric and hybrid vehicles. A series of 7 workshops will provide an opportunity for up to 750 auto workers to prepare their business for the next phase in automotive technology. Workshop resources and discussions will assist the development of a web-based micro-credential.

Additionally, the MTA Upskill to Repair and Service Hybrids and EVs project will develop 4 online online micro-credentials designed to upskill auto tradespeople, including the heavy vehicle industry, on the servicing and repair of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Hydrogen Fundamentals

The TAFEQ Renewable Energy Strategy is creating a micro-credential that covers the basics of hydrogen safety. Suitable for all workers who encounter hydrogen—from service station attendance to production workers—the short course will outline safety procedures and demystify common misconceptions about this emerging energy source.

TSBE Hydrogen Skills Formation Officer

Under the Hydrogen Skills Fund, the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Pty Ltd (TSBE) has recruited a Skills Formation Officer (SFO) to identify and address workforce development needs for the emerging hydrogen industry. Based on CS Energy's Hydrogen Demonstration Plant at Kogan (near Chinchilla), the SFO consults with industry and government to foster successful job creation initiatives and provides detailed reports to inform training and skills planning.

Film and Gaming

The TAFEQ Screen and Digital Strategy will introduce a film and gaming short course that provides upskilling opportunities for industry practitioners.

Developed in conjunction with industry stakeholders, 50 or more participants will trial the new course that features virtual production, post-production, animation and visual effects.

More information

Email vpi@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935 for enquiries about the VET Emerging Industries initiative.

Last updated 4 December 2023

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