QLD Community Work Skills 2026-27

Total program funding: Up to $18 million in 2026-27.
Maximum funding per applicant: N/A – The funding amount is determined by the project type, proposed training and employment support, participant numbers, and any additional activities or specialist services.
Project duration: Maximum 12 months.
Applications close: October 22 2026.

Community Work Skills funds eligible not-for-profit organisations to provide tailored training and employment assistance to unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders. Projects help participants gain nationally recognised skills and vocational qualifications up to certificate III level, supported by integrated learner assistance such as career advice, job preparation, foundation skills development and case management.

Funding may also support industry pilots, community-based training pathways and stand-alone job preparation projects. Projects should respond to local labour market needs, target industries experiencing entry-level skills shortages and demonstrate links with employers, industry and community stakeholders. Priority is given to areas of high need and locations where access to services may be limited. Delivery must be free for participants and tailored to their individual circumstances, learning needs and employment goals. Partnerships between eligible organisations, employers, industry and training providers are encouraged to support effective pathways into employment.

Key Requirements

Address community and industry needs: Projects should respond to demonstrated local workforce demand, skills shortages and gaps in existing services. Applicants should provide local labour market evidence and show how training is connected to realistic employment opportunities.
Demonstrate capacity to manage: The lead organisation must demonstrate financial viability, effective governance and risk management, relevant delivery experience, suitable staff, participant recruitment strategies and the capacity to manage government funding.
Provide participant-focused support: Projects must provide training and support suited to participants’ learning needs and career goals. This may include specialist assistance, foundation skills, mentoring, job search support and connections with other services.
Deliver measurable outcomes: Applicants must identify targets for recruitment, qualification completion, further education, training and employment. Projects are expected to meet or exceed the standard targets of 65 per cent qualification or statement of attainment completion and 55 per cent employment.
Demonstrate value for money: Applications should present a cost-effective delivery model, reasonable costs per participant and outcome, and the capacity to deliver the proposed outcomes within the project timeframe.
Use community-based delivery: Training should be delivered outside an institutional setting within an inclusive, community-based environment that supports disadvantaged learners.
Maintain industry and employer links: Applicants should engage employers, industry and other stakeholders to identify skills shortages, develop suitable training pathways and assist participants to transition into employment.

What is eligible for funding?

Tailored participant support accompanying nationally recognised training up to certificate III level.
Foundation skills training covering language, literacy, numeracy and employability skills.
Career advice, job preparation, job search assistance and employability training.
Non-accredited short courses that help participants prepare for employment.
Mentoring, case management and integrated learner support.
Work experience opportunities developed with local employers.
Industry-specific induction and pre-employment projects.
Pilot projects addressing priority industry or regional workforce needs.
Participant training and support plans based on upfront skills assessments.
Participant co-contribution fees.
Wages and on-costs for project coordinators and delivery staff.
Project administration costs, including venue hire, office supplies, advertising, eligible travel and vehicle hire or lease.
Participant support costs, including learner driver training, subsidised travel, personal grooming and counselling.
Materials and equipment directly associated with delivery, excluding capital assets.
Project overheads and operating costs, with the management fee limited to 5 per cent of total funding and capped at $15,000.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organisations registered for GST and may include:

Community-based organisations.
Peak body associations.
Local councils.
Registered training organisations.

Applicants must also:

Have a strong local presence.
Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles.
Have the capacity to provide appropriate participant support services.
Nominate one lead organisation to apply for and manage the project funding.
Use an eligible registered training organisation with Skills Assure Supplier status for training and assessment services.
Ensure proposed qualifications and units of competency are nationally recognised and included within the training organisation’s scope of registration when the application is submitted.
Limit applications to no more than ten per organisation across all programs within the funding round.

Partnerships between eligible organisations are strongly encouraged.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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