QLD Local Skills Solutions Program 2025–26

Maximum funding per approved project: up to $250,000
Applications open throughout 2025-26 or until funding is exhausted
Matched funding/in-kind contributions:
- Matched funding required, however no min or max percentage required
- Third-party contributions and in-kind support may be included but must be disclosed

The Local Skills Solutions program is a Queensland Government initiative to address local and regional skills shortages. The program supports flexible, place-based training solutions that respond to genuine workforce challenges identified by communities and employers, particularly in regional, rural and remote Queensland.

Funding is provided to eligible organisations to design and deliver tailored training projects, primarily involving nationally recognised accredited training, supported by non-accredited components where necessary. Projects must be developed through collaboration with local employers and stakeholders and delivered by a nominated Queensland Skills Assure Supplier.

The program places strong emphasis on co-design, workforce demand, employment outcomes and value for money, helping local residents gain skills aligned with local economic needs.

Key Requirements

Address identified local skills gaps Projects must demonstrate genuine workforce challenges that cannot be met through existing VET investment programs and align with local labour market needs.
Co-designed training solutions Training projects must be developed collaboratively with employers, industry bodies and community stakeholders to ensure relevance and practical outcomes.
Delivery through approved providers All training must be delivered by a nominated Queensland Skills Assure Supplier with demonstrated capability and compliance.
Local participation and impact Participants must reside permanently in approved Queensland locations, with a focus on supporting regional communities and priority cohorts.

What is eligible for funding?

Delivery of nationally recognised accredited training
Delivery of skill sets, unit clusters or part-qualifications
Non-accredited training that complements accredited training outcomes
Wraparound and mentoring support for participants
Travel, accommodation and venue hire within approved delivery locations
Face-to-face training and assessment services

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicant organisations must:

Be located in Queensland
Hold an ABN and be registered for GST
Demonstrate strong local presence and established industry and community relationships

Eligible entity types include:

Industry peak bodies
Regional industry bodies
Economic development organisations
Group Training Organisations
Community (not-for-profit) organisations

Additional considerations:

Applications must nominate a Queensland Skills Assure Supplier to deliver training
RTOs and Skills Assure Suppliers are not eligible to apply unless they are the training arm of an eligible organisation

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 an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? 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.

This grant is open

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