Industry Skills Solutions – Drones initiative

To apply, an organisation must:

• operate in Queensland
• hold a valid ABN and be registered for GST
• be an Australian incorporated entity
• hold a current Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency (minimum $10 million).

Eligible applicant types include:

• industry peak bodies
• regional industry bodies
• economic development organisations
• community (not for profit) organisations.

Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply as the lead applicant. You can partner with other key stakeholders such as local employers and Skills Assure Suppliers. Applications must clearly identify all partners involved in project implementation and delivery.

People and organisations not eligible to apply are:

• registered training organisations, Skills Assure Suppliers and local governments as lead applicants (you may participate as project partners)
• individuals or unincorporated entities
• organisations that do not meet the eligibility requirements in the above question.

Yes. Partnerships are encouraged. The lead applicant must meet all eligibility requirements and submit the application on behalf of project partners, who must be clearly identified and involved in delivery.

Projects may support eligible:

• school students (Years 11 and 12)
• existing workers needing upskilling or reskilling
• unemployed or underemployed jobseekers
• under represented groups such as women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people in regional/remote communities.

To participate, you must be:

• a Queensland resident
• an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or eligible visa holder.

You cannot participate if you:

• are a school student in Years 11 and 12 who has completed or is enrolled in a DTET-funded VET in schools qualification
• are a post-school participant who:
  • has completed a Certificate III or higher qualification within the last 10 years
  • is currently enrolled in another qualification, even if it is on hold or deferred, whether funded by DTET or not.

Yes. If a student participates in the ISS Drones initiative, they will not be eligible to access DTET-funded VET in schools qualifications.

Similarly, a post-school participant will not be eligible for additional Career Start funding under the general training pathway.  They may be eligible for apprenticeship or traineeship funding, noting a maximum of 2 apprenticeships or traineeships are funded across the VETiS, Career Start and Career Boost programs.

Participants of the Drones initiative will be required to pay a co-contribution fee disclosed by the Skills Assure Supplier upfront.

Funded projects must give eligible participants:

• opportunities to gain the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot)
• opportunities to obtain a Civil Aviation Safety Authority remote pilot licence at a minimum (other relevant licences may be selected as required)
• connections to local employers so participants gain skills tailored to local industry needs
• employment opportunities in high-demand sectors.

Yes, there are. Recognition of Prior Learning cannot be the primary activity you are seeking funding for.

The Drones initiative is designed to support industry by developing skilled drone operators while also assisting individuals (participants) to gain qualifications tailored to meet the needs of local industries and support their upskilling or transition into employment.

As part of this initiative, job seekers, current workers, and Year 11 and 12 secondary school students will have the opportunity to complete the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) through a Skills Assure Supplier. This qualification is a key component of the initiative, as it provides the necessary skills to support workforce growth and address emerging skills demands.

Please note that funding under this initiative does not support Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or RPL combined with credit transfer, where this is the primary activity.

The guidelines specify that funding includes the CASA Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) as a minimum requirement, and other remote pilot licences may be selected as required. The guidelines also emphasise that projects funded under this initiative should lead to employment opportunities. Additional CASA licences may be included where they are relevant to identified industry needs and linked to drone operator employment outcomes for participants.

Projects must respond to workforce challenges related to drone operator skills and employment outcomes.  These challenges include:

• skills shortages and capability gaps
• attraction, readiness or retention of drone operators
• industry demand for drone operator skills
• alignment with industry standards – e.g. training that includes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Remote Pilot Licence to meet industry requirements.

No. Projects must not duplicate activities that are already funded through other government programs or initiatives.

Funding can cover costs directly related to project delivery, such as:

• training delivery and assessment
• learner support (mentoring, coaching etc.)
• travel, accommodation and venues within Queensland
• specialist services such as instructional design or evaluation
• project specific marketing
• minor non capital equipment
• wages for project specific staff.

Costs that are not directly related to the delivery of the approved project are not eligible for funding. Examples of ineligible costs include:

• salaries for existing staff
• catering, hospitality or alcohol
• capital works or major equipment purchases
• interstate or overseas travel
• corporate marketing
• costs incurred before approval
• services from related parties.

No. Third party delivery is not permitted, unless an exception is approved through a detailed business case.

Yes. Applicants may include financial or in-kind contributions to support the project. All contributions must be declared, and co-investment is encouraged as it strengthens value for money and demonstrates industry commitment. Funding cannot be used to duplicate activities already supported by other funding sources.

Applications must be submitted online. To apply:

• complete the online application form
• upload supporting documentation, including references.

Assessment is based on:

• the workforce challenges addressed by the project
• evidence of industry need or demand for drone operator training
• the training or capability gap addressed by the project
• expected workforce outcomes and industry benefits
• partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• value for money and measurement of impact.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate industry consultation and provide supporting evidence where possible.

We will advise you of the outcome in writing by September 2026 (indicative).