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

With an investment of $5 million, the program supports 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 and 2026 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 you are an eligible organisation that is focused on growing workforce participation in Queensland.

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 student cohorts such as First Nations and people with lived experience of disability.

Step 3: Complete and submit the application

Complete the application form

Once completed, submit your application form and supporting evidence to VETReview@dtet.qld.gov.au.

Current projects

Collapse all – Expand all +

Organisation: Harness Energy Services

Introduce women to the construction industry with practical experience on the Rockhampton Ring Road project and select accredited training in civil construction, business and workplace health and safety.

Participants: 6

Location: Rockhampton

Organisation: National Timber & Hardware Association (NTHA)

Prepare young jobseekers and people returning to work for entry-level roles in the timber and construction industries. Includes select units of accredited training and individualised support such as transport assistance and ‘soft skills’ development. Work placements with timber production and construction businesses.

Participants: 15

Location: Logan, Gold Coast, Brisbane

Organisation: Fresh Start Academy

Engage and prepare First Nations youth for entry-level jobs in the automotive industry. Participants undertake a Certificate II in Automotive Prevocational Preparation in conjunction with ‘hands on’ experience in a simulated workshop.

Participants: 24

Location: Cairns

Organisation: Regional Development Australia Townsville & North West Queensland

Prepare and introduce people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and First Nations communities for roles as Teacher Aids. Participants undertake the Certificate III in School Based Education Support in combination with staged work placements at local schools and ongoing wraparound support, including transport and childcare assistance.

Participants: 20

Location: Townsville

Organisation: Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance

Address skills gaps and workforce challenges faced by the outdoor leisure industry. Assist industry workers gain accredited skill sets such as kayaking and bushwalking, and jobseekers with the Certificate III In Outdoor Leadership. Qualified workers are increasingly in demand for leisure facilities operating on council property, and for organised activities such as school camps

Participants: 53

Location: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast

Organisation: Clubs Queensland

Upskill and cross-skill employees at community clubs with select units of accredited training in hospitality and business, combined with applied workplace tasks and mentoring. Aims to promote and facilitate career progression and pathways, and create job opportunities for new employees.

Participants: 45

Location: Cairns,  Atherton Tablelands

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@dtet.qld.gov.au.

Subscribe to receive updates

Subscribe to Queensland Jobs and Skills Connect to keep up to date on workforce and skills development initiatives in Queensland, including actions of our workforce and skills strategies.

Last updated 28 November 2025

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)