Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 08-Oct-26

The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant (IWSDG) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland through locally developed training, employment, traineeship, apprenticeship, and graduate pathways. The 2026 expansion provides an additional $14.3 million and extends the program through 31 December 2028, helping employers and organisations create sustainable workforce opportunities for First Nations communities. What Is the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant? The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant is a Queensland Government initiative designed to improve skills development, workforce participation, training opportunities, and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The program recognises that workforce challenges vary between communities. It therefore supports both place-based initiatives and direct employment pathways that respond to local skills and labour-market needs.

The program supports two main areas:

- Place-based workforce and skills projects developed around local community needs. - Subsidised employment positions for eligible trainees, apprentices, and graduates. 2026 IWSDG Expansion The 2026 expansion adds $14.3 million in funding and extends the program until 31 December 2028. This additional investment is intended to strengthen locally designed solutions and expand employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible employers can receive a $20,000 wage subsidy for employing an eligible Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander trainee, apprentice, or graduate.

Key funding details include:

- Wage subsidy: $20,000 per eligible person.

- Minimum employment period: At least 12 months.

- Program extension: Funding is available through 31 December 2028.

- Employment positions: Applications remain open until all available subsidised positions have been allocated.

- Place-based projects: Funding is also available for initiatives addressing local workforce and skills-development needs.

The wage subsidy is intended to help employers provide genuine employment and practical workplace experience while increasing participation in the Queensland workforce. What Can the Grant Support? The IWSDG can support initiatives that create stronger pathways between training, employment, and long-term workforce participation.

Supported activities may include:

- Traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. - Apprenticeships and employment pathways. - Graduate employment positions. - Locally designed workforce-development projects. - Skills-development initiatives responding to community needs. - Projects that improve access to training and employment. - Initiatives that strengthen economic participation for First Nations communities. Who Is Eligible? The program supports employers and organisations developing employment and skills opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland. For the subsidised employment component, employers must employ an eligible trainee, apprentice, or graduate for at least 12 months. Organisations seeking place-based funding should demonstrate that their proposed project addresses a genuine local workforce or skills need and provides meaningful benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Employer Wage Subsidy The $20,000 wage subsidy is one of the key features of the program. It is designed to reduce the cost of creating new employment opportunities while giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people practical experience and a pathway into longer-term employment. The subsidy can support employers hiring an eligible: - Trainee. - Apprentice. - Graduate. The employment must be for a minimum of 12 months. Important Funding Restriction Employers cannot receive IWSDG funding for the same individual if that person is already being supported through certain other Queensland Government employment programs.

This includes programs such as:

- First Start Traineeships. - Small Business Apprenticeship Program. - TradieStart program. Applicants should check whether the proposed employee is already receiving support under another Queensland Government employment initiative before applying. Place-Based Workforce and Skills Projects The program also supports organisations developing place-based projects. These projects should be designed around the workforce realities and skills requirements of specific communities rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Strong projects may demonstrate:

- A clearly identified local workforce challenge. - Community involvement in project development. - Practical training or employment pathways. - Improved skills and employment outcomes. - Benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. - Potential for longer-term workforce participation. - Strong connections with employers, training providers, or community organisations. Why the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant Matters The program addresses workforce participation by combining skills development with practical employment opportunities. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, locally designed workforce initiatives can help overcome barriers to training and employment while creating pathways to sustainable careers. For employers, the wage subsidy can make it easier to create positions that provide genuine workplace experience. The program therefore connects training, employment, community development, and economic participation within a single funding framework. How the Program Works Eligible organisations and employers can follow these steps when preparing an application: - Identify the workforce need Determine whether the proposed activity addresses a genuine skills, training, or employment need affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. - Choose the appropriate funding pathway Decide