- The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are investing $115 million to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) in Queensland.
- $98.7 million will go towards supporting apprentices, trainees and students to help them finish their training and get a qualification.
- $15 million to improve access to foundation skills training.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today delivered $115 million in the latest funding released from the National Skills Agreement.
This significant investment will support initiatives improving access to skills and training, align skills development with industry needs, and ensure more Queenslanders are supported to finish their training so they are job-ready.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are jointly funding $98.7 million to improve student completions, focused on supporting regional students, disadvantaged students and apprentices along their entire student journey.
Through this funding there will be more information and support for students to select the right course for them and access funded training.
New student support services will be offered alongside outreach to apprentices and students who haven't completed their training, to enable them to re-engage with training and transition to employment.
The Albanese Government is funding the $15 million to broaden access to foundation skills particularly for apprentices, trainees and students needing improved digital skills.
The Commonwealth is also funding $1.9 million to support Queensland's participation in the VET data streamlining program and the transition to a new national VET data system, which aims to enhance accuracy, timeliness and security of VET activity data.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles welcomed the announcement as the latest investment in strengthening VET student outcomes in Queensland.
"Wherever VET students are in Queensland, the Albanese Government wants to support them to gain qualifications and follow their pathway to a career they'll love," Minister Giles said.
"This funding, together with the Crisafulli Government, will back in VET students to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.
"The Albanese Government is also focused on supporting Queenslanders who may need help building their foundation skills, particularly in a world of work that is increasingly digital.
"Delivering this $15 million boost to foundation skills will mean more Queenslanders can get the training they need in their local communities."
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the $115 million investment reflects the Crisafulli Government's shared commitment with the Australian Government to deliver real outcomes for apprentices, trainees, and students.
"This work will help develop a stronger skills pipeline and more Queenslanders entering secure, skilled jobs especially in key industries facing shortages," Minister Bates said.
"The significant investment in improving completions is part of our plan to help more students in Queensland's training system finish their training, more employers get the skilled workers they need, and more communities benefit from a strong and sustainable VET system.
"As we look towards the opportunities of the 2032 Games, we will continue delivering more training opportunities, as we work to address the skills shortages in sectors like housing, healthcare, and construction.
"We see skills training as a pathway for Queenslanders to build the future of our state and the lifestyle they deserve."
The National Skills Agreements is a five-year agreement between the Australian and state and territory governments that commenced on 1 January 2024.
In total, five Bilateral Implementation Plans have been jointly signed by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the current National Skills Agreement.
The Bilaterial Implementation Plans signed to date include the three announced today on improved completions, foundation skills and VET data streamlining in addition to two TAFE Centres of Excellence.
