- $2.4 million in applied research grants now open to support workforce skills development.
- Funding will support innovative vocational education and training in battery technology and disability support.
- Applications close 16 March 2026.
The Crisafulli Government, in partnership with the Albanese Government, is investing $2.4 million in Applied Research Grants to build Queensland's future workforce in battery technology and disability support.
The funding will drive innovation in vocational education and training, ensuring Queenslanders have the skills needed for secure jobs in emerging and essential industries.
Delivered through the TAFE Centres of Excellence at TAFE Queensland, the grants support projects that respond directly to industry-identified challenges and workforce needs.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support are joint initiatives of the Australian and Queensland Governments.
As specialised training hubs, they offer high-quality skills development for people training in emerging and critical industries - not only for those physically on site at the Centres but also students and teachers across the country, who benefit from sharing cutting-edge teaching resources and access to expertise from partners including universities and industry.
Program Details
- Grants available through the second round of the Applied Research Grants program.
- Applications must be delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland or another TAFE institution.
- TAFE-led applications must also include a research partnership with a university, industry group, community organisation, or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, said the Applied Research Grants will support the TAFE Centres of Excellence to develop high-quality and responsive training in clean energy and disability support.
"Our Government is focused on backing Queenslanders to access affordable, specialised training for secure careers in critical industries," Minister Giles said.
"Building a renewable energy workforce is vital for a reliable and sustainable future, and these grants will open up new opportunities for Queenslanders to skill and upskill."
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said this commitment to partnered applied research will ensure projects draw on diverse perspectives and expertise to provide Queenslanders with the right skills for the future.
"Collaboration between TAFEs, industry and community groups will deliver high-quality skills training for Queenslanders," Minister Bates said.
"As a former nurse, I know how vital the disability support workforce is for enabling dignity and inclusion."
TAFE Queensland Interim Chief Executive Officer, Brent Kinnane, said the Applied Research Grants will deliver tangible benefits for students, communities and industries.
"As Queensland's largest training provider, TAFE Queensland trains over 135,000 students a year, and our commitment to collaborative applied research will drive innovation in VET and solve industry challenges." Mr Kinnane said.
"With $2.4 million available in funding, I encourage people to submit an Applied Research Grant application before submissions close on 16 March 2026."
