- Cook Government allocates $2 million to support local jobs and capacity in regional communities across Western Australia
- Regional Traineeship Program encourages people to stay and work in their local regional community
The latest round of grants under the Cook Government's Regional Traineeship Program is set to open, with $2 million available to build local jobs and workforce capacity in regional communities across Western Australia.
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson announced the 2025-26 grants round whilst opening the Linkwest conference in Perth today.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be available to WA Community Resource Centre (CRC) Network members and select regional Local Government Authorities (LGA) to assist with the cost of employing a trainee.
The grant is a one-off payment that assists organisations to provide training, skills and employment opportunities to encourage people to stay and work in their regions.
Since the program began seven years ago, 377 trainee placements have commenced across the State, benefiting local enterprises and communities across regional WA.
The program will be delivered through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with up to 40 grants available.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Regional Traineeship Program is an important initiative which encourages people to stay and work in their local regional community.
"The traineeship supports the development of skills and knowledge, based on local business and industry needs.
"I encourage CRCs and eligible LGAs to connect with businesses in their area to explore how the program can help to build job opportunities for their community."
