Education and training changes lives.
But it's not enough to provide students with access to high quality vocational education and training. We need to ensure all students have the support they need to make it to the end of their course.
That is why the ACT and Commonwealth Governments are working together, through the National Skills Agreement, to provide funding to training providers, employers and community organisations to help students finish what they started.
This funding is made available through the ACT Vocational Education and Training (VET) Completions Grants, which open for applications today.
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson said the program is focused on practical support that helps people finish their training.
"For many Canberrans, seizing the opportunities of education and training is a real challenge." Minister Pettersson said.
"This challenge doesn't end on the first day of class. We need to put the support in place to help students keep going when their studies get tough."
"This funding is about providing practical support. It is about finding ways to step in early if someone is struggling or thinking about dropping out."
Organisations can apply for up to $250,000 to run projects from August 2026 to December 2027. Projects must involve partnerships between employers, training providers, industry bodies or community organisations. Up to $1.5 million is expected to be available in this first round, with a second round planned for 2027.
Funding will focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, young people, people with disability, long‑term unemployed people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, as well as mature‑age learners.
Better training outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners is a focus and applications from First Nations owned and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations are strongly encouraged, supporting the ACT Government's commitment to Closing the Gap.
An online information session for applicants will be held on 30 April 2026.
