- The Crisafulli Government is investing to get more Queenslanders job ready through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
- 182 projects will support more than 5,400 Queenslanders into work.
- Projects target priority sectors including health, construction, community services and hospitality.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and getting more Queenslanders into work, with a $45 million investment through the refreshed Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Round two of the refreshed 2025-26 program will support 182 projects across Queensland, delivered by 105 organisations, including 22 organisations delivering Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects for the first time.
The funding forms part of the Crisafulli Government's $1.6 billion commitment in the 2025–26 State Budget and supports the delivery of job-ready skills in regions and industries where they are needed most and tackle Labor's skills shortage.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
Projects span priority sectors including health, construction, community services and hospitality, helping build a strong pipeline of skilled workers while supporting Queenslanders into employment.
Examples of projects funded in this round include:
- An industry pilot project led by Ageing Dementia and Disability Connections Inc will support up to 24 learners in Hervey Bay to gain Community Services qualifications, addressing critical aged care workforce shortages in the Fraser Coast region.
- Master Painters, Decorators and Signwriters' Association of Queensland will deliver three projects in Currumbin, Wacol and Eagleby employing up to 80 job seekers as trainees while they complete a Certificate I in Construction.
- Communify Queensland has been approved for five projects in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Scenic Rim assisting up to 116 disadvantaged job seekers to find employment in community services, health and primary industries.
- Base Services will employ up to 40 job seekers for 22 weeks in the Toowoomba region to undertake a Certificate I in Hospitality while participating in activities across BASE Services hospitality locations, including the Basement Soup Kitchen (Toowoomba), 2nd Shot Espresso Café, Toowoomba TAFE refectory, and the pilot Valley Soup Kitchen (Gatton).
Under the former Labor Government, the program became overly complex and less responsive to workforce needs, limiting opportunities for job seekers and local organisations.
The Crisafulli Government has reset the program to be simpler, more flexible and focused on outcomes, putting communities, employers and job seekers first.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding marked a turning point for the program.
"This funding round delivers a stronger Skilling Queenslanders for Work program focused on real jobs and real outcomes," Minister Bates said.
"We have cut unnecessary red tape and opened the door to more local organisations to deliver training that reflects the needs of their communities.
"This round supports 182 projects delivered by 105 organisations, including 22 first-time providers.
"Local organisations know their communities best, and they are often best placed to deliver training that leads to work."
Skilling Queenslanders for Work supports the Right Skills Strategy 2025–28 and is backed by $80 million through the Training Priorities Plan 2025–26.
