Thousands Of Queenslanders Given Pathway To Work

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training The Honourable Ros Bates
  • Skilling Queenslanders for Work program delivered more than 5,000 pathways to employment last year.
  • Fresh round of funding now available for businesses to help get more Queenslanders into work.
  • Program helps disadvantaged Queenslanders gain new skills.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by helping Queenslanders get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

The next round of the highly successful $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program has launched, backing community organisations to provide training and work experience.

Last year's program funded 180 projects across the state and created 5,443 pathways to employment for people who would otherwise face barriers to finding work.

The Crisafulli Government has simplified this year's application process to attract even more applicants and deliver more opportunities.

After a decade of decline under Labor which saw too many Queenslanders left without clear pathways into work, the Crisafulli Government is focused on rebuilding the state's workforce and connecting people with real opportunities.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a key part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to strengthen Queensland's economy by making sure people have the skills employers need in growing industries such as construction, health, community services and hospitality.

One of the successful projects funded last year delivered 150 opportunities through the Civil Contractors Federation and saw participants begin their journey to help fill the critical skills shortage left behind by Labor.

Funding is available under three programs:

  • Community Work Skills
  • Work Skills Traineeships
  • Get Set for Work (including Youth Skills for young people aged 15–24)

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said Skilling Queenslanders for Work continued to create real opportunities for Queenslanders.

"Skilling Queenslanders for Work was wildly successful last year and I expect it will deliver even more opportunities for Queenslanders into the future," Minister Bates said.

"Under Labor's decade of decline, skills and training were neglected which created a dire shortage of critical workers across the state.

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to getting Queenslanders the skills they need for the jobs they want, and this program is proof we're backing them to get to work.

"I encourage community organisations, training providers and councils to apply and help create opportunities for people in their communities."

Applications for the 2026–27 Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding round close on 07 May 2026 with a further funding round to be launched later in the year.

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