Reviewed 15 September 2026. Confirm current details with the provider.
- Opened
- TBD
- Closes
- 8 Oct 2026
- Funding
- Up to $350,000
- Category
- Indigenous
Overview
The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant (IWSDG) program funds training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2026, it will include a wage subsidy for traineeship, apprenticeship and graduate employment positions as well as funding for place-based projects. This expansion brings an additional $14.3 million in funding, extending support under IWSDG to 31 December 2028.The program recognises that skills and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are most effective when developed locally and supported by the Indigenous community. IWSDG aims to create training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to increase likelihood of greater economic and social participation.
The program funds:
- Place-based projects
- Subsidised traineeships, apprenticeship and graduate employment positions.
1. Place-Based Projects
Funding is available for organisations to develop tailored local solutions to improve skills, training, and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To be eligible, your organisation must:
- Demonstrate experience in supporting training and employment initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Be located in Queensland
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
- Have operated continuously for at least 2 years
- Provide audited income and expenditure statements for the 2 most recent financial years
- Be an incorporated association, a public company, or a local council.
Place-based projects should support training and employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are:
- Living in Queensland
- 15 years or older and no longer enrolled in school
- Unemployed or under-employed.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may also be indirectly assisted with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous employers being supported to create culturally safe and responsive workplaces.
2. Subsidised Traineeship, Apprenticeship and Graduate Employment Positions
A wage subsidy is available for eligible employers to boost their workforce with new employees. It supports trainees, apprentices and graduates to gain skills and experience through working in a real job.
Employers can access $20,000 to employ an eligible trainee or graduate for at least 12 months.
Eligibility requirements
Employers cannot receive funding for the same person under the:- IWSDG wage subsidy stream
- First Start Traineeships program
- Small Business Apprenticeship Program.
Your organisation may be eligible if it is in these priority industries:
- Construction
- Education and training
- Health care and social assistance
- Manufacturing
- Primary industry
- Professional, science and technical services
- Public administration and safety
- Resources and energy.
Your organisation must also:
- Be located in Queensland
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
- Have experience and understanding of cultural competency to support the trainee or graduate
- Be an incorporated association or public company, or
- Be a private company or sole trader that is at least 51% owned and controlled by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- Be a local council, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils, or a statutory authority.