Rural
14 September, 2025
$2.3 million to help grow local workforces in QLD
THE State Government has launched another round of the Growing Workforce Participation Fund, delivering on its commitment to address Labor’s skilled worker shortage.
Over a dozen industry and community groups will receive grants of up to $200,000 to support disadvantaged jobseekers in connecting with employers, particularly in South East and Far North Queensland’s construction sector.
These projects focus on young people aged 15–24, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and the long-term unemployed.
Funded initiatives include Regional Development Australia Ipswich & West Moreton Inc’s Women in Agriculture project, supporting up to 100 women into entry-level roles; Central Queensland University’s Careers in Health for All project, assisting 80 neurodivergent nursing students; Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Inc’s mentoring program for 45 Indigenous boarding students; and the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation’s Lay the Way project, offering pre-apprenticeships for 36 jobseekers.
These grants form part of the State’s broader strategy to build a stronger economy and support small business through a pipeline of skilled workers.
Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the Fund boosts employer confidence while preparing disadvantaged jobseekers for long-term employment.
She highlighted that the 13 projects across Queensland are tailored to local workforce needs, strengthening communities and creating economic resilience.
“This initiative gives businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment, and provides disadvantaged jobseekers with pre-employment support, so they can join the workforce with confidence,” she said.
