The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant (IWSDG) program funds training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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.

IWSDG forms part of Closing the Gap in Vocational Education and Training. This is a joint initiative between the Australian Government and Queensland Government.

The grant record is for place-based projects.

Place-based projects

Funding will be available for organisations to develop tailored local solutions to improve skills, training, and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The funding amount depends on the project duration. Up to $350,000 per project is available for 12 months of delivery. Longer term contracts will be considered, however cannot extend beyond 30 September 2028.

Funding amount also depends on the:

• project location
• nature of training and employment support to be provided
• number of participants
• additional or specialist services.

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
• submit supporting documentation, such as a:
  • company constitution
  • charitable constitution
  • governance framework
  • organisational structure.

• Phone: 1300 369 935
• Email: iwsdg@desbt.qld.gov.au