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 subsidised traineeship, apprenticeship and graduate employment positions.

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, apprentice or graduate for at least 12 months.

Employers cannot receive funding for the same person under the:

• First Start Traineeships program
• Small Business Apprenticeship Program
• TradieStart program.

Applications can be submitted until the available positions have been allocated.

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.

Other types of businesses not listed here are not eligible. Partnership arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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