$2.4m grants to boost clean energy workforce

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is delivering $2.4 million in Applied Research Grants to build the state’s future workforce in battery technology and disability support.

The grants will fund innovative solutions that address industry-identified challenges facing the clean energy battery and healthcare and support industries.

Delivered through the TAFE Centres of Excellence at TAFE Queensland, the grants support projects that respond directly to industry-identified challenges and workforce needs.

The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support are joint government initiatives. As specialised training hubs, they provide high-quality skills development for people training in emerging and critical industries — not only for those physically onsite at the Centres but also students and teachers across the country, who benefit from sharing teaching resources and access to expertise from partners including universities and industry.

“Our government is focused on backing Queenslanders to access affordable, specialised training for secure careers in critical industries,” said Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles. “Building a renewable energy workforce is vital for a reliable and sustainable future, and these grants will open up new opportunities for Queenslanders to skill and upskill.”

Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said this commitment was ensuring projects draw on diverse perspectives and expertise to provide Queenslanders with the right skills for the future.

“Collaboration between TAFEs, industry and community groups will deliver high-quality skills training for Queenslanders,” Bates said. “As a former nurse, I know how vital the disability support workforce is for enabling dignity and inclusion.”

TAFE Queensland Interim Chief Executive Officer Brent Kinnane said the Applied Research Grants were delivering tangible benefits for students, communities and industries.

“As Queensland’s largest training provider, TAFE Queensland trains over 135,000 students a year, and our commitment to collaborative applied research will drive innovation in VET and solve industry challenges.” Kinnane said. “With $2.4 million available in funding, I encourage people to submit an Applied Research Grant application before submissions close.”

Applications close 16 March 2026. Researchers, universities, TAFE institutions, industries, organisations, communities and other stakeholders keen to identify and study issues impacting these sectors are encouraged to collaborate and submit an application.

More information and application details are available at tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants.

Image courtesy of TAFE Queensland.