The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Albanese Government, has announced $2.4 million in Applied Research Grants aimed at building the state’s workforce in battery technology and disability support.
The funding, delivered through TAFE Queensland’s Centres of Excellence, is intended to drive innovation in vocational education and training and equip Queenslanders with skills for emerging and essential industries, the government said in a news release.
Projects supported by the grants are designed to respond 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 initiatives of the Australian and Queensland Governments.
They provide specialised training not only for students on site but also for teachers and students across the country, utilising shared resources and expertise from universities, industry partners, and community organisations.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, said the grants would help TAFE Centres of Excellence develop high-quality and responsive training.
“Our Government is focused on backing Queenslanders to access affordable, specialised training for secure careers in critical industries,” Minister Giles said.
“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 the grants encouraged collaboration to ensure projects drew on diverse expertise.
“Collaboration between TAFEs, industry and community groups will deliver high-quality skills training for Queenslanders,” Minister 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 program would provide 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.
Applications for the second round of the Applied Research Grants program close on 16 March 2026. More information is available at tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants.
