The Victorian Government has opened applications for a new round of its Skills Solutions Partnerships program, with a focus on developing training to address workforce needs across priority industries including advanced manufacturing and defence.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne said Round 4 would bring industry, TAFE and dual-sector universities together to develop practical training programs targeting identified skills gaps.
Grants of up to $500,000 are available for projects across sectors including advanced manufacturing and defence, the circular economy, health technologies and medical research, agribusiness and digital technologies, according to the Victorian Government.
The program will also support a new applied AI and data skills course for advanced manufacturing workers and small businesses in the Greater Geelong region. The course is intended to help participants develop skills to use AI safely and effectively.
Under the program’s second round, Chisholm Institute, alongside Sutton Tools and the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited, received funding to pilot a hands-on advanced measurement training course aimed at strengthening metrology and precision measurement skills for manufacturing and defence.
The Victorian Government said more than $7 million has been awarded to 15 projects through the program since 2023.
“Only Labor is backing workers and businesses with the practical skills they need to boost productivity, stay competitive and create secure, future-ready jobs,” Horne said.
“By bringing industry and training providers together, this program has consistently delivered targeted, hands-on training that businesses and workers need, which is why Labor are continuing to back it through a fourth round.”
Expressions of Interest for Round 4 close on 27 November 2026.
