The Victorian Government has announced the launch of Round 2 of its Skills Solutions Partnerships Program, aimed at addressing critical skills shortages in key industries by fostering collaboration between industry groups and educational institutions.
According to a media release from Business Victoria, the program encourages partnerships between businesses, industry associations, and Victorian TAFEs or dual sector universities to design and pilot new short courses and on-the-job training.
The initiative focuses on priority sectors identified in the Victorian Economic Growth Statement, including advanced manufacturing and defence, agribusiness, circular economy, health technologies and medical research, and digital technologies.
Business Victoria highlights that the program seeks to rapidly develop scalable training solutions that can be integrated into the broader training system and benefit multiple businesses across sectors.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the program open on Monday, 19 May 2025, and close at 11:59 pm (AEST) on Friday, 27 June 2025.
Business Victoria advises potential applicants to thoroughly review the program guidelines and FAQs before submitting their proposals. An information session is scheduled for Thursday, 22 May 2025, from 12 pm to 12:30 pm (AEST) to assist interested parties.
Successful EOIs will be invited to participate in a co-design process, where partners work together to better understand skills gaps and scope pilot training projects.
Upon completing this stage, partnerships may apply for grants of up to $500,000, with funding to be matched by project partners, to deliver pilot programs by the end of May 2026.
Business Victoria states that pilot projects will be evaluated by the end of June 2026.
To qualify, partnerships must include at least one Victorian TAFE or dual sector university, alongside multiple businesses or an industry association representing several companies, ensuring a wider industry impact. Both new and existing partnerships, whether formal or informal, are eligible to apply.
Further details, including program guidelines and application instructions, are available on the Business Victoria website.
Interested parties can also contact the Skills Solutions Partnerships program team via email at skillssolutions@ecodev.vic.gov.au for advice and assistance.
