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5 August 2026
The Skills Invest program provides flexible funding to support workforce development projects that respond to identified workforce and skills needs across Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
Through partnerships with eligible organisations, Skills Invest supports accredited training and, where appropriate, eligible non-accredited training that helps Queensland manufacturing businesses build workforce capability, adopt new technologies and improve productivity.
Projects supported through Skills Invest aim to:
MSQ will invest in workforce development projects that respond to identified workforce and skills needs across Queensland’s manufacturing sector. Priority will be given to projects that:
Eligible applicants may include Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Group Training Organisations (GTOs), manufacturing peak bodies and industry associations, manufacturing clusters, networks or consortia, local councils and regional economic development organisations where they are an appropriate lead organisation, and other industry-led or workforce organisations approved by MSQ.
Applicants must demonstrate genuine manufacturing employer demand, the capability to manage the proposed project, and the ability to meet MSQ’s governance, reporting and evidence requirements.
Applicants do not need to deliver the training themselves but must demonstrate the capability to manage the project and identify appropriate delivery partners. Nationally recognised training must be delivered and assessed by an RTO with the appropriate scope of registration. Providers of non-accredited training must demonstrate relevant capability, experience and subject matter expertise.
Projects supported through Skills Invest may:
Funding is available for projects that align with the Skills Invest Guidelines and demonstrate value for money.
As a guide, project investments between $50,000 and $150,000 will generally be considered. Funding outside this range may be considered where a strong business case is demonstrated.
Funding may support accredited training and, where appropriate, eligible non-accredited training that responds to identified workforce and skills needs across Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
Depending on the size of participating businesses and the circumstances of the project, MSQ may contribute between 50% and 100% of eligible project costs. Small and medium businesses with 200 employees or fewer may receive up to 100% funding, while large businesses with more than 200 employees may receive up to 50% funding and will generally be required to make a co-contribution.
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Eligible applicants include Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Group Training Organisations (GTOs), manufacturing peak bodies and industry associations, manufacturing clusters, networks or consortia, local councils and regional economic development organisations where they are an appropriate lead organisation, and other industry-led or workforce organisations approved by MSQ. Applicants must demonstrate genuine manufacturing employer demand, the capability to manage the proposed project, and the ability to meet MSQ’s governance, reporting and evidence requirements.
Skills Invest supports accredited training, including qualifications, skill sets and units of competency that address identified manufacturing workforce needs. Where appropriate, eligible non-accredited training may also be considered where it addresses an identified manufacturing workforce need and is appropriate to the proposed project.
Examples include manufacturing, engineering, process manufacturing, leadership, digital capability, automation, lean manufacturing, and other training that supports Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
Funding requests are generally expected to be between $50,000 and $150,000 per project. Applications outside this range may be considered where there is a demonstrated need and strong value for money.
Project funding may be used for approved costs directly associated with delivering the project, including accredited training and, where approved, eligible non-accredited training that addresses identified manufacturing workforce needs.
Eligible costs may also include the development or customisation of approved training products, resources and assessment tools, travel directly required for approved regional or remote delivery, and approved mentoring or coaching that directly supports participant outcomes.
Refer to the Skills Invest Program Guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible costs.
After you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI), MSQ will review the information provided to determine whether the proposed project aligns with the Skills Invest objectives and priorities. If the project is considered suitable, you will be invited to progress to the next stage of the application process, including submission of a Business Case Application and any supporting documentation required by MSQ.
Yes. Applicants may be based outside Queensland where they can demonstrate the capability to deliver the proposed project in Queensland. Projects must directly support eligible Queensland manufacturing businesses and workforce outcomes and meet the Skills Invest eligibility requirements.
No. Manufacturing businesses cannot apply directly for Skills Invest funding. Businesses are encouraged to partner with an eligible organisation to develop and submit a project proposal. Eligible applicants include Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Group Training Organisations (GTOs), industry peak bodies and associations, local councils and regional economic development organisations, and other organisations that support Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
Yes. Eligible organisations may submit Expressions of Interest for multiple projects, provided each proposal meets the Skills Invest eligibility requirements, aligns with the program objectives and priorities, and the applicant has capacity and capability to manage each project and its proposed delivery arrangements.
If your Expression of Interest (EOI) is not progressed, MSQ may provide feedback where appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to consider this feedback before submitting a future Expression of Interest.
No. The Expression of Interest is the first stage of the application process. If your proposal aligns with the Skills Invest objectives and priorities, you may be invited to submit a Business Case Application and any supporting documentation required by MSQ.
Yes. Skills Invest may support eligible non-accredited training where it addresses an identified manufacturing workforce need and is appropriate to the proposed project. Applicants should demonstrate why the proposed training is required, how it responds to employer and workforce needs, and the capability and experience of the proposed training provider. MSQ will consider proposed outcomes, industry demand and value for money as part of its assessment.
Applicants should demonstrate genuine demand and support from participating manufacturing businesses at the Expression of Interest stage. Formal letters of support may not be required with the initial EOI; however, MSQ may require further evidence of employer participation and commitment as the proposal progresses.
The level of MSQ investment will be determined on a case-by-case basis. MSQ may contribute between 50% and 100% of eligible project costs depending on factors including business size, project need and value for money. Large businesses with more than 200 employees will generally be required to make a co-contribution.
5 August 2026