Building a Skilled Workforce – Existing Worker Fund

The Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund provides subsidies to eligible Registered Training Organisations to deliver training for existing workers to allow them to gain skills and knowledge to assist them to perform their jobs more effectively, efficiently, safely and confidently. New skills and knowledge for employees also supports future career planning and progression.

The Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 774.5 KB) contain more detail about eligible and ineligible activities.

New requirements for Skills Tasmania TasVET Suppliers have been introduced to enable a more streamlined application process through the mandatory eligibility section and qualitative assessment criteria.

Applicant eligibility

To be eligible to apply applicants must meet each of the following eligibility criteria both at the time of applying, and for the duration of any subsequent funding agreement:

• be a Skills Tasmania Eligible Registered Training Organisation
• have the qualification/s, accredited course/s, skill set/s and/or unit(s) of competency included on the RTO’s scope of registration for delivery in Tasmania
• be financially viable
• have a current contract of public liability insurance for at least $20 million for:
  • each individual claim, and
  • a series of claims arising out of a single occurrence.

TasTAFE is ineligible for funding under this Fund. Organisations are encouraged to contact TasTAFE directly to discuss options for TasTAFE to deliver training under its existing funding arrangements.

Learner eligibility

To be eligible for a training place, learners must be employed by the employer that is co-contributing to the cost of training (including self-employed) at the time of application, and throughout the training period. The employment arrangement can be casual, part-time, or full-time.

Eligible learners:

• can undertake training in more than one qualification, course or skill set per round
• will be eligible for a training place regardless of their prior qualifications
• will also need to meet any course specific essential entry requirements.

Existing workers may also be eligible for an apprenticeship or traineeship. If this is the case, RTOs should apply for funding under the Apprentice and Trainee Training Fund (ATTF) or contact the ATTF Grant Program Manager via attf@skills.tas.gov.au for assistance.

Grant Program Guidelines

Applicants must read the 2027 Existing Worker Fund - Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 774.5 KB) prior to applying.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online using the SmartyGrants online grant management system prior to the closing time. The application process requires applicants to address selection criteria and attach supporting evidence.

Access the SmartyGrants application form for TasVET Suppliers.

Access the SmaryGrants application form for Eligible RTO’s (previously Endorsed RTO who are not yet TasVET Suppliers).

Questions in relation to the use of the online application form or SmartyGrants may be answered via the online Help Guide or on the SmartyGrants’ Applicant FAQ page. Applicants can also email service@smartygrants.com.au or call 03 9320 6888. (Support Desk hours are 9 am – 5 pm (AEST), Monday through Friday).

• 2026 Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund ST064 - List of successful applicants (PDF 202.0 KB)
• 2025 Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund ST064 - List of successful applicants (PDF 156.9 KB)
• 2024 Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund ST062 - List of successful applicants (PDF 191.5 KB)