Building a Skilled Workforce – Existing Worker Fund

The Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund (the Fund) subsidises 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 Fund includes a requirement for employers to make a financial contribution to the cost of the training.

The Government’s investment under the Fund will focus on industry and employer identified areas of training need, to achieve outcomes for both industry and learners.

The Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 631.9 KB) contain more detail about eligible and ineligible activities.

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 endorsed 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 or series of claims arising out of a single occurrence, and
• have appropriate provisions in place in regard to the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework.

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.

Grant Program Guidelines

Applicants must read the Existing Worker Fund 2025 - Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 631.9 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.

The SmartyGrants application form can be found here.

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).

• 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)
• 2023 Building a Skilled Workforce - Existing Worker Fund ST059 - List of successful applicants (PDF 98.9 KB)