Funding
QLD

Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW)

Nationally Accredited subsidised training for disadvantaged Queenslanders
About the funding

Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) is a Queensland Government initiative designed to help participants gain the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to find and keep a job. The government funds local community-based organisations to run training and employment projects that meet the local needs.

The program is completely free to eligible participants, with no hidden costs. Depending on the project, participants could work toward a nationally recognised qualification (usually up to Certificate III level) while receiving tailored support to prepare to be in the workforce.

There are several different programs under the SQW banner. Strategix commonly work with local community organisations to delivery the following types of quality training programs:

  • Community Work Skills: Helps you gain certificates and prepare for work.
  • Community Foundation Skills: Focuses on improving reading, writing, maths, and digital skills to help you succeed in further training or jobs.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for an SQW project, you generally need to be a Queensland resident aged 15 years or older who has left school and meets Australian residency requirements.

The program is specifically designed for people who need extra support to:

  • Find a job or secure more stable employment.
  • Build the foundation skills needed to finish a vocational qualification.
  • Reskill or retrain after a long absence from work or a redundancy.

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While SQW primarily targets people who are not receiving other government employment services, you may still be able to join a project if you are already accessing Australian Government services but need complementary support. The program focuses on helping various groups, including:

  • Young people (including those in or leaving out-of-home care).
  • Mature-age job seekers.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • People with a disability (including mental health or substance use issues).
  • Women re-entering the workforce.
  • Veterans and their families.
  • People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Note: Even if you don’t fit into one of these specific groups, you may still be eligible to participate.

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How to apply

You do not apply for SQW funding directly through the government. Instead, you apply to join a specific project run by a local community organisation.

There are two ways to get started:

  1. You can contact Strategix and ask us about SQW funded projects in your local area or
  1. You could use the interactive map on the Department of Trade, Employment and Training website to find SQW projects currently running near you and then contact the local community organisation using the contact details provided on the map