Building a Skilled Workforce - Jobseeker Fund

The Building a Skilled Workforce - Jobseeker Fund provides subsidies to eligible Registered Training Organisations to deliver nationally recognised training for people out of work, people who are underemployed, and those looking to upskill or gain new skills outside of their current employment. It prioritises training that supports more unemployed and underemployed Tasmanians into meaningful training connected to jobs.

The Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 773.8 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

The following learners are eligible for funding:

1. individuals out of work
2. individuals who are underemployed, which is defined as employed people who would prefer, and are available for, more hours of work than they currently have, including part-time workers
3. individuals looking to upskill or gain new skills outside of their current employment. For the purposes of the Jobseeker Fund this means training that does not relate to the individual’s current employment and is not supported by their current employer.

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 Jobseeker Fund 2027 - Grant Program Guidelines (PDF 773.8 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 - Jobseeker Fund ST065 - List of successful applicants (PDF 183.4 KB)
• 2025 Building a Skilled Workforce - Jobseeker Fund ST065 - List of successful applicants (PDF 117.2 KB)
• 2024 Building a Skilled Workforce - Jobseeker Fund ST063 - List of successful applicants (PDF 189.6 KB)