The Workforce Connect Fund is an initiative designed to increase investment in industry and community-led projects that address attraction, retention and participation issues within the workforce.

It aims to drive systemic, industry-wide change in relation to these issues to enhance workforce outcomes for employers, employees and jobseekers.

The Fund is a key action of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–32, developed to drive Queensland towards a strong and diverse workforce ready to seize today's jobs and adapt to future opportunities.

Funding

The Workforce Connect Fund provides grants for large, scalable projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations to connect, develop and implement new and innovative strategies, services and/or mechanisms that support the attraction and retention of employees now and into the future.

Organisations proposing large-scale projects can apply for funding of up to $1 million each, with each project to be delivered over a maximum 12-month term.

The Fund also provides funding to small businesses with an immediate need for new and innovative human resources (HR) solutions to support their business. Up to $5,000 is available for HR support and advice (subject to funding availability).

The 2022–23 Workforce Connect Fund funding round closed on 25 November 2022. The 2023–24 funding round is anticipated to open in the second half of 2023.

For industry peak bodies, grants of $20,000 to $200,000 under the Growing Workplace Participation Fund are also available.

Contact us.

Email wcf@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935 for enquiries about the Workforce Connect Fund.