Queensland’s TAFE Centres of Excellence have set a national precedent, becoming the first in the country to open competitive applied research grants aimed at accelerating innovation and addressing industry-specific workforce challenges.
TAFE Queensland is at the forefront of these developments, spearheading both the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support.
These are joint initiatives between the Australian and Queensland governments, operating through to 2028.
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is offering $1 million in its first round of applied research grant opportunities, with applications set to close on 31 July 2025.
This funding forms part of a broader national drive to support Australia’s clean energy transition, focusing on practical and scalable advancements in vocational education and workforce training.
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker emphasised the grants’ significance for both the clean energy sector and workforce development.
“As Australia progresses towards its Net Zero emissions target, Queensland’s energy transformation is predicted to support up to 100,000 direct and indirect new jobs by 2040,” Tucker said.
“With strong future job growth predicted, the Centre’s applied research grants will support the development of targeted training to build a skilled clean energy battery workforce, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of this vital industry,” he added.
The first round of grants is open to applicants nationwide and is seeking proposals that target a range of critical areas in the clean energy battery sector.
This includes:
- Accessible education and training models for people in rural, regional, and remote areas
- Culturally appropriate and safe training experiences
- Initiatives to boost workforce participation
Applied research, the focus of these grants, seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, delivering evidence-based insights to solve everyday industry problems.
“With $1 million in grant funding available, we anticipate a highly competitive first round, and look forward to collaborating with researchers, universities, industry, and community groups to find real solutions to industry challenges,” Tucker said.
Since 2024, twelve TAFE Centres of Excellence have been announced across Australia, but TAFE Queensland is the first to launch applied research grants.
Several more funding rounds are planned in the coming years, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering innovation and skills growth in priority sectors.
For further details about the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries’ first round of applied research grant opportunities, including how to apply before the 31 July 2025 deadline, visit the TAFE Queensland website.
