Skill Shortage Solutions Grants

Applications are invited from organisations that:

1. have a current Australian Business Number (ABN), AND
2. are not-for-profit, AND
3. are leading formal partnerships or a consortium to deliver the proposed solutions
4. TAFE SA is eligible to apply as a lead partner and partner in projects led by other organisations.

South Australian and Australian Government agencies are not eligible to apply but may participate as a project partner.

The applicant is the authorised signatory to the funding agreement, and responsible for delivering agreed outcomes in collaboration with partners.

To assist in understanding the guidelines and application process, we've prepared an online information session and a dynamic frequently asked questions page.

Still have a question? Simply submit your questions via the FAQ form.

In 2023-24, Skill Shortage Solutions grants will target the following areas:

1. Priority trade solutions

Priority trade solutions that address occupational shortages in brick and block, concreting, commercial cookery or saw technology.

2. Women in trades training solutions

Women in trades training solutions that develop and implement evidence-based strategic approaches to support attract, retain, and upskill women in trade-based industries.

Solutions will identify and address challenges impacting participation and capitalise on skills demand opportunities to improve outcomes for women.

3. Strategic skills solutions

Strategic skills solutions that address skills shortages in trade and technician occupations identified as strong or moderate in the Australian Government’s 2023 Skills Priority List (see appendix 1 in the guidelines).

Applications that support increased workforce diversity, particularly where they target First Nations people, women, LGBTIQA+ community, and/or people with disability, will be considered favourably in assessment.

Every Skill Shortage Solutions project must have partners.

Partners must be core to, and demonstrably involved in, the design and development of the proposed solution. Partners may include:

• industry and/or sector peak bodies (unions, industry and professional associations, industry coalitions)
• regional representative bodies and/or associations and local government councils
• registered training organisations (RTOs), including TAFE SA
• Adult Community Education (ACE) providers
• universities and other organisations with education and training as a key focus of their business
• group training organisations (GTOs)
• South Australian and Australian Government agencies.

At a minimum, applications must include 1 industry sector partner.

Funding can be used for:

• professionally-led workforce planning and development
• implementing integrated attraction, retention, and skilling strategies
• developing and trialling new skills and training products, pathways and delivery models at post trade technician occupational levels to address skill shortages for immediate and long term impact
• purchasing infrastructure and technology accessible to a sector (on a co-contributory basis)
• delivering accredited and non-accredited training
• industry exposure and hardening activities
• peer supports and networks, formal industry mentorship initiatives, workplace coaching
• project and partner coordination and governance
• professional project management and/or evaluation
• project administration and reporting.

Significant investment propositions involving multiple and integrated strategies to solve complex and cross-sectorial issues can be supported.

Projects must conclude by 31 May 2025. Projects with a long-term focus should be phased and may be supported by Skills SA on that understanding, over several grant rounds.

What cannot be funded?

See the guidelines for information about what will not be funded.

To apply for a Skill Shortage Solutions grant, there are 2 stages:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) – now closed
2. Application.

Stage 2 - Application

Eligible applicants will receive an email from Skills SA with the link to the online application form in SmartyGrants, along with feedback on the EOI.

Before submitting your application, make sure it is accurate and complete. You will also need to complete a budget template and attach this to your application.

Keep your responses to the questions clear and concise and ensure the most critical information is in a prominent position. As your application will be de-identified during the assessment process, it is important to assume the reader is not familiar with your context.

When the application is submitted, the nominated contact person will receive an automated email confirming receipt and a copy of their submission.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 5 May 2024, 5:00pm (ACST).You will not be able to submit an application after this time.