Applications open for Growing Workforce Participation Fund

Overview of the Fund

The Growing Workforce Participation Fund develops partnerships between industry and government to increase workforce sustainability and longevity. The Fund focuses on industry-led solutions to attract, support, and retain employees from groups facing barriers to employment while creating systemic changes that encourage broader labour market participation.

Key Objectives:

Empower employers to recruit and retain disadvantaged jobseekers.
Promote sustainable employment outcomes and job retention.
Address workforce shortages and industry-specific skill gaps.
Develop evidence-based, measurable interventions that can be scaled or replicated.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible target groups include:

Young people aged 15–24 years.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
People with disability.
Culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Long-term unemployed individuals (52 weeks or more).

Eligible applicants:

Industry organisations and employer groups capable of delivering structured workforce participation projects.
Organisations with capacity to demonstrate measurable impact within 12 months.

How the Fund Works

Project Planning: Identify barriers to labour market participation within your industry and target groups.
Proposal Submission: Develop a project plan with clear objectives, activities, and measurable outcomes.
Funding Allocation: Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project complexity and expected impact.
Implementation: Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of approval.
Monitoring and Reporting: Projects are monitored for effectiveness, and measurable outcomes must be reported to demonstrate impact.

Types of Supported Activities

Projects can include:

Pre-employment support, training, or mentoring programs.
Workforce planning and development strategies addressing skill gaps.
Recruitment initiatives targeting underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.
Retention programs such as onboarding, mentoring, or workplace accommodations.
Innovative solutions to encourage systemic workforce participation.

Why It Matters

The Fund helps reduce barriers to employment for vulnerable groups while addressing industry-specific workforce needs. By partnering with employers, the initiative fosters inclusive hiring practices, strengthens local economies, and promotes sustainable employment outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proposing projects without evidence-based planning or measurable outcomes.
Targeting groups not included in the Fund’s focus.
Submitting unrealistic timelines or failing to complete the project within 12 months.
Neglecting reporting and evaluation requirements.

FAQ

1. What is the funding range?

$20,000–$200,000 depending on project scope and impact.

2. Who can apply?

Industry organisations and employer groups with capacity to deliver workforce participation projects.

3. Who are the target beneficiaries?

Young people (15–24), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and long-term unemployed (52+ weeks).

4. What is the project duration?

Projects must be completed within 12 months.

5. What activities are supported?

Pre-employment programs, workforce planning, recruitment and retention initiatives, mentoring, and systemic solutions to labour market barriers.

6. Are projects required to show measurable outcomes?

Yes, all funded projects must demonstrate clear and measurable results.

7. Can funding be used for operational costs?

Funding is primarily for activities that directly support workforce participation outcomes, including training, mentoring, and program delivery.

Conclusion

The Growing Workforce Participation Fund empowers industry to create inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups. By providing financial support, structured guidance, and evidence-based approaches, the Fund enables projects that improve recruitment, retention, and systemic workforce outcomes, contributing to stronger, more equitable labour markets.