Queensland's TAFE Centres of Excellence have become the first in the country to offer competitive applied research grants, with $2.4 million available in the first funding round.

The grants support the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries and the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support.

Both are joint initiatives of the Australian and Queensland Governments, running through to 2028.

The Centres are particularly encouraging proposals from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and researchers working to improve access to culturally responsive training and address local workforce needs.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker said the program aims to support the development of new training solutions to meet future demand in clean energy and healthcare.

"Health care and social assistance is Australia's largest employing industry, with the workforce growing by more than 73,000 in the last year," Mr Tucker said.

Mr Tucker said Queensland's energy transition is expected to create up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040 as Australia moves towards its Net Zero emissions target.

"With strong future job growth predicted in the clean energy and health industries, the Centres' applied research grants will support the development of targeted training to build a skilled workforce, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of these vital industries," he said.

Applied research focuses on practical solutions and closing the gap between theory and practice through evidence-based methods.

The first round of funding is open nationally, with a focus on clean energy battery and aged care sectors.

Proposals are encouraged in priority areas including culturally safe and appropriate training, improving education access in rural and remote areas, and boosting participation across underrepresented groups.

"With $2.4 million in combined 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," Mr Tucker said.

12 TAFE Centres of Excellence have been established across the country since 2024.

TAFE Queensland is the first to launch a grant program, with further funding rounds to follow.

Applications close 31 July 2025 through the TAFE Queensland website.