The Queensland Government has expanded a workforce grants program aimed at creating more training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders.

Applications are now open for projects under the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grants program, with funding available for organisations developing training pathways and employment opportunities in response to local workforce needs.

The program offers grants of up to $700,000 over two years for workforce projects supported by local Indigenous communities.

Employers can also access wage subsidies of up to $20,000 to employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship, or to employ a recent graduate for at least 12 months.

There are 400 subsidised positions available across Queensland in priority industries including construction, health, manufacturing and primary industries.

Kaytetye man and Hervey Bay participant, Taylon "Ducky" Miller is among those who have secured employment after completing training through the program.

Mr Miller was one of 26 participants to enrol in a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure delivered by Yakka Training Services in Hervey Bay after experiencing difficulty securing work.

He has since secured employment with Australian Rail Technology, where he is continuing to develop his skills and build a career in the industry.

Mr Miller said the program had helped him move into employment and consider longer-term career opportunities.

It's opened the door to employment, helped me build a career, and shown me what's possible when you back yourself and take an opportunity," Mr Miller said.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, said the expanded funding model was aimed at helping more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gain skills and secure employment close to home.

"The Workforce and Skills Development Grants directly address Closing The Gap targets through a focus on Indigenous economic participation as well as driving financial development for individuals and their communities," Minister Simpson said.

"More than 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders have accessed training and employment opportunities through this program to date, with more than half of them moving into work.

"The Crisafulli Government is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to deliver tangible outcomes and broaden opportunities - as reflected in the Workforce and Skills Development Grants."

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the grants were intended to connect training with employment and support local workforce needs.

"The most effective skills solutions are those designed and led by local organisations that understand the unique needs and aspirations of their communities, which is exactly what we're backing through this program," Minister Bates said.

"By strengthening pathways from training into work, we are helping more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders gain employment while supporting businesses and communities to grow."

The Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant forms part of Closing the Gap in vocational education and training, a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland governments.

Applications for place-based projects close on 8 October 2026, while applications for subsidised positions will remain open until all available positions have been filled.

More information and applications are available through the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training.