Fifteen projects aimed at equipping First Nations job seekers with in-demand skills and training will be funded in the latest round of the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program.

In total $2.8 million has been committed to First Nations-designed and led employment pathway projects.

Cairns-based Wakaid Pty Ltd has been allocated $200,000 to provide First Nations people with the skills, training, and qualifications to work in the dive industry.

Queensland's Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the state government was working to provide more job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state.

"When we look at the national Closing the Gap targets, Queensland is not on track against five targets relating to life expectancy, Year 12 or Certificate III attainment, tertiary education, youth employment or training, or appropriate housing," Minister Simpson said.

The $2.8 million funding commitment will provide opportunities for former offenders, young people, school leavers, and women to gain the skills and training needed to secure local jobs.

Projects include workplace confidence development, cultural onboarding, foundation skills, mental health support, and learner driver assistance.

In the Far North, $484,700 will support up to 50 participants in earning qualifications, including; Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Marine dive certification.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said through the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program, the state government is providing First Nations people with "an opportunity to train, upskill, reskill and pursue careers in vital industries—including community services and local tourism industries here in Cairns".

She noted organisations like Wakaid Pty Ltd will support up to 14 participants from Cairns, Thursday Island, Bamaga, and Lockhart River to obtain the skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the marine dive industry, including the Crown of Thorns Starfish control program.

"An important project tailored to the region, participants will gain the regulatory dive certification requirements and additional training in first aid, advanced resuscitation, and oxygen therapy to be part of the control program or work in marine tourism, marine research, or the commercial sector," she said.

Part Owner and Director of Wakaid, Frank Aragu, said the project will provide training and employment pathways while supporting the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

"Our Malu Gubal project will help address local workforce needs, establish a direct connection to local services and employers for our participants and help protect the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Aragu said.

Member for Barron River Bree James said Young Traditional Owners in Lockhart River will have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management through Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation's Skilling the Next Generation Living and Working on Country project.

"Participants can gain employment as Indigenous Rangers and take on the responsibility of managing the Indigenous Protected Area overseen by the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation," she said.

Projects will also be delivered in Townsville, Palm Island, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Woorabinda, and Southeast Queensland, with additional workshops to build the cultural competency of local non-Indigenous employers.

A full list of successful projects can be found online.