National Priority Fund

The National Priority Fund, part of the Local Jobs program, is designed to help address structural and other barriers to employment faced by people in our communities and facilitate job creation.

On this page:

The six priorities of the Fund are:

  • Supporting more First Nations people in employment, education or training in areas where Employment Regions and Community Development Program meet;
  • Supporting young people into the labour market through paid job placements in social enterprises;
  • Supporting mature age people to participate in the workforce and connect to jobs;
  • Supporting communities to become more resilient develop new employment opportunities as part of the transition to Net Zero;
  • Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) women through tailored self-employment programs; and
  • Redesigning jobs to better align with the skills and capabilities of people seeking work.

Projects under the fund range from $200,000 to $1 million (GST exclusive) and must be completed by 30 June 2025.

Successful National Priority Fund Projects

Following a previous tender process, the National Priority Fund is supporting the delivery of these projects. To view current and completed National Priority Fund projects, search the below table using relevant filters. Any queries can be directed to Localjobsfunds@dewr.gov.au.

VIC

Hydrogen Upskilling Engineers

Engineering Education Australia Ltd
Employment Region:
Barwon
Status:
Current

The Hydrogen Upskilling Engineers project will develop, trial and evaluate a suite of online hydrogen short courses with direct pathways to industry-endorsed micro-credentials. It will address workforce development needs to enable the hydrogen industry to advance in a more safe, reliable and timely manner, thereby contributing to Australia’s transition to Net Zero. To find out more, visit Hydrogen Upskilling Engineers.

Youth Employment

Good Cycles Limited
Employment Region:
Inner Metropolitan Melbourne
Status:
Current

The Youth Employment project will deliver paid employment, training, and strengths-based coaching to address barriers to employment experienced by young people. The project aims to support young people into paid employment. To find out more visit Good Cycles.

Youth Employment

Good Cycles Limited
Employment Region:
Western Melbourne
Status:
Current

The Youth Employment project will deliver paid employment, training, and strengths-based coaching to address barriers to employment experienced by young people. The project aims to support young people into paid employment. To find out more visit Good Cycles.

Supply Chain Talent Pipeline (SCTP)

Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.
Employment Region:
South Coast of Victoria
Status:
Completed

The Supply Chain Talent Pipeline (SCTP) was funded to address a talent and capability shortage in Australia's Supply Chain and Logistics industry by increasing awareness and understanding of the sector and breaking barriers to recruitment and retention.

Through working with local education, community and industry partners, SCTP is focussing on systemic structural change, shifting perceptions of the industry, and encouraging young job seekers (particularly women) to work in the sector. In the longer term, this will contribute to a pipeline of new talent for the sector.

As part of the SCTP, Deakin University developed and delivered tailored resources and training. Wrap-around supports as well as practical and immersive experiences complemented the training. To find out more visit Supply Chain Talent Pipeline Project – SCTP (GRLLEN).

Supply Chain Talent Pipeline (SCTP)

Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network Inc.
Employment Region:
Barwon
Status:
Completed

The Supply Chain Talent Pipeline (SCTP) was funded to address a talent and capability shortage in Australia's Supply Chain and Logistics industry by increasing awareness and understanding of the sector and breaking barriers to recruitment and retention.

Through working with local education, community and industry partners, SCTP is focussing on systemic structural change, shifting perceptions of the industry, and encouraging young job seekers (particularly women) to work in the sector. In the longer term, this will contribute to a pipeline of new talent for the sector.

As part of the SCTP, Deakin University developed and delivered tailored resources and training. Wrap-around supports as well as practical and immersive experiences complemented the training. To find out more visit Supply Chain Talent Pipeline Project – SCTP (GRLLEN).

WA

Bindirri Garlba project

Ngarliyandu Bindirri Aboriginal Corporation (NBAC – Brida)
Status:
Current

The Bindirri Garlba project will support young Aboriginal youth aged 16-18 years in Roebourne and surrounding communities on a pathway to employment through the Young Persons Yirramagardu Crew (YCrew), a work ready program designed by local Aboriginal people for local Aboriginal young people and directed by local Aboriginal Elders. The project will include engagement in paid work placements within Brida (a local Aboriginal social enterprise) within the Mingullatharndo community (5 Mile) and provision of wrap around support to address barriers to employment.

Clean Energy Council First Nations Community Engagement Project

Clean Energy Council Ltd
Employment Region:
Geraldton
Status:
Current

The Clean Energy Council First Nations Community Engagement project is a collaboration between the Clean Energy Council (the Supplier) and Original Power Ltd (trading as First Nations Clean Energy Network). The project aims to increase the capacity of First Nations community members to participate in and benefit from Australia’s energy transition. It comprises two components, delivery of First Nations engagement workshops for communities in three regional locations; and the development and dissemination of online training modules to assist industry to engage with First Nations communities.

Any queries can be directed to Localjobsfunds@dewr.gov.au.