Applied Research Grants

A total funding amount of $1 million is available for Round 2 of the Applied Research Grants through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries. 

Applications are open now and close on 16 March 2026.

Opportunities

Stream 1: Building TAFE capabilities through applied research - Innovation and collaboration

The Centre seeks applied research proposals on:

• upskilling teachers and trainers through adoption of immersive technologies (Innovation)
• strengthening VET-industry collaboration (Collaboration)
• designing an integrated learning pathway (Innovation).
   

Stream 2: Addressing industry needs and opportunities

The Centre seeks applied research proposals on:

• building pathways for a diverse workforce
• supporting industry’s transition to battery storage and maximising the utilisation of assets
• developing a skilled workforce for battery decommissioning.
   

Stream 3: Bringing innovation to communities

The Centre seeks applied research proposals on:

• addressing energy security in First Nations communities
• developing competencies for social licence to operate.
   

A total of $1 million is available for this round and applications have a minimum cap of $50,000 and a maximum cap of $200,000. 

Applicants can submit more than one application; however, applicants are only eligible to receive funding for one proposal per round. 
 

Research in partnership

It is an eligibility requirement for all applicants to demonstrate that the proposed research activity will be delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland or another TAFE institution.

Interstate applicants are encouraged to apply in partnership with TAFE Queensland and/or Queensland-based organisations, as the Grants are designed to address the state’s priorities while aiming to disseminate outcomes nationally.

For enquiries about partnering with TAFE Queensland for a research project, please provide a short overview of the proposal via email to TQCommercial@tafeqld.edu.au for assistance with aligning your request to a relevant region and/or team for their consideration.

Important documents

Clean Energy Batteries Round 2 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Clean Energy Batteries Round 2 Grant Essential Support Document Pack

Before you apply

Before submitting an Applied Research Grant application, you must read the important documents, which include information about application guidelines, eligibility, assessment criteria, and the selection process. 

By clicking 'Start my application' you will be directed to SurePact, an Australian grant management platform, where you will need to register to proceed. 

Start my application

A total funding amount of $1.4 million is available for Round 2 of the Applied Research Grants through the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support.

Applications are open now and close on 16 March 2026.
 

Opportunity 

Research translation for the disability support services workforce

Projects applying for funding should contribute to an evidence-base for:

• Informing excellence in education and training to enrich students’ learning experiences, which are culturally appropriate and safe.
• Ensuring the needs of regional, rural, and remote communities and learners are met through innovative training practices and modes of delivery.
• Supporting industry needs in building local support workforces through developing high level pathway interventions for growth and retention.

Critical skills needs for the disability support services workforce include:

• worker wellbeing
• leadership and management
• mentorship
• work readiness
• digital literacy.

A total of $1.4 million is available in this round and applications have a minimum cap of $50,000 and a maximum cap of $400,000.

Applicants can submit more than one application; however, applicants are only eligible to receive funding for one proposal per round. 

The Centre welcomes research proposals from applicants with lived experience and endeavours to make our application process as inclusive as possible.

If you require assistance with completing an application on the basis of disability which requires reasonable adjustments, please contact HealthCareSupportTCE@tafeqld.edu.au.
 

Research in partnership

It is an eligibility requirement for all applicants to demonstrate that the proposed research activity will be delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland or another TAFE institution.

Interstate applicants are encouraged to apply in partnership with TAFE Queensland and/or Queensland-based organisations, as the Grants are designed to address the state’s priorities while aiming to disseminate outcomes nationally.

For enquiries about partnering with TAFE Queensland for a research project, please provide a short overview of the proposal via email to TQCommercial@tafeqld.edu.au for assistance with aligning your request to a relevant region and/or team for their consideration.

Important documents

Health Care and Support Round 2 Grant Opportunity Guidelines
Health Care and Support Round 2 Grant Essential Support Document Pack

Before you apply

Before submitting an Applied Research Grant application, you must read the important documents, which include information about application guidelines, eligibility, assessment criteria, and the selection process.

By clicking 'Start my application' you will be directed to SurePact, an Australian grant management platform, where you will need to register to proceed. 
 

Start my application

What is the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries?  
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, led by TAFE Queensland, is a $20 million joint initiative by the Australian and Queensland Governments to support the growth of current and emerging battery technologies. 

The Centre, through leveraging existing partnerships and developing new ones, will provide innovative training opportunities to anyone, anywhere, empowering them to pursue battery energy careers to meet national skills demand. The Centre will ensure support and training is accessible for First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and those living in rural, regional and remote areas. 

Who is eligible to apply for an Applied Research Grant?  
To be eligible to receive grant funding:  

• Applications must be completed and have been received within the nominated open and closing dates.
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN). 
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must be an Australian owned entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement.
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must have an account with an Australian financial institution.
• Application must include a partnership with TAFE Queensland and/or other TAFE institution. 
• TAFE institutions may be eligible to apply, provided they partner with an industry, university, and/or community organisation, and the proposed research project falls outside the scope of its routine operational activities..

How do I apply for an Applied Research Grant?  
Before applying you must read and understand the important documents. Any alterations and addenda will be published via the TAFE Queensland webpage. These documents are accessible via tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants.  

To apply you must:  

• Familiarise yourself with the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and Essential Document Support Pack.
• Complete and submit the application form outlining the proposed applied research project through the SurePact grant management portal, unless the Centre has approved an alternative application method.
• Ensure you address all eligibility and assessment criteria.
• Provide all compulsory supporting material requested, including a budget, risk mitigation plan, letter of support (partnership arrangements), resumes* for the Project Lead / Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator / Co-investigators and, if relevant, other key personnel, which demonstrates the track record of research.
• Submit the application by 11:00pm AEST 16 March 2026.

Please note: Applications that do not include all required supporting documents, as outlined above, will be considered ineligible and will not proceed to the review stage by the Selection Advisory Committee.

*Please do not include personal information such as your date of birth, home address, phone numbers, or any identification numbers in your resume.

How can I request clarification or assistance during the application process?  
To maintain equity and fairness, representatives from the Centre are not able to assist you with writing your application. We recommend you refer to the important documents for assistance with the application process.  If you have further questions which are not addressed in these documents, please email CleanEnergyBatteriesTCE@tafeqld.edu.au.

Can I make changes to my application after submission?  
Applications can be amended and/or additional supporting documents uploaded, within the application portal (SurePact) before the closing date (11:00pm AEST 16 March 2026).

You will be unable to change your application after the closing date and time. If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should contact the Centre immediately at: CleanEnergyBatteriesTCE@tafeqld.edu.au .

If the Centre finds an error or information that is missing, we may ask for clarification or additional information from you that will not change the nature of your application. We can refuse to accept any additional information from you that would change your submission after the application closing date/time. 

Please note: The TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries may amend the closing date and time at its own discretion by issuing a notice through the application portal.

How does applied research contribute to industry and education?  
Applied research generates actionable insights to inform the improvement of education and training while supporting the development and retention of the workforce needed for various industries. New and innovative training pathways and pedagogical models will attract new students, reskill and upskill the existing workforce, and enhance accessibility for diverse learners, including First Nations peoples, workers from regional and rural communities, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Do projects require ethics approval?  
Ethical approval must be sought for any research projects that involve human participants, their data, biospecimens, or observations about them. The approval can be sought through an applicant’s or partner organisations. If applicants or partner organisations do not have an established procedure for human research ethics clearance, the Centre recommends visiting NHMRC registered Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) for seeking approval through one of the registered organisations. 

How does the Centre manage conflicts of interest?
The Centre is committed to upholding the integrity and impartiality of its Applied Research Grants processes by ensuring that any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest are promptly identified, declared, appropriately managed, and documented in a transparent and accountable manner, in accordance with the public interest. All internal and external stakeholders involved in the application, review, or assessment of Grants are required to declare any conflicts of interest at the commencement of their involvement in the process. Members of the Steering Committee and Sub-Committees must also declare any conflicts of interest prior to each meeting. All declared conflicts are formally recorded, and appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, which may include the exclusion of the relevant individual(s) from deliberations or decisions relating to the matter in question. 

Which entity will own the Grant Activity Intellectual Property (IP)? 
All Grant Activity IP will vest in and is assigned to TAFE Queensland on creation. The Grantee must, at own expense, execute all documents and do all things required to give effect to this clause, including obtaining as soon as possible and providing to TAFE Queensland legally effective releases or assignments to TAFE Queensland from any of the Grantee’s personnel in respect of any Grant Activity IP. 

Due to the nature of the Funding Agreement for the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, the intellectual property requirements outlined in the FAQs, the Opportunity Guidelines, and the Letter of Offer template are fixed and non-negotiable by the funding provider.

Which entity will own the Background IP? 
Each party acknowledges and agrees that the other parties background IP remains the property of that other party; and must not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than in the performance of this Agreement.

What are the IP implications for partnership applications? 
Where an application is submitted in partnership with one or more organisations, and matching funds are being provided by a partner organisation, the Applicant is responsible for notifying the partner organisation/s of the IP conditions of the Grants. Specifically, all Grant Activity IP that is discovered, developed, or otherwise come into existence as a result of the Grants will vest in, and be assigned to, TAFE Queensland upon creation. By submitting an application, the Applicant warrants that all partner organisations have been informed of, and accept, the IP clauses outlined in the Grant Conditions in the Letter of Offer.  For more information, please view the Letter of Offer template included in the Essential Support Documents Pack.

What is the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support?
Through the National Skills Agreement, the Australian Government is partnering with states and territories to establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence to deliver a skilled workforce for strategically important national industries.

TAFE Queensland is leading the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support. The Centre is a $35 million joint initiative by the Australian and Queensland Governments to address national skills gaps in health, nursing and community services.

The Centre, through a range of national partnerships and networks, will lead innovative health support and care training opportunities, with a focus on regional, rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and workers.

To address training, workforce and skill needs, the Centre has an applied research grants program which drives research collaborations and funds innovative projects between TAFE institutions to deliver research projects in partnership with universities, industry, Aboriginal and Community Controlled organisations, and other stakeholders.

Who is eligible to apply for an Applied Research Grant?
To be eligible to receive grant funding:

• Applications must be complete and have been received within the nominated open and closing dates.
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must have a registered Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must be an Australian owned entity with the capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement.
• Applicant’s affiliated organisation must have an account with an Australian financial institution.
• TAFE institutions are eligible to apply as a lead organisation, provided they partner with an industry, university, and/or community organisation, and the proposed research project falls outside the scope of its routine operational activities.
• Universities, industry, and/or community organisations are eligible to apply as a lead organisation, provided they partner with TAFE Queensland and/or another TAFE institute, and the proposed research project falls outside of the scope of routine operational activities.

How do I apply for an Applied Research Grant?
Before applying you must read and understand the important documents. Any alterations and addenda will be published via the application portal. These documents are accessible via tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants.

To apply you must:

• Familiarise yourself with the Grant Opportunities and Essential Support Document Pack.
• Complete and submit the application form detailing the proposed applied research project within the application portal, unless an alternative application method is approved by the Centre prior.
• Ensure you address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria.
• Provide all compulsory supporting material requested, including a budget, risk mitigation plan, letter of support (partnership arrangements), resumes* for the Project Lead / Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator / Co-investigators and, if relevant, other key personnel, which demonstrates the track record of research.
• Submit the application by 11:00pm AEST 16 March 2026.

Please note: Applications that do not include all required supporting documents, as outlined above, will be considered ineligible and will not proceed to the review stage by the Selection Advisory Committee.

*Please do not include personal information such as your date of birth, home address, phone numbers, or any identification numbers in your resume.

How can I request clarification or assistance during the application process?  
To maintain equity and fairness, representatives from the Centre are not able to assist you with writing your application. We recommend you refer to the important documents for assistance with the application process.  If you have further questions which are not addressed in these documents, please email HealthCareSupportTCE@tafeqld.edu.au. 

Can I make changes to my application after submission?
Applications can be amended and/or additional supporting documents uploaded, within the application portal (SurePact) before the closing date (11:00pm AEST 16 March 2026).

You will be unable to change your application after the closing date and time. If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should contact the Centre immediately at: HealthCareSupportTCE@tafeqld.edu.au.

If the Centre finds an error or information missing, we may ask for clarification or additional information from you that will not change the nature of your application. We can refuse to accept any additional information from you that would change your submission after the application closing date/time. 

Please note: The TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support may amend the closing date and time at its own discretion by issuing a notice through the application portal.

How does applied research contribute to industry and education?
Applied research generates actionable insights to inform the improvement of education and training while supporting the development and retention of the workforce needed for various industries. New and innovative training pathways and pedagogical models will attract new students, reskill and upskill the existing workforce, and enhance accessibility for diverse learners, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, workers from regional and rural communities, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Do projects require ethics approval?
Ethical approval must be sought for any research projects that involves human participants, their data, biospecimens, or observations about them. The approval can be sought through an applicant’s or partner organisations. If applicants or partner organisations do not have an established procedure for human research ethics clearance, the Centre recommends visiting NHMRC registered Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) for seeking approval through one of the registered organisations.

How do the TAFE Centres of Excellence manage conflicts of interest?
The TAFE Centres of Excellence at TAFE Queensland are committed to upholding the integrity and impartiality of its Applied Research Grants processes by ensuring that any actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest are promptly identified, declared, appropriately managed, and documented in a transparent and accountable manner, in accordance with the public interest. All internal and external stakeholders involved in the application, review, or assessment of Grants are required to declare any conflicts of interest at the commencement of their involvement in the process. Members of the Steering Committee and Sub-Committees must also declare any conflicts of interest prior to each meeting. All declared conflicts are formally recorded, and appropriate mitigation measures are implemented, which may include the exclusion of the relevant individual/s from deliberations or decisions relating to the matter in question.

Which entity will own the Grant Activity Intellectual Property (IP)?
All Grant Activity IP will vest in and is assigned to TAFE Queensland on creation. The Grantee must, at own expense, execute all documents and do all things required to give effect to this clause, including obtaining as soon as possible and providing to TAFE Queensland legally effective releases or assignments to TAFE Queensland from any of the Grantee’s personnel in respect of any Grant Activity IP.

Due to the nature of the Funding Agreement for the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support, the intellectual property requirements outlined in the FAQs, the Opportunity Guidelines, and the Letter of Offer template are fixed and non-negotiable by the funding provider.

Which entity will own the Background IP?
Each party acknowledges and agrees that the other parties background IP remains the property of that other party; and must not be used or disclosed for any purpose other than in the performance of this Agreement.

What are the IP implications for partnership applications?
Where an application is submitted in partnership with one or more organisations, and matching funds are being provided by a partner organisation, the Applicant is responsible for notifying the partner organisation/s of the IP conditions of the Grant. Specifically, all Grant Activity IP that is discovered, developed, or otherwise come into existence as a result of the Grant will vest in, and be assigned to, TAFE Queensland upon creation. By submitting an application, the applicant warrants that all partner organisations have been informed of, and accept, the IP clauses outlined in the Grant Conditions in the Letter of Offer. For more information, please view the Letter of Offer template included in the Essential Support Documents Pack.

The following glossary has been provided as a quick reference for terms used by the Centre.

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) – not-for-profit organisations that are controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, with the goal of empowering their communities.

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) – is community-run primary healthcare services that provides comprehensive, culturally informed care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Registered Training Organisations (ACCRTOs) – is a Registered Training Organisation that is owned, governed, and operated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is connected to the communities it serves.

Accessible models of education and training delivery – prioritise flexibility and inclusivity, ensuring that learners with diverse needs can participate and succeed.

Application Form – document provided by the Grant maker that applicants use to apply for funding under the program.

Application Portal (Portal) – Online portal made available for grantees to submit applications for a grant round. The Centre has partnered with SurePact to provide a Grant Management Solution.

Applied Research Grants  (Grants) – are designed to support research that has practical applications and can directly benefit society. These grants often focus on solving real-world problems and advancing technology or knowledge in specific fields.

Assessment criteria – are the standards or guidelines used to evaluate and assess applications. These criteria help ensure that assessments are fair, transparent, and aligned with the Grant objectives. 

Australian Business Number (ABN) – is a unique 11-digit identifier issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) that helps businesses, and the government interact more efficiently. For more information, please refer to www.abr.gov.au.

Budget – a financial plan that outlines income and expenses over a specific period.

Conflict of Interest – occurs when an individual's personal interests clash with their professional duties or responsibilities, potentially compromising their judgment, actions, or decision-making.

Community of practice – is a group of people who share a common interest or profession and come together to learn from each other, share knowledge, and improve their skills.

Cultural responsiveness – refers to the ability to understand, respect and effectively respond to cultural backgrounds, values, and needs of individuals and communities.

Demonstrated capacity – refers to proven ability or experience in doing something effectively. Often used in applications, proposals, or evaluations to indicate that someone or an organisation has already shown they can successfully perform a task or meet certain requirements.

Demonstrated expertise – refers to proven, observable, or well documented knowledge and skill in a particular area. This can be supported by experience, achievements, or qualifications.

DTET – Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment and Training.

Digital literacy and capability – the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to use digital technologies effectively, safely, and responsibly.

Dissemination plan – will outline how the findings, results or outputs of a project will be shared with relevant stakeholders with the intent to maximise awareness, impact, and further implementation.

Eligibility criteria – the specific requirements or conditions that must be met for an individual or entity to qualify for a particular opportunity, such as a research study, grant, job, or program. These criteria help ensure that only suitable candidates are considered, which can improve the accuracy and relevance of the outcomes.

Evaluation methods – are strategies and tools used to assess the effectiveness, impact and outcomes of a project or program. These methods assist to determine if objectives have been met and may inform continuous improvement.

Evidence-based practices – approaches and interventions that are grounded in systematic research and empirical evidence. These practices are designed to ensure that the methods used are effective and have been proven to produce positive outcomes.

Ethics approval – a formal process that ensures any research involving human participants, their data, biospecimens, or observations about them is conducted ethically, responsibly, and in line with established national and institutional guidelines. The approval must be sought from Grantee’s or Partner’s organisations. Should Grantee or Partner organisations not establish the procedure for human research ethics clearance, Grantee may seek ethics clearance through NHMRC registered Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC). If successful, Grantee should provide the TAFE Centres of Excellence the evidence of ethics approval or exemption.

Expenditure report – detailed document that tracks and summarises all expenses incurred by the Grant Recipient/Grantee over the agreed Grant project time frame. This report is used to monitor spending, ensure budget compliance, and provide transparency in financial management.

Grant Agreement – sets out the legal relationship between the parties to the agreement and specifies the details of the grant. It is also used as a collective noun for grant agreement, schedule, and activities.

Grant opportunity – refers to a specific grant round where a grant is made available to potential grantees. Grant opportunities may be open or targeted and will reflect the selection process.

Grant recipient (Grantee) – an individual, organisation, or entity that receives funds from a grantor (such as a government agency, foundation, or corporation) to support a specific project, program, or initiative. The grant is typically awarded based on the grantee's proposal and is intended to achieve certain objectives or outcomes.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) – is a value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption. GST is paid by consumers, but it is remitted to the government by the businesses selling the goods and service.

Industry peak body – is an organisation that represents the interests of a specific industry or sector. These bodies play a crucial role in advocacy, policy development, and industry standards.

Intellectual property (IP) – refers to the creations of the mind. IP can include a brand, logo, images, or an invention. All IP creations aligned to the TAFE Centres of Excellence Applied Research Grants will remain the IP of TAFE Queensland.

Letter of Offer – A Letter of Offer, as it relates to the TAFE Centres of Excellence Applied Research Grants is a formal document issued by the Centre to the successful applicant that outlines the terms and conditions of the relationship. Once this document has been signed by both parties, it will be referred to as the Grant Agreement.

Letters of Support - Letters of support are compulsory supporting documents which must be submitted with a grant application for it be considered eligible. Letters of support should demonstrate how the grant activity will be delivered in partnership. There must be a ‘lead organisation’ who submits the application for grant funding, with all other members of the proposed partnership to be identified in a letter of support. Please refer to the opportunity guidelines and essential support document pack for more detail on what needs to be included.

Marketing – involves the activities and processes used to create, communicate, deliver, and exchange offerings that provide value for customers, clients, partners, and the broader community.

Measurable – something that can be quantified, assessed, or evaluated using criteria or data.

Methodological rigor – refers to the degree to which research or evaluation methods are carefully planned, consistently applied, and thoroughly executed to ensure the validity, reliability, and credibility of the results.

Milestone – a significant event or stage in a project that marks a key achievement or point of progress.

Milestone report – is a document that provides a snapshot of a project's progress at key points. It helps track significant achievements and ensures that the project stays on course.

National Skills Agreement (NSA) – The National Skills Agreement is a five-year joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states, and territories. It aims to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia and ensure a skilled workforce for the future. For more information, please refer to the National Skills Agreement - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government.

Non-compliant expenditure – refers to spending that does not adhere to established rules, regulations, or guidelines.

Principal Investigator (PI) – The Principal Investigator is responsible for ensuring the proposed project is conducted in accordance with the project details, project budget and in line with the timeframe associated with the application.

Outcomes – are the results or effects that follow from an action, program, or project.

Outputs – are tangible products, services or deliverables that are a direct result of project activities or initiatives.

Partnership – is a collaborative relationship between two or more individuals, groups or organisations who work together toward shared goals.

Place-based challenges – focusing on specific geographic areas, rather than broad populations, to tackle complex issues (disadvantage, social and/or environmental).

Probity – is the adherence to high ethical standards with an emphasis on honesty, integrity, and fairness in professional and public settings.

Problem statement – is a clear, concise description of an issue that needs to be addressed. It identifies the gap between current state and the desired outcome.

Professional development – the continuous process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experiences to advance in a chosen field or career.

Project end date – date the approved Grant project is to be completed by.

Project start date – date the approved Grant project is to commence.

Proportionality – is a principle that ensures methods, risk and resources used, are appropriate and justified by the importance and potential benefits.

Research ethics – research ethics are a set of principles that guide the conduct of research to ensure it is carried out responsibly and ethically. These principles help protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of research participants, as well as the integrity of the research process itself.

Risk Management Plan – a structured document that outlines how an organisation or project team will identify, assess, manage, and monitor risks. For more information, please refer to the Applied Research Grants Risk Management Plan via tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants.

Scope – defines the boundaries, objectives, deliverables, and constraints of a project.

Selection Advisory Committee – the Selection Advisory Committee consists of representatives with appropriate policy and program and/or delivery knowledge review to assess applications and provide advice and recommendations to the delegate on who to fund and not fund.

Selection process – the steps taken to select the most suitable application from a pool of applicants.

Skills gaps – the difference between the skills that employers need or expect from their employees and the skills that the current workforce possesses. This gap can occur in various industries and can impact productivity, innovation, and overall business performance.

Stakeholder engagement – process of involving individuals, groups, or organisations that may affect or be affected by a project, decision, or policy. Effective engagement builds trust, improves outcomes, and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.

Steering Committee – is an advisory group that provides guidance, direction, and oversight for a project or initiative.

Strengthened clinical governance – refers to enhancing the systems, structures and processes that ensure healthcare providers delivery high quality, safe and accountable care.

TAFE – is an acronym for Technical and Further Education. It is a system of vocational education and training in Australia, providing a wide range of courses that focus on practical and technical skills. Targeted populations – refers to specific groups of people that a project or study is designed to reach or benefit.

TCE CEB - is an acronym for the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries.

TCE HCS – is an acronym for the TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care Support.

VET – is an acronym for vocational education and training.

Workforce pathways – are structured programs and initiatives aimed at improving workforce training, career readiness and educational access.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – educational programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experience. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their skills and employability (e.g. traineeship, internship etc).

Workplace safety – policies and procedures in place to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees while at work.

The Clean Energy Batteries Applied Research Grants 2025-2028 aim to align with the policy priorities of the Australian and Queensland Governments and provide financial assistance for research focused on education and training to support the evolving clean energy battery industry.

The objectives of the Grants are to:

• encourage collaborative research: promote partnerships between and engagement among the key stakeholders in planning, designing and implementing applied research projects that address real-world challenges
• support evidence-based solutions: fund research initiatives that generate actionable insights and evidence to inform training and education for clean energy battery industry
• enhance capacity building: provide opportunities for professional development and capacity building for researchers, educators, and students involved in applied research
• facilitate knowledge transfer: ensure the dissemination of research findings through publications, conferences, and workshops to maximise the impact and scalability of successful projects
• promote inclusivity and diversity: prioritise research projects that address the needs of diverse communities, including First Nations peoples, to ensure equitable access to training and employment opportunities.

The intended outcomes of the Grants are to:

• support the delivery of high-quality products, services and systems in the clean energy batteries sector and enhance education and training within TAFE institutions
• develop innovative solutions to realise the opportunities and address the challenges in the clean energy batteries sector
• enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the clean energy batteries workforce.

Grant applications that are partnership-based, such as those involving academic institutions partnering with industry and/or community organisations to address emerging skills training needs, are strongly encouraged.

Round 1 opportunities: Clean Energy Batteries Applied Research Grants
 

Round 1 Grant opportunities were published on 30 June 2025 and the application portal will close on 31 July 2025. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in September 2025.

Up to $1 million in funding will be available for the first round of the Clean Energy Batteries Applied Research Grants. Round one applications have a minimum cap of $50,000 and a maximum cap of $200,000 in funding.

Priority areas of research should focus on the following skills and training areas:

Stream 1: Education and training 

New delivery and pedagogical models

• What innovative teaching strategies can be used to adapt education and training to the rapid advancements in the clean energy battery industry? For example, what innovative approaches can be used to train the workforce in the safe removal, testing, and refurbishment of end-of-life batteries?
• How can virtual and augmented reality tools enhance practical training and skill acquisition for the clean energy battery workforce?
• How can education and training be tailored to learners in regional and remote areas and to address local workforce needs in the clean energy battery industry?
• What partnerships are most effective between education and training institutions and industry in providing hands-on experience for the future clean energy battery workforce?
• How can industry and academic partnerships contribute to the co-development of training products that address current and future skill shortages?

Culturally appropriate and safe training

• How can education and training be designed to integrate cultural knowledge, practices, and values specific to First Nations peoples?
• How can education and training institutions retain clean energy battery teachers and trainers from diverse backgrounds?
• How does culturally safe training and education for clean energy batteries influence learner outcomes, including completion rates and workforce retention?
• How can the clean energy battery industry and education/training providers work together to create inclusive environments that support learners from underrepresented groups?

Growing and retaining skilled trainers

• What recruitment models can successfully attract industry professionals into training and education for the clean energy battery workforce?
• How can short-term industry secondments or 'train the trainer' initiatives encourage industry professionals to transition into clean energy battery training and teaching roles?
• How can joint industry-academic training programs (e.g. co-teaching models, dual-industry roles) improve the supply of trainers in the clean energy battery industry?

Stream 2: Industry needs and innovations

Attracting future workforce

• How can informal and structured mentorship programs enhance the skills of the workforce in the clean energy battery industry?
• How can companies incentivise knowledge-sharing among mature workers to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline for the clean energy battery industry?
• What barriers prevent an ageing workforce from transitioning into the VET sector and how can these be addressed?

Workplace culture and diversity

• How could mentorship help increase female representation in leadership roles in the clean energy battery industry?
• What best practices can be implemented to increase First Nations employment in the clean energy battery industry, particularly in regional and remote areas?
• What role do apprenticeships, traineeships, and return-to-work programs play in improving workforce diversity in the clean energy battery industry?

Transition pathways for exisiting workforce

• How can regional and remote training hubs support displaced workers for the clean energy battery industry?
• How can cultural and knowledge gaps be addressed for a transitional workforce to thrive in the clean energy battery industry?
• How can coal and gas companies be supported to create structured transition programs?

Linking emerging skills with training

• What are innovative technologies and practices in the clean energy battery industry, and gaps in existing education and training?
• What collaborative models between industry and training institutions effectively identify and incorporate emerging technological skills into existing training frameworks?
• How innovative technologies and practices in the clean energy battery industry can contribute to remote and regional areas?

Stream 3: Targeted calls for research

Stream 3 is designed to stimulate research in a particular area of clean energy battery skills training to the benefit of the industry and VET sector. It complements the broader areas and themes in the first and second streams by providing a mechanism to respond to emerging needs of skills training and prioritising potential topics according to relative urgency and impact. Stream 3 applications must specify a project duration of no more than six months.

Current practices of battery end-of-life management

• Better understand current industry practices of managing end-of-life lithium battery energy storage system (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
• Further develop the evidence base to inform best practice and industry standard for end-of-life lithium BESS and EV batteries management.
• Inform the battery manufacturing industry of designing for recycling.
• Better understand qualifications, skills and knowledge required for workforce participating in end-of-life battery management.
• Inform the development of skills training for workforce participating in end-of-life battery management.

Building battery workforce in regional areas

• Better understand current clean energy battery training options for learners in regional and remote area, including First Nations peoples.
• Identify systemic barriers to enrolment and completion of battery-related VET qualifications in regional and remote contexts.
• Understand the workforce demand and skill requirements across the lifecycle of lithium BESS, including its installation, maintenance, and end-of-life management.
• Inform the development or improvement of training units/modules to incorporate emerging industry needs such as battery recycling, safety protocols, and culturally appropriate delivery methods.
• Inform the building and management of 'skill ecosystems' in remote and regional areas for increased workforce mobility and sustainability within the clean energy batteries sector.

AI-driven battery innovation and emerging workforce

• Investigate current industry adaptation of AI across the battery lifecycle and identify implications for workforce skills.
• Map existing qualifications and training options for AI application across the battery lifecycle.
• Define skills, knowledge and capabilities required by learners and trainers engaging with AI in clean energy batteries sector.

Please note, this Grant round closed on 31 July 2025.

The Health Care and Support Applied Research Grants 2025-2028 aim to align with the policy priorities of the Australian and Queensland Governments by supporting and growing the health and support workforce.

The Grants provide financial assistance for research focused on education and training, attraction, retention, and safety, empowering workers and enhancing service quality for clients.

The Grant's overarching objectives aim to achieve population-level outcomes in productivity, labour supply, wellbeing, inclusion, and workforce resilience: 

• productivity: as productivity growth is improved through better skilling of the workforce, funding rounds will pertain to the scoping and implementation of innovative training methods, with a particular focus on reaching regional, rural, and remote communities to ensure the building of local workforces
• labour supply: in seeking to attract new workers and retain those already within the essential care industries workforce, grant opportunities will be designed to support future and/or projected sector needs across the areas of aged care, disability, nursing, mental health, and allied health
• wellbeing, inclusion and resilience: in ensuring that all Australians, particularly priority cohorts (i.e. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability and women), can build the skills needed for well-paid, secure work, which is aligned to their interests, funding will support measures for workforce diversity, culturally appropriate and safe service delivery, and the retention of the health care workforce through evidence-based training and upskilling via higher-level pathways.

Round 1 opportunity: Translating research and community knowledge for aged care

Round 1 Grant opportunities were published on 30 June 2025 and the application portal will close on 31 July 2025. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in September 2025.

A total of $1.4 million will be available for the first round of the Health Care and Support Applied Research Grants. Round one applications have a minimum cap of $50,000 and a maximum cap of $400,000 in funding. 

The following research streams and themes support the building of an evidence-base for:   

• informing excellence in education and training to enrich students’ learning experiences, which are culturally appropriate and safe
• ensuring the needs of regional, rural, and remote communities and students are met through innovative training practices and modes of delivery
• supporting industry needs in building local care workforces through developing pathway options for growth and retention. 

Grant applications which are partnership based, such as an academic institution coupling with community service providers, to address industry problems, are strongly encouraged. 

Priority areas for translating research and community knowledge for aged care

Stream 1: Education and training

Project proposals seeking funding for applied research which translates academic, and/or community knowledge, to support the education and training of the aged care workforce, through research activity such as pilots and trials, should respond to one or more of the following focus areas:   

• workplace safety to prevent common work-related injuries, including psychosocial injuries such as stress and poor mental health
• health equity to ensure equal health outcomes through elevating place-based approaches to meet the specific community needs
• accessible models of education and training delivery to support aged care students and workers in regional, rural and remote communities and build local care workforces
• cultural responsiveness training to support aged care students and workers in providing culturally, safe, appropriate, and responsive care to First Nations Elders, and culturally and linguistically diverse older people. 

Stream 2: Attraction and retention

Project proposals seeking funding for applied research which translates academic, and/or community knowledge to support worker attraction and retention in the aged care workforce through research activity such as pilots and trials, should respond to one or more of the following focus areas:   

• strengthened clinical governance practices with a focus on multiscale leadership models and/or frameworks which support healthy workplace cultures and workforce wellbeing
• workforce pathways interventions which are co-designed to increase the diversity and inclusion of the aged care workforce to attract and retain more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and women 
• professional development investments to upskill those currently working in aged care to provide best-practice person-centred care, trauma-informed care, and/or gerontological speciality skills
• digital literacy and capability to assist current workers in navigating emerging and current demands for improved data stewardship. 
  
  

Please note, this Grant round closed on 31 July 2025.