The Trade Pathways Innovation Fund is now open for submissions according to Training Services NSW. Submissions close at 5:00pm on 4 April 2023 and all applicants must meet the eligibility criteria that can be found here.

The scope of the fund is to support industry-led projects that trial and test new approaches to obtaining trade qualifications. The fund aims to improve the accessibility of trade training for women, mature-age workers and school leavers.

It’s responding to the unique skills needs of different trade sectors. It provides the opportunity to trial and test new approaches to obtaining trade qualifications which may be an occupation or student specific.

The Trade Pathways Innovation Fund will enable industry-led projects to establish new pathways to trade qualification or enhance existing non-traditional pathways to trade qualification (i.e. those outside of an apprenticeship or traineeship training contract). Establishing and enhancing these pathways will lead to an increase in qualified workers in trade occupations facing skills shortages.

Grants of up to $500,000 (GST exclusive) will fund innovative projects that enhance existing non-traditional pathways or build new pathways to trade and trade-like qualifications.

The Fund will improve the accessibility of trade training, particularly for students such as women, mature workers and school leavers. Occupation-specific pathways developed by industry will result in an uplift in students engaging with and achieving trade qualifications.

Industry-led projects will commence in May 2023 for a period of 12 months.

An application can be submitted via the SmartyGrants website here.