More than $1 million in funding is now available under the first round of applied research grant opportunities at the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries.
TAFE Queensland is encouraging Australian researchers, universities, industries, organisations and community groups to apply for a share of the funding, which is available nationally.
Spearheaded by TAFE Queensland, the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries is a joint initiative between the Federal and Queensland governments, and the applied research grants aim to aid the development of innovative training solutions to address industry-identified challenges.
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer, John Tucker, said as Australia progresses towards its net-zero emissions target, Queensland’s energy transformation is predicted to support up to 100,000 direct and indirect new jobs by 2040.
“With strong future job growth predicted, the Centre’s applied research grants will support the development of targeted training to build a skilled clean energy battery workforce, ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of this vital industry,” he said.
Applied research investigates solutions to everyday problems, bridging the gap between theory and practice with evidence-based insights that drive innovative solutions.
In the first round of grant opportunities, being offered nationally, the Centre is calling for proposals across a range of clean energy battery focus areas, including accessible education and training models for people in rural, regional and remote areas, culturally appropriate and safe training, and workforce participation.
“With $1 million in grant funding available, we anticipate a highly competitive first round, and look forward to collaborating with researchers, universities, industry, and community groups to find real solutions to industry challenges,” Tucker said.
Since 2024, 12 TAFE Centres of Excellence have been announced across the country and the Centres at TAFE Queensland are the first to launch grants, with several funding rounds planned over the coming years.
Applications close on 31 July 2025.
For more information about the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries’ first round of applied research grant opportunities, visit tafeqld.edu.au/tce-grants
