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Entry Level Funding

The Authority supports workers to enter the industry via a variety of programs. These may include funding of entry level programs under Inclusion categories, such as Women in non-traditional vocations or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers. Additionally, programs may be developed by an RTO or an employer specific to a targeted sector of the industry such as bricklaying, plumbing or a try-a-trade format that provides a taste of multiple work areas. To apply for funding for a specific program, follow the instructions of applying under Industry Attraction programs as outlined below.

Specific funding has been allocated to GTOs and Industry Attraction programs for the 2026/27 FY.

Group Training Organisations (GTOs)

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) are businesses that employ apprentices and trainees and places them with host employers while managing their employment, training, and support. They are established primarily to provide training and employment opportunities for apprentices and trainees. The GTO directly employs these individuals, handling all legal employment responsibilities such as payroll, superannuation, leave, and entitlements, while placing them with host employers for day-to-day work and supervision. Apprentices and trainees are also retained by a single employer while being able to potentially gain broad experience across a range of host employers.

Currently the TFA funds GTO employed apprentices and trainees in a construction trade on a quarterly basis in arrears. Payments for the FY 2026/27 are payable as follows:

$150 per Australian School-Based Apprentices (ASbAs)
$300 per Full-Time Apprentice (aged under 21 years)
$450 per Mature Aged full-time Apprentice (aged 21 years and over)

Industry Attraction Programs

To attract new talent to the construction industry, we offer funding for programs that encourage entry into construction careers. Applications can be made for up to $25,000 per program, with a total pool of $100,000 available. This is ideal for organisations or groups running workshops, campaigns, or outreach events aimed at bringing more people into the sector.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to employers, RTOs or organisations supporting industry attraction of construction workers in the ACT.
  • Proposed programs must target attracting new entrants to construction.
  • The attraction program must include a component of training delivered by an RTO as live or in-person training.
  • Applications must clearly outline program objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
  • No other government funding is available to support the specific training.

Application Process

Prepare your project proposal:

  • Name of your organisation.
  • ABN (NOTE: Applicants must be an ABN holder).
  • Contact person and details (phone number, email).
  • Outline over the proposed project or program of training, including:
    • Specific category of TFA funding (i.e. Industry Attraction Program)
    • Detailed outline of proposal to attract new entrants to the construction industry
    • Total hours of face-to-face delivery and budget required (please include all components of program including program development, venue hire where applicable, purchase of equipment etc).
    • Target cohort and predicted numbers of participants
    • Proposed timeline and project deliverables

Submit your proposal to Jo Whitfield, CEO of the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority, via email: jwhitfield@trainingfund.com.au.

Additional funding may be requested via email if the full $25,000 is exhausted and funds remain within the budgeted funding.

Claims and Reporting

Once the training is successfully completed, you may claim payments by submitting:

Evidence of Completion

  • Official transcript, record of results or training certificates
  • Units of competency or individual training course outcomes achieved

Tax Invoice

  • Application Record ID
  • Participant name(s)

Outcomes Report

  • Overview of achievements and key milestones.
  • Challenges, risks, and solutions.
  • Any feedback from individuals attending program about the impact.

It is the responsibility of the organisation applying for funding to confirm that candidates who receive the funding meet the eligibility requirements. Records confirming eligibility may be requested for an audit by the TFA at any stage up to one year after the completion of any training.

Contact Information

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us: