Keystone Tasmania provides funding support for workforce development and training in the Tasmanian building and construction industry in two ways:
1. A subsidy payment is available for employing companies (including sole traders) to support employee participation in accredited and non-accredited training activities related to their employment.
The subsidy offered is a % of the advertised course cost. Details of our current funding allocations can be found here.
Who is eligible?
‘Employing companies' include sole traders and eligible host employers, where that host employer organises and pays for training. In some cases, the subsidy will be paid directly to the training provider to facilitate a reduced out of pocket course cost.
An eligible company is one where 90% or more of its work is involved in building and construction work on-site, as defined in Schedule 2 of the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1990.
An eligible company will hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Our online system uses Recipient Created Tax Invoices, to make it easier for businesses to process claims for funding.
Don’t have a Keystone Account? Create an account now.
Employers of companies performing building and construction work but not meeting the 90 per cent requirement may request funding assistance by contacting Keystone.
Employees of joinery operations will be eligible for funding, providing building and construction training packages and courses are being completed.
2. Keystone Tasmania allocates project funding to organisations delivering workforce development and training activities, based on industry and stakeholder advice and current strategic priorities.
Who is eligible?
Project funding is available for entities contributing to building and construction training and workforce development including Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Not for Profits and private sector organisations with a track record of delivering high quality outcomes.
To be eligible, you/ your organisations must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:
× an entity, incorporated in Australia
× an incorporated not for profit
How much funding is available?
Our project funding is allocated based on strategic priority areas and informed by industry consultation. Typical allocations range from $40,000 for the development of new training courses in priority areas, to $250,000 p.a. for major workforce development projects up to 4 years in duration.
Are all sectors of the industry supported?
Yes, applications are invited for projects and programs in all sectors of the building and construction industry - civil, commercial and residential.
Are joint/partnership applications accepted?
Joint applications are welcome and encouraged, but are not a prerequisite for funding.
Joint applicants will be required to identify a 'project lead' with overall project responsibility.
How often is funding made available?
Keystone Tasmania will open calls for Expressions of Interest each July. A public advertisement will be issued, as well as direct communication to key stakeholder organisations and those on our subscription mailing list. To register for our mailing list, please send a request to projects@keystone.com.au
How do I apply for funding outside the EOI cycle?
We aim to be flexible in the delivery of our funding support. Requests for funding outside the EOI process should first be canvassed with the contact people nominated below, before a submission is made via the Keystone Funded Projects EOI Application and sent to projects@keystone.com.au
What projects or programs are supported?
Keystone Tasmania supports the delivery of high quality training and workforce development in the Tasmanian building and construction industry by providing funding for projects of various sizes across a range of strategic priority areas. Our goal is to ensure that the Tasmanian community has a sustainable, highly-skilled, innovative, safe and healthy building and construction workforce.
Funding is allocated to projects in areas identified through industry consultation, advice from key stakeholder organisations, and the Keystone Board's strategic plan. We support projects that:
- Promote quality pathways to employment by initiating and supporting programs that create sustainable employment opportunities in the Tasmanian construction industry
- Support those in employment to develop their skills, obtain industry accreditation and pursue career opportunities by funding high-quality training and professional development programs.
- Champion industry-wide initiatives that promote diversity, innovation and advancement in all areas through research, promotion and stakeholder engagement.
What is the application and assessment timeline?
Download the funded projects timeline here.
Where can I find information about industry needs?
Keystone has developed a labour market modelling tool that can provide useful information about future skill needs in the Tasmanian building and construction industry. Follow [this link] to sign up for access to SOFIA (Statistical Optimisation for Industry Advancement).
What are the assessment criteria for applications?
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria. Please refer to 'Key Documents' for more detail:
- The proposal aligns with Keystone’s Strategic Plan
- There is evidence that the proposed outcomes meet an identified industry need
- Any outputs are well documented and the proposal's timeframe is realistic
- The project displays innovation in content and/or delivery
- The project attracts, retains, or develops the skills of a diverse range of people
- Project staff have appropriate high-level skills and experience
- A comprehensive budget and payments schedule is included
- Appropriate governance and reporting arrangements are detailed
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete the EOI Application form Keystone Funded Projects EOI Application and send to projects@keystone.com.au before the closing date.
If you are successful in the initial EOI process you will be invited to provide a more detailed proposal.
3. Keystone Tasmania allocates course development funding based on industry and stakeholder advice and current strategic priorities. Training Providers can apply for funding to design and deliver courses that respond to industry demand.
Where can I find information about industry needs?
Keystone has developed a labour market modelling tool that can provide useful information about future skill needs in the Tasmanian building and construction industry. Follow [this link] to sign up for access to SOFIA (Statistical Optimisation for Industry Advancement).
Applications for courses to be included in the Keystone Tasmania database can be made via your Training Provider’s Keystone Account.
Don’t have a Keystone Account? [CREATE AN ACCOUNT NOW]
How often is funding made available?
Keystone Tasmania offers funding for training course development all year round. We will prioritise support in areas where there is identified industry need, but limited or no training activity.
We aim to be flexible in the delivery of our funding support. Requests for course development funding should first be canvassed with the contact person nominated below (see 'Need Help?') before a submission is made via projects@keystone.com.au
Throughout the year, we will advertise additional special funding opportunities in priority areas.
A public advertisement will be issued, as well as direct communication to key stakeholder organisations and those on our subscription mailing list. To register for our mailing list, please send a request to projects@keystone.com.au
Is course development in all sectors of the industry supported?
Yes, applications are invited for course development benefiting all sectors of the building and construction industry - civil, commercial and residential.
Who is eligible for this funding?
Course development funding is available for suitably accredited and experienced training providers who can provide building and construction industry-specific training and workforce development. This includes RTOs and private sector organisations with a track record of delivering high quality outcomes.
To be eligible, you/your organisation must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:
- an entity, incorporated in Australia
- an incorporated not-for-profit
Does training have to be accredited?
Keystone Tasmania prioritises support for accredited training.
EOIs for non-accredited training will be considered, where the development or delivery of accredited training is not the best fit-for-purpose outcome, or is otherwise impractical. Please seek guidance from the contact person nominated below before proceeding with an EOI for non-accredited training course development.
What are the assessment criteria for EOIs?
EOIs will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Is the content building and construction industry specific, and up-to-date?
- Does the delivery approach demonstrate flexibility, to enable workers in building and construction SMEs to participate?
- Do the proposed trainers have relevant building and construction sector experience?
- Is the proposed training endorsed by industry?
- Are quality reporting and improvement processes authentic, and likely to improve the quality of the training over time?
- Is the budget commensurate with the extent of design and development work proposed?
Need Help?
Our EOI processes are supported by online information sessions and individual applicant support as required. Please ensure you are registered on our mailing list to receive important project funding information.
To register for our mailing list, please send a request to projects@keystone.com.au
Contact us for help with your application or to find out more:
Pathways and Innovation Projects: Shane Hayes (E) Shane.Hayes@keystone.com.au (M) 0499 883 160
Course Development, Capacity Building and Diversity Projects Anna Carew (E) anna.carew@keystone.com.au (M) 0411 894 997