March 16th, 2026Upskilling Workers To Secure The Jobs Of Tomorrow

The recipients of Round 2 of the Skills Solutions Partnerships program have been announced with five innovative projects awarded a total of $1.7 million in funding.

Since 2023, the program has brought industry and training providers together to develop and deliver targeted training that builds skills, fosters innovation and creates more jobs for Victorians.

One project, led by RMIT University in partnership with Memko, Navantia, Leap Australia and Engineers Education Australia, will strengthen Victoria’s capabilities to contribute to AUKUS.

It will develop four new micro-credentials in high-demand fields including Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Mission Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, and Cybersecurity.

Another project, delivered by Microsoft and Victoria University, will help build a pipeline of critical environment technicians, strengthening Victoria’s emerging status as Australia’s data centre capital.

South West Institute of TAFE will lead on a partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic and several manufacturing businesses, upskilling entry-level manufacturing workers to operate in technologically advanced industrial environments.

The program is delivering on the Victorian Industry Policy, which charts a clear path for industry to innovate, adopt new technologies and build the skills needed for a competitive, future-focused economy.

The state government has provided $4.8 million to extend Skills Solutions Partnerships. The program targets priority sectors identified in the Economic Growth Statement including advanced manufacturing, defence and digital technologies.

Expressions of Interest for Round 3 of the Skills Solutions Partnerships program are now open. To learn more and apply, visit: business.vic.gov.au/ssp.