Strengthening research and skills acquisition

Government reforms and investment in vocational education and training (VET), workforce development and research is seeing more Australians than ever building life changing skills and capabilities, and ensuring that we have the pipeline of skilled people to meet our workforce needs.

Research Funding

In this Budget, the Government is providing $135.3 million for 150 four year Future Fellowships to attract and retain the best Australian and international mid career researchers in areas of crucial national importance.

Since 2007, the Government has funded $1.3 billion in national collaborative research infrastructure.

To ensure continued access to this vital infrastructure, the Government is providing $186 million for operating costs.

We are focused on ensuring that Australia maintains an environment that supports world-class research while improving the sustainability of research funding.

Skills Reform

Building on record investment in VET and workforce development, which includes establishing the National Partnership on Skills Reform and the National Workforce Development Fund, the Government is introducing new initiatives to ensure the system meets industry needs.

New pathways to apprenticeships

An Alternative Pathways Program will be established with funding of $68.8 million over four years, to deliver more flexible pathways for 4,000 Australians completing a trade or technical qualification in high demand industries facing skills shortages. We will progress this through the National Panel for Economic Reform.

Skills Connect Fund

$45.0 million will be provided in 2013‑14 to establish the Skills Connect Fund, which will streamline government assistance and provide greater flexibility for Australian businesses in accessing workforce development funding, on a co contribution basis.