The SA Government is investing in the next generation of South Australian tradies, partnering with training providers to invest in new state-of-the-art facilities to help build the skilled workforce needed for the state’s future.
The $3 million Equipment and Capital Grants initiative will help providers deliver high-quality training that prepares graduates for work on South Australia’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program and ambitious housing agenda.
Funding will be split evenly across defence and construction sectors, supporting vocational education and training (VET) students to access the latest tools and resources.
Grants up to $250,000 are available for TAFE, industry and not-for-profit training providers to co-invest in new technology and upgrade site infrastructure.
Support provided will focus on improving student access, participation and completions in priority areas, and target in-demand courses facing skills shortages.
The program is part of the SA Government’s $29 million Housing Skills and $27 million AUKUS Skills commitments to create more than 2,000 new pathways through university scholarships, apprenticeships and industry partnerships.
These training places are on top of the more than 160,000 places the State Government has already funded under the National Skills Agreement.
It comes as latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data shows South Australia recorded an increase in trade apprentice commencements in the 12 months to March 2026 – defying a national decline.
Completions in trades went up 20.8 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier – the second highest percentage increase in the country.
Albert Park provider PEER has previously partnered with State Government to install a virtual reality training tool, increase welding bays and deliver more inclusive facilities for women in trades.
The program is now open and closes on Friday 16 October 2026.
