The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (the Department) has commenced the process to establish the Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) via a grants process.
On this page:
ICOVE Grant Opportunity – Now Open!
What is the ICOVE?
The ICOVE will operate as an alternative model to a First Nations skills peak and perform the role of a national, evidence-informed best practice Vocational Education and Training (VET) hub to create and promote high quality, culturally responsive training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that have strong pathways to employment outcomes.
As the Skills Peak alternative, the ICOVE will partner with governments in the formation of the VET Policy Partnership and support its operations.
A First Nations Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will host the ICOVE built around 4 key pillars of innovation, capacity building, policy and advocacy and research and data.
What is the ICOVE grants process?
The ICOVE grant opportunity is now open. This grant will select an eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled or First Nations Led/Owned Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to commence the design and operations of the ICOVE. Coolamon Advisors are supporting the department with the process.
How to Apply
The Grant Opportunity Guidelines have been finalised and published on GrantConnect. Applicants must download, read, and respond to the formal guidelines before submitting an application. Applications can only be submitted via GrantConnect.
ICOVE Information Sessions
In November 2025, the Department and Coolamon Advisors held 3 public information sessions regarding the ICOVE grant opportunity. All sessions were the same and covered the same material. Applicants should refer to the formal guidelines on GrantConnect for the most up-to-date details.
Probity and Fairness
To comply with Commonwealth probity guidelines:
- All information sessions contained the same information and were not open to questions.
- The Australian Government will ensure the grant process is fair, follows the published guidelines, and incorporates safeguards against fraud and unlawful activities.
- The process is consistent with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Visit GrantConnect to access the guidelines and submit your application.
Please see the presentation slides
The information presented was accurate at the time and is subject to change prior to the formal release of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines via GrantConnect.
Questions?
If you have questions about the ICOVE grant process, please see Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence – Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at firstnationspartnerships@dewr.gov.au.