The Australian Government is investing in initiatives to support and grow the First Nations vocational education and training (VET) workforce. These initiatives focus on culturally safe training developed in partnership with First Nations organisations and creating pathways into trainer, assessor and leadership roles.
On this page:
Building the First Nations VET workforce
From 2024 to 2025, the Australian Government invested $1.2 million in the First Nations Trainer and Assessor Demonstration Project, delivered by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). The project supported 48 participants, with a focus on First Nations health workers, to complete the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, achieving an 80% completion rate. Participants and industry reported that the training was culturally safe, flexible and relevant to community needs.
Building on this success, the Australian Government has invested $2.279 million from 2026 to 2028 in the expanded Building the First Nations VET Workforce Program. Led by NACCHO and guided by First Nations expertise, the program will support up to 58 participants across the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and the Diploma of Vocational Education and Training.
The program also includes a mentoring program to help new and existing trainers and assessors develop confidence and leadership skills. This culturally grounded approach will help strengthen and sustain the future First Nations VET workforce.
Registered Training Organisation Community of Practice
Australian Government investment has also supported the establishment of a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Community of Practice, which has been designed to strengthen the Aboriginal Community Controlled and First Nations Owned RTO sector by fostering shared best practice, partnerships, and improved outcomes for First Nations learners.
Designed and delivered in partnership with NACCHO, the Registered Training Organisation Community of Practice reflects the Australian Government’s shared commitment to build a capable and culturally safe First Nations VET workforce, shaped by First Nations voices, insights and expertise.