What is the Training Needs List?
Investment through Skills First prioritises areas where skills development strongly aligns to employment and where fee-for-service training would be a significant barrier to individual learners accessing training. This approach supports a pipeline of skilled workers and complements industry investment in their workforce.
The Training Needs List reports the courses subsidised by the Victorian Government under Skills First. It includes nationally recognised programs that:
- have strong job outcomes, such as apprenticeships
- address skill shortages outlined in the Victorian Skills Plan
- support access, such as foundation skill courses that enable learners to participate in vocational training and/or gain skilled employment
- represent government priorities, including residential housing construction, and clean energy.
- build a foundation for further training pathways for future career growth, leading to skilled employment
- require support for provision where industry investment is not possible, or where fees present a significant barrier for learners in accessing training.
You can find subsidy rates in the Funded Programs Report via the Skills Victoria Training System.
Download the Training Needs List
The Training Needs List is also available in Excel format:
Meeting future skills demand
The Training Needs List is informed by the Victorian Skills Plan, which provides a skills roadmap for Victoria. This helps industries to grow their workforces and strengthens Victoria’s economy.
For more information, visit the Victorian Skills Plan website.
Adding programs to the Training Needs List
The Training Needs List is reviewed annually, to ensure it aligns with Victoria’s current and future economic needs and supports access to quality training where fees are a significant barrier to participation.
The Department may consider courses for addition to the Training Needs List where there is a demonstrated, compelling need for training.
A business case must be completed to nominate a new program for inclusion in the Training Needs List.
- Business cases must include engagement and advice from the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA). The VSA can be contacted at course.enquiry@djsir.vic.gov.au. Please note that VSA advice does not guarantee a funding outcome.
- Business cases will only be considered for where there are compelling circumstances and strong rationale for public subsidy. Business cases may also be considered where a proposed course is intended to replace an existing subsidised course.
- Courses that have been assessed or removed from the Training Needs List in the previous 12 months will only be reconsidered if compelling evidence is supplied which supports a significant change in circumstances.
Business cases should be submitted to the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions at funded.programs@djsir.vic.gov.au.
Download the Training Needs List business case template:
Updated 18 March 2026
Updated