New paid work pathways program to get more Australians into work

Australians facing barriers to work will have more opportunities to join the workforce and boost their skills, under new government-funded work placements to roll out next year.

The Albanese Government is making paid work pathways more accessible through its new WorkFoundations program, which will partner with social enterprises and businesses to deliver paid job placements. The placements will include wrap-around services for job seekers needing extra experience and supports to enter or re-enter the workforce.

This forms part of the $54 million Paid Employment Pathways Package announced in the 2024–25 Federal Budget.

The package aims to build partnerships with employers across Australia, focusing on helping people with barriers to work to connect to real jobs, and earn real wages.

All placements are paid at the relevant Award or enterprise agreement rate, with legal entitlements including superannuation.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt said WorkFoundations is another important step towards delivering an employment service that works for all Australians.

“WorkFoundations is helping Australians to build their resume, experience and, importantly, their confidence, by offering paid work opportunities,” Minister Watt said.

“There’s real demand for a paid work pathway for people who need extra help to get experience on the job in a more supportive work environment.

“Previous work experience programs like the Coalition’s PaTH Internships Program wasted millions putting job seekers into short-term work trials, earning as little as $4 per hour for 25 hours of work per week.

“Our Government believes people who want to work deserve the dignity of a real employment relationship, and a real wage, not below minimum wage work trials.

“There’s many reasons why job seekers may not be ready to join or re-join the workforce, but this program will help them to get job-ready, with real hands-on experience through social enterprise and other suitable businesses.

“WorkFoundations will more effectively support employers while helping people into work in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

“I’ve visited some of the social enterprises who are already doing this type of work, and the benefits for both workers and employers are clear.”

Applications will open soon for organisations who want to take part in the program by providing placements, with a grant pool of up to $10 million available between 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Successful applicants must adhere to strict criteria including meeting eligible activity types, expenditure, and timeframe commitments.

An open-competitive grant round will open on 14 January 2025 and close on 11 February 2025.

The rollout of the program’s grant activities will commence from 1 July 2025.

For more information on the grants, visit grants.gov.au