Key information
- Status: Open
- Grant amount: Up to $30,000
- Application opened: 2 November 2026
- Application closes: 30 November 2026, 9:00 am
Program objective
The program aims to:
increase the number of trained and accredited Home Energy Rating assessors and data collectors in NSW
support more businesses to offer Home Energy Rating services
improve access to Home Energy Rating services across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW
reduce financial and practical barriers to training and accreditation
build long-term workforce capacity to meet future demand for Home Energy Ratings
improve understanding of workforce needs to inform future training and workforce development initiatives.
This program is administered by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Eligible applicants may include, businesses, franchise networks, employer organisations who:
Operates in NSW in the property or built-environment sectors and already undertake site visits to residential properties
Must hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
Is a legally recognised entity, is financially solvent and capable of entering into a legally binding funding agreement
Applicant will deliver activities in NSW that directly and exclusively benefit NSW residents
Is an organisation that employs, engages, franchises, contracts or supports workers that are available to complete the approved training and accreditation pathways
Has not or will not receive duplicate funding for the same Home Energy Rating assessor or data collector training activities
Who the grant is targeted towards
Eligible NSW businesses and organisations operating in the property and built-environment sectors, including existing assessor businesses, sustainability consultancies, building inspection businesses, energy-efficiency and retrofit providers, and property-related businesses. Organisation must meet the eligibility requirements in the grant guidelines, including already undertaking residential property site visits.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Grant funding may only be used for approved costs directly related to training and accreditation outcomes.
Eligible costs may include:
training fees charged by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for Home Energy Rating assessors for existing homes and data collectors
software, licences, assessment tools and equipment, including LiDAR devices, where directly required for training or accreditation
reasonable travel and associated expenses for regional trainees to attend practical training assessments, where justified
insurances required for accreditation.
Successful applicants must commit to training and supporting at least four separate workers:
Two Home Energy Rating assessors for existing homes
Two data collectors.
What costs you can apply for
For detailed information on eligible project costs, refer to Section 1 of the grant guidelines.
Who can’t apply
Ineligible applicants are:
individuals
sole traders
unincorporated organisations
industry bodies
organisations that do not operate in NSW or are based overseas
Australian Government and state or territory government agencies, and
consortia
What costs you can't apply for
For detailed information on ineligible project costs, refer to Section 1 of the grant guidelines.
What co-contributions are required
The grant can cover up to 50% of total approved project costs, to a maximum grant of $30,000.
Additional eligibility requirements
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the Department's discretion.
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
Before applying:
You must read and understand the grant guidelines
Your application and supporting documents must be submitted through the NSW Government's grant management platform, SmartyGrants
You are responsible for ensuring your application is complete and accurate
If you notice an error in your application after submitting it, contact us immediately at sustainablehomes@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
Keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents for your records.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Start the application
1. Check your eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements and make sure your organisation and proposed trainees meet all requirements before applying.
2. Read the grant guidelines and FAQs
Download and read the Assessor Workforce Development Grant guidelines before preparing your application.
The guidelines explain:
eligibility requirements
eligible and ineligible costs
training and accreditation requirements
minimum workforce commitments
merit assessment criteria
reporting and funding obligations.
3. Prepare your application
You’ll need to provide the information and supporting documents requested in the application form and address all eligibility and merit assessment criteria.
This includes information about your organisation, nominated trainees, workforce development approach, project delivery plan, budget and co-contribution.
4. Submit your application
Complete and submit your application through the NSW Government Grant Management System Application pagehttps://netzeroNSW.smartygrants.com.au/assessor-workforce-development-grant.
Applications must be submitted by 9.00 am AEDT on 30 November 2026.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive an on-screen confirmation and acknowledgement email.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Manager, Sustainable Homes
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will first assess applications against the eligibility criteria.
Eligible applications will then be assessed against the published merit criteria by an independent grant assessment panel. Applications will be ranked relative to other eligible applications.
Applicants are expected to be notified of the outcome by 23 December 2026.
Successful applicants will then be invited to enter into a funding deed with the Department.
Anticipated assessment outcome date is 23/12/2026
Support and contact
Sustainable Homes, sustainablehomes@dcceew.nsw.gov.au