Regional and Rural Development Minister, Jacinta Allan, says two 12-month projects will be funded through the $2.5 million Rural Skills Connect initiative, as part of the Brumby Government's $100 million drought assistance package announced last year.

"Rural Skills Connect will help farm workers, owners and operators who have a range of skills but hold no formal qualification," Ms Allan said.

"These projects will provide employment and training opportunities to rural sector employees and employers affected by drought who have the right skills to meet local industry needs."

The Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney said skills shortages were a major barrier preventing regional businesses grow and that this investment would directly address this issue.

"The Brumby Government recognises the wealth of skills and experience that farmers have developed running highly complex and technical enterprises. Tapping into this resource will significantly benefit regional employers and support farming families through this difficult period," Mr Viney said

The Bass Coast, West and South Gippsland Rural Skills Connect project involving South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Baw Baw shires, will focus on skills in demand in the region such as welding, transport, machinery operation, hospitality and aged care.

The Latrobe Valley and Eastern Gippsland Rural Skills Connect project involving East Gippsland and Wellington shires and Latrobe City will focus on skills in demand in the Gippsland region such as manufacturing, health services, accounting, welding and hospitality.

Both projects aim to deliver a minimum of 45 full-time jobs each over 12 months.