Construction-based apprenticeships will be free to all Queenslanders, with age limits to be scrapped.
The State Government’s current free apprenticeship scheme is open to people under 25, but from July 1, mature-age students will also be able to access free courses, for selected apprenticeships.
State Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the new scheme would train up to 2250 extra tradespeople over the next two years.
Minister Scanlon said this would bring the total number of projected construction apprenticeships to more than 13,000 over that time.
She said, currently, less than a third of construction-related apprenticeships were undertaken by people aged 25 and over.
“With free apprenticeships and $1,000 cash-back on tools for first-years, there’s never been a better time to be a tradie.”
Minister Scanlon said the scheme would run from July 1 to June 30, 2026, and would cover the cost of eligible apprentices training with TAFE or CQUniversity for the duration of their qualification.
Apprenticeships to be covered under the program include:
- Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.
- Certificate III in Carpentry.
- Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.
- Certificate III in Plumbing.
- Certificate III in Gas Fitting.
- Certificate III in Glass and Glazing.
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
For more information visit the Queensland Government website.
