THE State Government’s new scheme – funded under the the Homes for Queenslanders plan – will train up to 2250 extra carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and others over the next two years with a free apprenticeship.
This will bring the total number of projected construction apprenticeships to more than 13,000 in the next two years.
The investment will help more Queenslanders into high-skill and well-paid construction careers, allowing them to play their part in building more homes, along with benefitting from the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in Queensland’s history.
Previously announced initiatives under the Homes for Queenslanders Construction Workforce Fund include a $2 million Housing Construction Traineeship Fund and the $4 million Free Tools for First Years program.
Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon said: “For the first time, construction apprenticeships are free to Queenslanders of all ages.
“We don’t just want more Queenslanders to take up a good career in construction, we need them so we can build more homes for Queenslanders.
“With free apprenticeships and $1000 cash-back on tools for first-years, there’s never been a better time to be a tradie.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said: “Progressive coal royalties means cost of living shouldn’t get in the way of any Queenslander getting into the high-paid, hi-vis jobs created by our Big Build.
“From free TAFE to free tools for first-ears, and now free construction apprenticeships, the Government is helping more Queenslanders discover highly skilled careers that come from construction apprenticeships.”
FAST FACTS
The Free Construction Apprenticeships for over-25s program is available from July 1 2024 to 30 June 2026 and will cover the cost of eligible apprentices training with TAFE or CQUniversity for the duration of their qualification.
For more information, visit qld.gov.au.
