HUNDREDS of small construction businesses across Queensland are already benefiting from a new State Government program designed to help train the next generation of tradies and tackle the industry’s ongoing skills shortage.
Since launching in October, the $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program has supported 526 small and family-owned businesses, subsidising the wages of 579 apprentices currently in training.
The initiative aims to support up to 2000 apprentices across Queensland, giving smaller operators the financial backing needed to take on and retain apprentices while helping to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers.
Eligible businesses can receive wage subsidies covering 50 per cent of the typical wage for first and second-year apprentices, and 25 per cent for third and fourth-year apprentices, while they attend training for up to eight weeks each year.
Over the course of a four-year apprenticeship, businesses may receive up to $10,060 for apprentices under 21, and $13,740 for apprentices aged 21 and over.
The program spans 35 construction trades, with carpentry accounting for the largest share of registrations at 26.3 per cent, followed closely by electrical trades at 25.3 per cent and plumbing at 15.7 per cent.
Importantly, the support is reaching beyond metropolitan centres, with around one third of successful registrations coming from regional areas outside South East Queensland.
The apprenticeship pilot forms part of a broader push to strengthen the State’s construction workforce amid growing demand for housing and infrastructure.
The Government committed more than $98 million to construction-specific training initiatives in 2024-25, supporting more than 29,000 students, alongside $10 million to continue the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program and $4 million for free construction apprenticeships for eligible workers over 25.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the pilot program was helping strengthen the State’s construction workforce.
“The pilot program is helping to build a pipeline of skilled construction workers to meet the growing demand for housing and infrastructure,” she said.
