- Thousands more Queenslanders to take up tools with for free construction apprenticeships expanded to over 25s
- Part of Miles Government Homes for Queenslanders plan outlines to deliver one million new homes by 2046, including 53,500 new social homes
- Builds on the over 82,000 apprentices and trainees who have accessed the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program since 2018
The Miles Government is doing what matters for Queensland, expanding free construction apprenticeships to all Queenslanders.
The new scheme– funded under the government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan – will train up to 2,250 extra carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians and more 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.
Free Construction Apprenticeships for All Explainer:
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.
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, and;
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Currently, less than a third of construction-related apprenticeships are undertaken by people aged 25 and over.
For more information, please visit https://www.qld.gov.au/education/training/subsidies/free-construction-apprenticeships.
