Building Queensland
Apprenticeship pilot initiative
+ $19 million pilot program supporting small and family-owned construction businesses.
+ Wage subsidies during training periods are available for 2,000 construction apprentices.
+ More small businesses can afford to train and retain skilled workers.
Queensland small and family-owned construction businesses are getting the right tools for the job, with the Crisafulli Government delivering a $19 million pilot program to help train and retain apprentices.
The Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program will subsidise the wages of construction apprentices during off-site training – easing the financial burden for small business owners.
Eligible small businesses can receive a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the typical wage for first and second year construction apprentices and 25 per cent for third and fourth year apprentices while attending the equivalent of up to eight weeks of training a year.
The program is part of the fresh start the Crisafulli Government promised, to help secure a pipeline of skilled workers to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The program includes:
+ apprentices under 21 may be eligible for a total subsidy payment of $10,060 over four years;
+apprentices 21 and over may be eligible for a total subsidy payment of $13,740 over four years.
The pilot program will support 2,000 small business employed construction trade apprentices across the state who commence their apprenticeship from 1 July 2025.
Small business owners can register once an apprentice has completed their probation period, and will be eligible for the subsidy once the apprentice is enrolled and attends training.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the new pilot program was a major step in strengthening Queensland’s construction workforce.
“This directly responds to calls from the small business industry to ease the pressure of training and retaining skilled workers in this crucial sector, and we’re delivering support just as we promised,” Minister Bates said.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the program was funded as part of the Crisafulli Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement.
“Our government is stepping up with new funding of over $100 million to assist small and family businesses to grow and succeed,” Minister Minnikin said.
“We want small and family construction businesses to continue to employ and train more apprentices, but also retain apprentices to deliver critical infrastructure.”
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said the program would support local tradies to continue to employ and train apprentices.
“The Redlands area is rapidly growing and home to a large number of tradies and apprentices,” Ms Young said.
“This program will make it more affordable for small business employers to take on apprentices and complete their training, while allowing tradies to get on with the job of building our critical infrastructure.”
ENDS