First-year construction apprentices across Queensland can now access up to $1000 in cost-of-living relief, thanks to the State Government’s Free Tools for First Years program.
The expansion of a key Homes for Queenslanders fund applies to more than 10,000 eligible apprentices in trades including construction, plumbing, engineering, and electrical, to get themselves set up for a big career on Queensland’s Big Build.
Any first-year construction apprentice who started on or from May 25, 2023, can now get up to $1000 cash-back, meaning they get the tools they need virtually for free.
The $4 million initiative – part of the Government’s Homes for Queenslanders Plan – aims to provide real cost-of-living relief for the state’s future tradies.
Training and Skills Development Minister Lance McCallum said any Queenslander looking to pick up the tools to build homes for Queenslanders will have the tab picked up by the Government’s fairer coal royalties.
“The Free Tools for First Years program breaks down financial barriers so that more Queenslanders can pursue rewarding careers in construction,” he said.
“Our apprentices are critical to the success of Queensland’s construction industry; by providing up to $1000 for their tools, we’re ensuring they have what they need to excel from day one.”
First year carpentry apprentice Kody Liekmeier said he had always wanted to “build stuff, and a thousand bucks really goes a long way”.
“This will help me so much, with apprentice wages being a bit tough, $1000 to take off your tool bill is a really good thing to have,” he said.
“I’ve just recently bought a Makita kit, including an impact driver, a saw, and a planer for carpentry, along with a leaf blower to clean up the site.”
A total of $4 million has been allocated to the Free Tools for First Years rebate program, to assist first year Queensland apprentices in the housing industry which includes construction, plumbing, bricklaying, tiling, plastering, painting, cabinet making, stonemasonry, joinery, engineering, and electrical trades.
The list of eligible qualifications has also been expanded to 35 and now includes:
- MEM30319 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- MEM30819 Certificate III in Locksmithing
- MEM31322 Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- UEE40620 Certificate IV in Electrotechnology – Systems Electrician
Apprentices would only be eligible once they have completed their mandatory three-month probational period.