The Queensland government has announced a cashback incentive for first-year trade apprentices as part of continued efforts to meet the state’s housing and infrastructure demands.
Future tradies working on properties for the Homes for Queenslanders plan are now eligible to get up to $1000 to cover the cost of their tools, under a $4 million Free Tools for First Years program.
Dax Du Toit, an 18-year-old TAFE Queensland first-year electrical apprentice, is one of 4000 tradies eligible for $1000.Credit: Queensland Government
This includes first-year apprentices working in construction, plumbing, bricklaying, tiling, plastering, painting, cabinet making, stonemasonry, joinery, and electrical trades.
State Employment Minister Lance McCallum said the cashback program targeting 4000 new apprentices is a reflection of the Miles government’s “dedication to real cost-of-living relief”.
“Because we are making multinational mining companies pay their fair share, the Miles Labor government can pick up the tab for free tools,” McCallum said.
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“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.”
The announcement came ahead of a forecasted budget blowout for the Queensland government and increased calls to halt migration, despite skills shortages in the workforce.
On Tuesday, Treasurer Cameron Dick announced the June budget would likely carry a deficit of about $3 billion for the 2024-25 financial year as a result of cost-of-living relief delivered by the state government.