What’s happening?
The Crisafulli Government has launched a $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program to help small and family-owned construction businesses train and retain skilled apprentices. The program offers wage subsidies for up to 2,000 apprentices who begin their training from 1 July 2025.
Why it matters
Small construction firms often struggle to afford apprentice wages during off-site training. This new pilot aims to ease that burden, helping businesses grow their workforce while addressing Queensland’s long-standing skills shortage. The initiative is part of the government’s plan to build a stronger economy and meet future infrastructure and housing demands.
Local impact
Redlands MP Rebecca Young said the pilot would support local tradies and apprentices in the growing region. “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.”
By the numbers
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$19 million pilot funding to support small and family-owned construction businesses statewide.
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2,000 construction apprentices eligible for wage subsidies from July 2025.
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50% wage subsidy for first and second-year apprentices, and 25% for third and fourth years during training periods.
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$10,060 total subsidy over four years for apprentices under 21, and $13,740 for those aged 21 and over.
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$98 million invested in construction-specific training initiatives for 2024–25, supporting over 29,000 students.
Zoom in
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the pilot directly responds to industry calls for help.
“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.
She added that construction remains central to delivering housing, health, transport, and infrastructure projects ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the funding is part of the government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement, which includes over $100 million in new support.
“We want small and family construction businesses to continue to employ and train more apprentices, but also retain apprentices to deliver critical infrastructure,” he said.
Zoom out
The program is one of several initiatives aimed at rebuilding Queensland’s skilled workforce. It sits alongside the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s ($10 million), Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s ($4 million), and a $78 million TAFE Centre of Excellence for construction and allied trades at Caloundra. The government also continues to back the $60 million Construction Skills Queensland Annual Training Plan (2025–26) to fund workforce development and research.
What to look for next
Registrations open from 1 July 2025, once apprentices complete probation and are enrolled in training. Small business owners can visit HERE for eligibility details.
