​​Backing Queensland’s construction industry​

​Funding of $10 million is providing free apprenticeships for under 25s for another 2 years. This funds more than 130 high priority apprenticeships and traineeships for younger Queenslanders. Read Amy’s story about her free apprenticeship.

​Free apprenticeships are available to people starting or restarting a construction apprenticeship. Funded by $4 million, the program delivers support for the full duration of an apprenticeship.

​Fee-free construction as part of Fee-Free TAFE will fund 4,100 training places for students who start training before 31 December. This includes qualifications, apprenticeships or pre-apprenticeship qualifications. Visit TAFE Queensland or CQUniversity to learn more.

​Small and family businesses are being supported by a wage subsidy pilot for new apprentices during training. This program is funded by $19 million. It provides 50% of the typical wage for first- and second-year construction apprentices and 25% in the third and fourth years. The pilot will support 2,000 construction apprentices over 4 years.

​This pilot is a key election commitment of the Queensland Government and forms part of Improved Completions, a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland Governments.

Free or reduced-cost training in construction is also available through Career Boost, Career Start, VETiS and Skilling Queenslanders for Work. Learn more about free and reduced-cost training.

​A $201.1 million investment in facilities will help train the trades professionals of tomorrow. This includes facilities across Queensland for training in construction, engineering and advanced manufacturing. These TAFE Centres of Excellence will be available in Caloundra, Moreton Bay and Rockhampton.

A TAFE Centre of Excellence for Construction Tech will also help small-to-medium construction businesses adopt new technology. This $73.8 million initiative, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, will help businesses to boost productivity, enhance safety and reduce costs.

Flexible trade training helps people get back on track if their apprenticeship gets cancelled. Carpentry, electrical and plumbing apprentices can get funded training and links to employers. Read Caleb’s story.

​A joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments.

​We need more VET teachers to train the workforce of the future. Up to $28 million in joint government funding will deliver a strong supply of vocational education and training teachers. ​This will help to train future workers in priority industries like construction. It will harness the workforce at different stages like attraction, development and retention.

​This activity forms part of Improved Completions – a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland Governments. It also includes a key election commitment of the Queensland Government to invest $2 million in recruiting the next generation of TAFE teachers.

​Funded by $13 million, Industry Skills Solutions will deliver skills for key industries such as construction. Almost $1 million is funding 6 projects for women in non-traditional industries. This includes women in electrical and plumbing trades and in construction more broadly.

Solutions tailored to regional communities are supported by $5 million in Local Skills Solutions funding. This supports industries including construction.

This includes projects by Harness Energy Services for women in civil construction and the National Timber and Hardware Association to support people into entry-level construction roles. Learn more about Local Skills Solutions projects funded so far.

The micro-credentialing program helps workplaces to train new or transitioning employees in specific skill areas. It supports businesses and industries to innovate and improve productivity. Approximately $1.1 million has been delivered across 6 projects for the construction industry.

Listening to construction stakeholders helps us understand industry needs and workshop solutions. We do this by hosting discussions and events and through a partnership with Construction Skills Queensland.

​This program delivered more than $1.5 million to help attract and retain construction workers. This includes projects by Housing Industry Association Limited and Civil Contractors Federation Queensland. These projects have engaged 621 employers, 572 apprentices and 407 jobseekers so far. Discover the Workforce Connect Fund.

​Secondary school students learn about the industry through the Building and Construction Gateway to Industry Schools project. This is delivered by Construction Skills Queensland to promote pathways to jobs. Over 14,600 students participated in activities during 2025.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work helps people looking to start work, retrain or re-enter the workforce. Since 2015, more than $205 million was invested through this initiative. This created more than 11,500 training places in construction, plumbing and services industries.

​Our Set for Success pilot helped more Queenslanders stay in and complete construction training. Master Painters Association Queensland received $250,000 to provide counselling and mentorship. This aimed to help apprentices complete their training and have a better overall experience.

​Another Set for Success funding round of will open soon. Skills Assure Suppliers (SAS) will be notified through the SAS Portal.

​A joint initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments.

While we build the skills of tomorrow through training, skilled migrants make a significant contribution to our workforce. ​Another way we secure skills for construction is through migration. Queensland’s State Nominated Migration Program has a specific pathway for construction. People in eligible occupations can qualify after 3 months’ work experience in Queensland.