• Future tradies working in good jobs on Queensland’s Big Build of housing will have their tools covered under a new Queensland Government cash-back program.
• $4 million Free Tools for First Years will provide up to $1,000 cash-back for first-year apprentices in the housing construction sector.
• Cost-of-living support part of Homes for Queenslanders plan to build more homes, faster.

Thousands of first-year apprentices helping to build more Homes for Queenslanders can now get up to $1,000 cash-back, meaning they get the tools they need virtually for free.

The $4 million initiative, part of the new Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders Plan, aims to provide real cost-of-living relief for the state’s future tradies.

The Free Tools for First Years program will support up to 4,000 new apprentices in trades including construction, plumbing, and electrical to get themselves set up for a big career.

By giving cash back of up to $1,000 for industry-relevant tools, the program helps reduce the financial burden on those starting their careers in these essential fields.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:

“We’re giving Queenslanders the actual tools they’ll need to help build more homes, faster.

“The price tag on tools can be a barrier for many Queenslanders wanting to take up a trade, and the businesses who want to hire them - we’re tackling that barrier with cashback.

“It’s a stark contrast to the LNP who shut down TAFEs and took the axe to Queensland’s public builder QBuild.

“Now, the LNP think our Homes for Queenslanders plan is too much. Will they cut cash for tradies to help them buy their tools?”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum:

“Because we are making multi-national mining companies pay their fair share, the Miles Labor Government can pick up the tab for free tools and give cash back to 4,000 Queensland first year apprentices.

“Our new Free Tools for First Years program reflects our dedication to real cost of living relief; this will break down financial barriers so that more Queenslanders can pursue rewarding careers in construction.

"Our apprentices are critical to the success of Queensland's construction industry–by providing up to $1,000 for their tools, we're ensuring they have what they need to excel from day one. This is a crucial step in building a robust, skilled workforce.”

Quotes attributable to 18-year-old TAFE Queensland first-year electrical apprentice Dax Du Toit:

“I think giving money for tools to apprentices is a great idea–if you can have a little extra money come once for some tools, it can make a huge difference.

“For apprentices like me who don’t live at home, there are plenty of other bills to pay for already, so if I didn’t have to worry about saving for tools that would be awesome.

“Already the apprenticeship is free so the last thing really to pay for is the tools you need.

“$1,000 can get you almost a whole tool set as a first year and to not have to save for that would make it so much easier to pay your regular bill.

“There’s a lot of work out there for tradies, some people don’t want to do it, but I like it and I know there’s always going to be work.”

Further information:

Supplied pics of apprentices HERE.

Up to $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, and electrical trades.

Cash back rebates of up to $1,000 will be made available for apprentices to purchase industry relevant tools.

Apprentices would only be eligible once they have completed their mandatory 3-month probational period.

The rebate will be backdated for eligible apprentices to 1 January 2024 and applications may be made until the fund is exhausted.

For more information on the Apprentice Tools Rebate, please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/education/apprenticeships/for-apprentices/support/tools-rebate