Miles Doing What Matters: Cash back for more apprentices with $1,000 worth of free tools

• More future tradies working in good jobs on Queensland’s Big Build of housing will have their tools covered under an expanded Miles Government cash-back program.
• $4 million Free Tools for First Years provides 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.

$1,000 in cost-of-living relief is on offer to thousands of additional first year construction tradies across Queensland with the Miles Labor Government expanding a key Homes for Queenslanders fund.

The Free Tools for First Years program is being expanded to over 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 25th May 2023 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.

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

“Any Queenslander looking to pick up the tools to build homes for Queenslanders will have the tab picked up by the Miles Labor Government’s fairer coal royalties.

“The Free Tools for First Years program shows Labor’s dedication to real cost of living relief; breaking 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.

“There’s no clearer difference between Labor and the LNP than when it comes to jobs and training, their plan will cut cost of living relief, jack up course fees, and close campuses across Queensland.”

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.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ipswich Assistant Minister Jennifer Howard:

“We know the price tag of tools can cause financial strain on people looking to train and enter skilled trade occupations.

 “Our commitment to tool subsidies will help alleviate that strain, so local Ipswich aspiring tradies aren’t deterred by upfront costs of taking up the job.

“Free TAFE to Free Apprenticeships and now an expanded Free Tools for First Years are all on the LNP’s chopping block because they have a multi-billion-dollar coal royalty budget black hole.”

Quotes attributable to first year carpentry apprentice Kody Liekmeier:

“I’ve 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, $1,000 to take off your tool bill is a really good thing to have.

“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.”

Further information:

$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.

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

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 3-month probational period.

The rebate is being backdated for eligible apprentices who started on or after 25 May 2023 and applications may be made until the fund is exhausted.

ATTENTION MEDIA: link to pictures HERE.

For more information on Free Tools for First Years, please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/education/apprenticeships/for-apprentices/support/free-tools

Media contact:

Minister Scanlon – Francis DelaCruz 0420 592 078

Minister McCallum – Andrew Churchill 0472 645 871