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 Queensland 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.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon said it is an initiative to give 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,” she said.
Eighteen year old TAFE Queensland first-year electrical apprentice Dax Du Toit welcomed the initiative.
“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.”
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 will 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
