Mark Vender
The Queensland government is offering a rebate of up to $1,000 for first-year apprentices to cover the cost of tools.
The initiative, part of the government’s Homes for Queenslanders Plan, will support up to 4,000 new apprentices in a range of trades including refrigeration and air conditioning.
“Our apprentices are critical to the success of Queensland’s construction industry,” says Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum.
“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.”
Cash back rebates of up to $1,000 will be made available for apprentices to purchase industry-relevant tools. Apprentices can’t claim again if they receive a rebate of less than $1,000, so it is important to consider the tool purchases carefully.
Apprentices would only be eligible once they have completed their mandatory three-month probational period.
The rebate will be backdated for eligible apprentices to January 1, 2024. There is $4 million available under the Free Tools for First Years program, and claims will be open until the funds are exhausted.
More information is available at the Free Tools For First Years website.
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