Government supports Queensland's construction sector via new initiative

Apprenticeship scheme features wage subsidies for small and family-owned businesses.

The government of Queensland in Australia has launched a $12.3m (AU$19m) apprenticeship pilot programme designed to ease the financial burden for owners of small construction firms.
    
Under the new apprenticeship scheme, small and family-owned businesses can receive a wage subsidy of 50% of the typical pay for first and second year construction apprentices. For those on their third and fourth year, the wage subsidy stands at 25%. The construction apprentices will be attending the equivalent of up to eight weeks of training a year.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment, and Training Ros Bates commented: "This directly responds to calls from the small business industry to ease the pressure of training and retaining skilled workers in this crucial sector, and we're delivering support just as we promised.

"The construction industry is the third largest industry in Queensland and is central to some of our key priorities, including delivering vital housing, health, transport, and infrastructure projects, and of course the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Around 2,000 construction trade apprentices across Queensland will be supported by the initiative.

"Our government is stepping up with new funding of over AU$100 million to assist small and family businesses to grow and succeed," Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin added. "We want small and family construction businesses to continue to employ and train more apprentices, but also retain apprentices to deliver critical infrastructure."

Construction apprentices aged below 21 may be eligible for AU$10,060 in total subsidy payment, while those at least 21 years of age may be eligible for AU$13,740 over a four-year span.