Already assisting 56,000 young Queenslanders to enter apprenticeships and gain the skills and training that employers need right now, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Queensland’s unemployment rate is at 3.8% and we know that means employers need workers to fill the good jobs that are still there,” the Premier said.
“We want to make sure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need. We also want to make sure Queenslanders have the skills they need to take up the opportunities that are there for those good jobs.”
For under 25s, fully subsidised training for 139 priority apprenticeship and traineeship qualifications is available through Registered Training Organisations in areas such as electrical, plumbing and engineering, as well as early childhood, aged and disability care, amongst others.
The Free apprenticeships for under 25s program will cover the cost of training for Queensland apprentices or trainees who commenced or are undertaking one of the 139 high priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications from 1st January 2021 up until 30 June 2023 (previously ending on 30 September 2022). View the full list of 139 priority qualifications.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said Queenslanders aged under 25 could continue to enrol in 26 Free training programs and 139 Free apprenticeships programs up to 30 June 2023 and pay no course fees.
“Our Free apprenticeships for under 25s initiative is an additional $21 million investment to provide young people with access to free certificate III courses across a wide range of areas,” Minister Farmer said.
“Since August 2018, 56,000 Queenslanders have undertaken programs in sectors including health, community services, hospitality, building and construction and education support.”
Paul Miles, Managing Director for The BUSY Group who provide a range of apprenticeship, vocational training and employment services programs said, “With many industries in real need for more skilled workers, employers are increasingly seeking apprenticeships and traineeships to future proof their business. BUSY At Work is an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider and we encourage young Queenslanders to take advantage of this opportunity to skill up for a secure working career and a successful future.”
For more information about Free training and Free apprenticeships for under 25s, visit www.qld.gov.au/skillspower
