Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s

Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s covers the cost of your training when you choose an eligible construction-related apprenticeship and study with TAFE Queensland or CQUniversity.

Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s is part of the Free TAFE initiative, which also includes:

ApprenticeshipQualification
Appliance ServicingCertificate III in Appliance Service
BricklayerCertificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Cabinet MakingCertificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
CarpenterCertificate III in Carpentry
Data and Voice CommunicationsCertificate III in Data and Voice Communications
Electrical FitterCertificate III in Electrical Fitting
ElectricianCertificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Electrician/Electronic Instrument Tradesperson (Dual Apprenticeship)Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician & Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
Electronic Instrument TradespersonCertificate III in Instrumentation and Control
Electronics and Communications TradespersonCertificate III in Electronics and Communications
Floor TechnologyCertificate III in Flooring Technology
Gas FitterCertificate III in Gas Fitting
Glass and GlazingCertificate III in Glass and Glazing
JoinerCertificate III in Joinery
Landscape TradespersonCertificate III in Landscape Construction
Painter and DecoratorCertificate III in Painting and Decorating
Plastering (Wall and Ceiling Lining)Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining)
PlumberCertificate III in Plumbing
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning MechanicCertificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Roof PlumberCertificate III in Roof Plumbing
Roof TilerCertificate III in Roof Tiling
Security Systems TradespersonCertificate III in Security Equipment
ShopfitterCertificate III in Shopfitting
SignwriterCertificate III in Signs and Graphics
Solid PlastererCertificate III in Solid Plastering
StonemasonCertificate III in Stonemasonry
TilerCertificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
WaterprooferCertificate III in Construction Waterproofing
Wood MachiningCertificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

  • have commenced your apprenticeship between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026
  • be currently employed as a Queensland apprentice (under a training contract) in an eligible construction-related apprenticeship qualification
  • be aged 25 years or older when you commence your apprenticeship.

If you want to start training under Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s, follow our steps to get started in an apprenticeship or traineeship.

You'll continue to receive funding until you complete your apprenticeship, even if you complete after 30 June 2026.

Apprentices and trainees may be able to access subsidised training through the User Choice program.

Recommencing an apprenticeship or traineeship

If you have a cancelled apprenticeship and wish to recommence, you may be eligible for Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s, if you recommence after 1 July 2024 and before 30 June 2026.

Approved training providers

Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s is only available at:

What does 'free' mean

'Free' means we will cover the cost of training, so you or your employer don't have to pay tuition fees. However, you might have to pay related costs, such as uniforms, resources or travel to and from your training provider.

A travel and accommodation subsidy is available to eligible apprentices and trainees who are required to travel at least 100kms return to attend the off-the-job training for the apprenticeship or traineeship.

The Homes for Queensland Plan allocated $10 million over 4 years for the Construction Workforce Fund (CWF). As part of the CWF, the Queensland Government has announced the $4 million Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s program to support at least 2,250 adults, including career changers and people returning to the workforce, into construction apprenticeships by making high priority construction apprenticeship tuition free, further assisting employers to attract and retain more workers in the sector.

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