Funding to support businesses to hire and retain building and construction apprentices is being hailed by industry as a leap forward in tackling the significant workforce shortage.
The state government’s extension of the Small Business Apprenticeship Program is a direct response to Master Builders’ calls since it was launched in October 2025, so far helping 2,000 small and family businesses cover some of the cost of training and supervising apprentices.
Industry also applauds the announcement of the TradieStart incentive, delivering a $10,000 base payment for small businesses who employ their first-ever eligible apprentice; along with additional funding for those from priority cohorts including women and skilled migrants, mature workers aged over 21 years, and for medium and large employers and Group Training Organisations.
“We’re staring down a workforce shortfall of 19,000 people every year. That is our greatest hurdle to delivering the $119 billion pipeline of work ahead, plus our ongoing housing targets, and the 2032 Games delivery program,” Master Builders Deputy CEO Michael Hopkins said.
“These measures show the state government has heard our calls for urgent support to continue to attract and retain the workforce we need.
“We know many small and family businesses are keen to train and supervise apprentices, but rising building and compliance costs mean money is tight. The TradieStart incentive will open the door for more SMEs to take on an apprentice for the first time and boost diversity in our industry by encouraging mature-age workers and those from priority groups.
“The expanded Small Business Apprenticeship Program will see more eligible employers reimbursed to help cover some of the wages they pay while apprentices attend training, equating to around $10,000 over the life of an apprenticeship.
“We also continue to advocate for financial incentives paid to apprentices themselves at the end of their first year, and when they complete their training, rewarding their commitment to completing their trade.
“Our industry is filled with fantastic opportunities both on and off the tools, and we welcome every effort to get our apprentices off to a great start for long and rewarding careers.”