23 October 2025
A pilot program helping small and family businesses cover the cost of training and supervising apprentices has been welcomed as a major advocacy win for industry.
The state government’s Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program will reimburse eligible employers for construction apprentice wages, capped at 2,000 places, and delivers on a $19 million commitment announced in the state budget.
Eligible small and family businesses can receive a wage subsidy based on an average of eight weeks of training per year for current apprentices who commenced since 1 July 2025. This equates to around $10,000 over the life of the apprenticeship, paid in increments totalling 32 weeks.
Master Builders Executive Manager – Advocacy & Member Services, Michael Hopkins, encouraged employers to register for the subsidy.
“We have long called for greater support for small and family businesses training the next generation of workers. This program is a direct response to those calls,” Michael said.
“The total payment of just over $10,000 for apprentices under 21, and more than $13,000 for adult apprentices aged over 21, will go a long way – and hopefully prompt more employers to take on an apprentice using this funding to help cover training and supervisory costs.”
“Given this is a pilot program, we are keen to see the state government consider expanding the cap. The workforce shortage is ongoing, and with a generational pipeline of work ahead, we need to do more to attract and retain apprentices to our sector,” Michael added.
“We’d also like to see financial incentives paid to apprentices – at the end of their first year, when the dropout risk is highest, and again at completion – to help build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.”
Brisbane-based small business owner, Jay Perham from Axiom Construction Group, said: “This initiative by the state government provides welcome relief for small, family run businesses to help manage the rising costs of training apprentices."
To find out more and register visit business.qld.gov.au/apprentice-pilot
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