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November 10, 2025

Small and family-owned construction companies across Queensland will soon benefit from a major new government initiative designed to tackle the industry’s ongoing skills shortage.

The State Government has unveiled a $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program, fulfilling a key election commitment to strengthen Queensland’s workforce and help smaller construction firms train and retain apprentices.

The announcement was made jointly by Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates and Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin.

Under the pilot, wage subsidies will be offered to 2,000 construction apprentices employed by small and family-owned businesses. The program is intended to reduce financial strain during off-site training periods and maintain a reliable pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland’s construction sector.

“This program is part of the fresh start we promised – to end the skills shortage and secure a better future for Queensland’s construction industry,” Ms Bates said.

Eligible businesses will receive:
• A 50% wage subsidy for first- and second-year apprentices
• A 25% wage subsidy for third- and fourth-year apprentices for up to eight weeks of annual training

Over four years, apprentices under 21 may access up to $10,060, while apprentices 21 and over could receive as much as $13,740 in total subsidy payments.

The program applies to apprentices starting from 1 July 2025. Businesses can apply after an apprentice completes probation, with subsidy payments available upon enrolment and attendance at training.

Mr Minnikin said the initiative reinforces the Government’s commitment to the small businesses that drive Queensland’s economy.

“Small and family businesses are the heart of our construction industry. This initiative helps them take on apprentices with confidence, knowing the government is helping shoulder the cost of training,” he said.

Local chambers are encouraging interested operators to get in touch.

If your business would like more information, contact your local Chamber of Commerce who can connect you with the relevant department for support and clarification.

This is excellent news for the Redlands and Bayside region and a positive outcome for everyone who has advocated for change. The Regional Jobs Committee and local stakeholders have long supported this direction, and it’s great to see the pilot moving forward.

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October 2025 Update

Across New South Wales, hundreds of young people are taking their first big step into meaningful careers — thanks to the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program. This exciting initiative has already seen 500 apprentices, trainees, and cadets begin work with local councils across the state, marking a major milestone in the Minns Government’s commitment to rebuilding local capability and creating lasting career pathways.

Through a $252 million investment, the program will support 1,300 new council positions over six years, helping councils train the next generation of skilled workers. From civil engineers to early childhood educators, these recruits are gaining nationally recognised qualifications — while helping deliver essential community services like parks, waste management, and local infrastructure.

What’s more, more than 60% of these roles are based in regional and rural NSW, ensuring local young people can find great jobs close to home.

The 500th apprentice recently started at Dubbo Regional Council, joining a growing network of motivated new workers making a difference across the state.

Take Blaze Curtis-Green, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee at Tweed Shire Council. Her passion for environmental and cultural preservation drives her daily work in land and ecosystem management. Or Mark Norris, a cadet surveyor at Lake Macquarie City Council, who’s gaining hands-on experience alongside seasoned professionals while completing his studies. These are just two examples of how the Fresh Start program is connecting people with purpose.

The program spans the entire state, with strong participation across:
- Sydney & Blue Mountains: 197 recruits
- Hunter: 40
- Northern Rivers: 43
- Riverina: 31
- Orana: 27
And many more communities — all benefiting from new energy and ideas.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig says this initiative represents more than just job creation:
“This is 500 more people working in their communities, learning new skills, and contributing to the essential services councils provide. It’s an investment in people, in local government, and in the future of New South Wales.”

And this is just the beginning — another 292 apprenticeships are already in the pipeline for next year, spread across 73 councils.

The Fresh Start program is more than a training initiative — it’s a statewide movement to nurture local talent, strengthen communities, and ensure councils have the skills they need to deliver for generations to come.

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Australia needs YOU. By 2030, we’ll be short of more than 42,000 qualified workers in energy trades. That means massive opportunities for young people looking to kick-start a career in clean energy, renewables, gas, refrigeration and air conditioning, and electrical trades.

The Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) says apprentices are the key to meeting Australia’s net zero goals—and right now there’s already a shortage of 22,000 apprentices.

Why This Matters for You
• The clean energy sector is growing fast, with over 300,000 workers already in the trades—up 20% since 2010.
• Governments and industry are investing millions into apprenticeships, training, and fee-free TAFE.
• New programs, like the New Energy Apprenticeship Program, are helping more people than ever step into the sector.

What You’ll Get

✅ Paid, on-the-job training
✅ Skills that are in huge demand
✅ Support for young people, women, First Nations people, and mature-age apprentices
✅ Pathways to stable, future-proof careers that make a real difference for the planet

What’s Being Done

The 2025 Workforce Plan lays out a clear path to help you succeed, including:
• More trainers and better training facilities
• Support for employers to take on more apprentices
• Updated training to match the latest clean energy tech
• National career progression pathways

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity 🌏

PSO’s CEO, Anthea Middleton, put it best:

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prepare for a fundamentally different future. If we get it right, we can deliver safe, stable, and highly skilled careers while helping the world fight climate change.”

Ready to Be Part of It?

If you’re looking for a career that’s hands-on, future-focused, and in demand, an energy trade apprenticeship is your ticket in.

Now’s the time to take action. Be part of the generation that builds Australia’s clean energy future.

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Thinking about an apprenticeship in manufacturing? You’re not alone—and if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s really a place for you in this industry, the latest Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards in Queensland prove that the answer is a big yes.

Take Samantha Johnson. She’s completing her Certificate IV in Engineering Fabrication at Blask Engineering in Inglewood, juggling study, work, and life as a mum of two. She just won the Leading Apprentice Award, along with $10,000 to help her invest further in her trade career. Samantha isn’t just learning her craft—she’s mentoring others and showing that resilience, passion, and a strong work ethic can push down barriers that once felt unshakable.

Then there’s Jessica Martin, a boilermaker at Rodney Industries who received the Highly Commended Apprentice Award. Her skills on the tools and her commitment to safety set her apart, earning her $5,000 to support her journey. For Jessica, the recognition isn’t just about her—it’s a reminder that her dedication matters, and that apprentices like her are shaping the future of manufacturing.

What makes these stories so inspiring is how relatable they are. Neither Samantha nor Jessica set out to “prove a point,” yet by following their passion and sticking with it, they’ve become role models for anyone thinking about stepping into the trades. As Queensland’s Manufacturing Minister Dale Last said, they’re living proof that women can thrive in every part of manufacturing—from the workshop floor to the design lab.

And here’s the thing: their success isn’t just about awards or prize money. It’s about showing what’s possible. Manufacturing is no longer a boys’ club—it’s an industry that welcomes determination, fresh perspectives, and people who want to build something real with their hands and minds.

So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence about applying for an apprenticeship, let Samantha and Jessica’s journeys be the nudge you need. The opportunities are there. The support is growing. And who knows? With drive and dedication, the next award-winning apprentice could be you.

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Date: 11 August 2025

Australia’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship System — Employer Insights

A new report from the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), Apprenticeships and Traineeships: The Employer Perspective, reveals the system is not producing enough skilled workers to meet national needs. At the same time, employers face increasing costs and complexity, leading to declining satisfaction.

Despite the challenges, apprenticeships remain highly valued — about 80% of surveyed employers see them as important to their business. However, 96% have encountered barriers, most commonly difficulty finding suitable candidates and the supervision/training demands on existing staff.

The report is based on a survey of 138 employers (80% SMEs) and in-depth interviews, with construction and manufacturing the most represented sectors. It identifies six priority areas for improvement:
1. Ensuring the economic equation remains viable.
2. Expanding the pool of employers offering opportunities.
3. Strengthening the pipeline from schools.
4. Extending apprenticeships into higher-level qualifications.
5. Reducing complexity across jurisdictions.
6. Supporting high-quality experiences.

Strong links between employers and local schools emerged as a key success factor. Businesses offering work experience, school-based apprenticeships, or industry immersion often have no trouble finding candidates. Stoddart, a large manufacturer with 25 apprentices, hosts school liaison officers, runs work experience, and fosters long-term connections to attract talent.

Financial incentives play a vital role: two-thirds of employers use them to offset reduced productivity, while others fund apprentice coordinators to boost completion rates. About half said they would cut apprentice numbers without incentives.

Employing apprentices is a significant multi-year investment, so employers weigh costs like supervision, lost productivity, and attrition — often highest in the first year. Strategies to improve completion include better recruitment/matching, pre-apprenticeships, strong supervision, and early mentoring. Mature apprentices, while more costly, can bring faster productivity and stability.

The report calls for action to make the system more attractive and sustainable for employers and apprentices alike. By maintaining financial viability, widening participation, and building strong school-industry links, Australia can strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers needed for the future.

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Published by News.com.au on May 28, 2025

Business Council of Australia calls for employer incentives to hire more tradie apprentices

A leading business industry group has called for a critical $40m fund for large businesses to boost apprenticeship programs to avoid oncoming skills shortages in key sectors like clean energy and construction.

Australia has a deadline to acquire 32,000 electricians by 2030, before that figure skyrockets to 85,000 in 2050 as it seeks to transition to a renewable-powered grid.

As it stands, Jobs and Skills Australia estimates a 27 per cent shortfall in the 25 years to 2050.

In the lead up to the federal election, due by May 17, the Business Council of Australia called for a redesign of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (AAIS) to prepare small, medium and large businesses to train more apprentices and fill the critical workforce gaps.

Their policy wishlist includes a baseline support package for employers of up to $4000 per apprentice for the first two years of an apprenticeship, and up to $3000 per apprentice for the final years.

They’ve also called for additional incentives of up to double the base funding for small and medium sized businesses which can demonstrate high completion rates and a diversity of applicants.

Additionally, large businesses would have access to a fund cost at $40m over four years in order to expand their existing support programs.

While the incentives would apply to all industries, BCA chief executive noted that skills shortages were exacerbated across the clean energy and construction sectors, however skills shortages are more broadly reported in a third of occupations.

The request follows Anthony Albanese’s election pitch to give apprentice plumbers, carpenters, electricians and other fields related to housing construction a $10,000 incentive to finish their courses and boost housing completion numbers.

However Mr Bran said more investment was needed to aid employers, with programs at large enterprises boasting completion rates of 90 per cent, compared to the national average of 50 per cent.

“Businesses tell me that existing employer incentives don’t reflect the true cost of training an apprentice, and that means we need a new approach to ensure businesses are supported to train more people,” Mr Black said.

“Businesses play vital roles in training the next generation of skilled workers, and if employer incentives aren’t increased in amount and scope, we’ll see fewer employment opportunities offered, which will ultimately exacerbate our nationwide skills gaps.”

NSW-based Endeavour Energy chief executive Guy Chalkley said Australia was essentially playing “catch up” in ensuring our workforce is equipped to handle Australia’s green energy transition.

The company, which provides energy to parts of Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and the Illawarra, trains 25 apprentices a year through their purpose-built Technical Training Centre, with members aged between 16 to 38.

As it stands, Mr Chalkley said he didn’t believe Australia was on track to have 80,000 electricians working across Australia.

“What’s coming in a decade’s time needs to be done today,” he said.

“The whole industry, and the whole world is doing that, and you’re chasing the same resource at the moment because we’re all going through the same energy transition.

“Part of the challenge is making sure that the infrastructure sitting behind it – TAFE, and the actual spaces and lecturers to actually accommodate the uptake.”

Mr Chalkley said the extra funding would allow large businesses to better support their apprentices, while also helping companies attract more school leavers and seek overseas electricians to fill in the gaps.

“Trying to attract a 16-year-old into the industry is very hard in Sydney, from an affordability point of view,” he said.

“Similarly, if you’ve got a young family and you’re doing a career change, you’re probably going down in your earning capacity.

“So you’ve got to support how you’re re-skilling people to make sure they do stick in the industry, so they have something that’s hopefully better than what they’ve got at the moment, and makes them more relevant for the future.”

It’s understood the government will consider the BCA’s proposals as part of a wider strategic review of the apprenticeships incentive system, however the program has been costed to be up to $6.5bn.

Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said Labor were committed to “fixing the worst skills shortage in half a century,” pointing to mismanagement by the former Coalition government.

“That’s why Labor is making Free TAFE permanent, and it’s why we’ll pay housing construction apprentices $10,000 to get on the tools,” he said.

Deputy Liberal Leader and the Coalition’s spokeswoman for industry, skills and training flagged further announcements from the Coalition, she said businesses no longer had the confidence to hire apprenticeships.

“If a business does not know if they are going to survive another week or another month, how can we expect them to have confidence to put on an apprentice for two to three years,” she said.

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Published by Yahoo News Australia on Fri 30 May 2025 …

When student debt will be cut

Millions of Aussies with outstanding student debt will have their deficits deepened on Sunday, despite a promised slashing of student debt being some two months away.

One of Labor’s big ticket pre-election promises was to slash HECS, VET and apprenticeship loans by 20 per cent as soon as Anthony Albanese’s government was re-elected.

People’s debt will jump on Sunday when the annual increase kicks in, as laws to make the 20 per cent cut won’t be introduced to parliament until MPs return in late-July.

“It will be the first bill that we introduce into the parliament when parliament sits for the first time in the last week of July,” Education Minister Jason Clare said this week.

The 20 per cent cut will be backdated but will not annul the June 1 annual increase. Student debts will be jacked up 3.2 per cent on Sunday, in line with the consumer price index. But once the tax office wipes 20 per cent, the annual indexation increase will then actually be applied.

Slashing student debts by 20 per cent will cost the federal budget $700m during the next four years, and $16bn over the coming decades.

The average student debt in Australia is about $28,000; last term, the federal government tweaked the annual increases after debts skyrocketed during the back-end of the pandemic with massive inflation.

“I think everyone listening will know somebody in this situation and perhaps will know that HECS debts are bigger today than they were when I went to uni, when many of us went to university – that by cutting this debt by 20 per cent, it’s going to help a lot of people get a good start in life, make it easier to get out there and buy their first home,” Mr Clare said on ABC radio this week.

The 20 per cent cut applies to all HELP loans, as well as VET loans, apprenticeship supports, student start-up loans and the student financial supplement scheme. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Higher education was free in Australia from 1974 until 1989. Initially, all degrees then cost $1800, but in 1996 the federal government brought in three-tiered rates.

The current Education Minister, Mr Clare, finished with a bachelor of arts and a law degree from UNSW in 1998.

The laws required to slash student debts by 20 per cent will have other functions too.

“It will change the amount of money that you have to earn before you start paying your debt back,” Mr Clare said.

The threshold to start paying off the debt will rise from $54,000 to $67,000. For someone being paid $70,000, repayments should decrease $1300-per-year.

“It means more money in your pocket,” Mr Clare said.

Laws need to change so the tax office can wipe 20 per cent off the debts.

Labor will have to rely on the Greens to pass the laws through the senate. During the election campaign, the Greens said they would wipe all student debt if elected.

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Published May 25, 2025.

A new apprentice mentoring program has been launched by the Federal Government in a bid to increase the rate of female apprentices by 50% by 2028.

The Big Sister Advanced Mentoring Program aims to reduce the non-completion rates of women apprentices and increase the number of women training in the clean energy and construction sectors in South Australia and Western Australia.

The project, a partnership with the Electrical Trades Union, will include a pre-apprenticeship program with industry-based female mentors and a focus on reducing isolation and exclusion of women working in trades.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said the program is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to close the gender gap.

“This program is a great example of our commitment to addressing these barriers and providing women in these fields with the tools and mentorship they need in their apprenticeship journey,” Rishworth said in a statement.
Big Sister project

Women make up less than 8% of all apprentices in male-dominated trades, according to the Federal Government and female participation in the energy workforce and energy-related apprenticeships is one of the lowest across all sectors.

The program is part of the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) initiative.

Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said improving women’s participation in the workforce is fundamental to addressing the skills shortages in Australia.

“Through initiatives in our BWC Program we are working to ensure these barriers are being addressed to introduce pathways into traditionally male-dominated industries,” Giles said in a statement.

Australia has been making strides when it comes to women’s workforce participation. The latest ABS Labour Force statistics showed that female employment went up by 65,000, including 42,000 full-time jobs, according to an analysis from the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

“More women are in secure work than ever before, and that’s making a real difference to the lives of households and the Australian economy,” said ACTU President Michele O’Neil in a statement.

However, she noted that women are still more likely to be in insecure and undervalued work.

“So there is still more important work to do to build on this progress and close gender gaps in employment and wages,” she added.

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Australia’s first formal degree apprenticeship—the Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in South Australia—represents a significant step in combining academic learning with work-based experience. Developed through a partnership between the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training (Ai Group CET), the University of South Australia (UniSA), and industry partners such as BAE Systems and Consunet, the program allows students to study toward a bachelor’s degree while gaining hands-on experience in a real workplace. This dual approach provides substantial benefits for both students and employers, setting a new standard for workforce development in Australia.

The program enables apprentices to apply their university learning in real time, accelerating understanding and skill development. According to Ai Group CET Executive Director Caroline Smith, apprentices not only gain technical knowledge but also build professional networks, accumulate years of work experience, and earn a salary while studying. Employers benefit by accessing talent early, shaping their learning in line with workplace needs, and ultimately integrating experienced, productive employees into their workforce by graduation.

Australia has a strong history of apprenticeship training, primarily in trade industries. However, this program signals a strategic expansion of the apprenticeship model into professional fields like software engineering. Dr. Smith emphasizes that such programs bridge the traditional gap between vocational education and higher education, responding to the rapidly evolving skill requirements of the modern economy. Ai Group has also supported similar initiatives in other disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering.

The success of the Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is largely due to the collaborative approach taken by stakeholders. BAE Systems led structured planning efforts, creating working groups focused on education and employment to ensure the program met both academic and industry needs. UniSA brought flexibility to course delivery, recognizing the need to adapt to workplace timelines rather than traditional academic schedules. Employers like Consunet played a key role in aligning on-the-job tasks with academic content, ensuring that apprentices developed relevant, timely skills.

Apprentice Noah Casey shared how the program allowed him to immediately apply his learning, enhancing both his understanding and confidence. His manager at Consunet, John Hudson, praised the program’s outcomes, noting the strong motivation and growing leadership skills of apprentices. Challenges—such as assigning appropriate tasks in sensitive industries—were addressed through innovative planning and collaboration.

The program also tackled systemic issues, such as wage structures and university fee policies. Ai Group provided guidance on appropriate pay scales, and there is ongoing advocacy for better financial support and tax treatment for employers investing in higher education.

Looking ahead, stakeholders plan to expand the model to disciplines like project management. However, broader adoption requires more employer participation and supportive government policy. The program’s success has proven that degree apprenticeships can deliver tangible benefits from the first year, offering a powerful alternative to traditional pathways and signaling a new era in Australian education and workforce training.

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Australia’s construction industry is facing a major labour shortage as it struggles to meet growing housing and infrastructure demands. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, says over 500,000 new workers are needed within five years to replace retirees and grow the workforce. With tighter migration policies, the pressure is on domestic labour.

Wawn calls for urgent reform of the apprenticeship system, highlighting a nearly 50% dropout rate and a cultural bias favouring university over trades. Without intervention, the shortage could cost the economy $57 billion in lost GDP.

Recent government initiatives offer hope. Labor’s Key Apprenticeship Program will provide $10,000 to construction apprentices, while the Coalition proposes a 10% wage subsidy for small businesses and a matching $10,000 apprentice grant. While Wawn supports both plans, she says small businesses need further support to handle training costs.

Wawn stresses the need for cultural change and practical reforms such as better school-based career education, female participation in trades, and stronger mentoring programs. She urges collaboration between government, industry, schools, and communities to invest in the next generation of tradies and ensure Australia can meet its housing goals.