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Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s
The Queensland Government is supporting Queenslanders over the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship qualifications.
Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s explained
Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s was introduced by the Queensland Government to cover the training fees of eligible apprentices studying specific construction-related courses until the completion of their apprenticeship.
This initiative will support eligible mature aged Queenslanders to complete an apprenticeship to upskill, reskill or advance their career at no cost.
Some qualifications require apprentices to pay for additional items, for example, the cost of a uniform, personal protective equipment, or other compulsory resources. Students enrolling in Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s may still need to pay for these items.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s, you must commence as an apprentice in one of the eligible courses from 1 July 2024 and be 25 years or older when the apprenticeship commences.
Eligible qualifications
TAFE Queensland currently offers a number of eligible Free Construction Apprenticeships for Over 25s courses.
- Certificate III in Appliance Service (UEE32120)
- Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications (UEE30420)
- Certificate III in Electrical Fitting (UEE33020)
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician incorporating Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control (UEE30820 / UEE31220)
- Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control (UEE31220)
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communications (UEE30920)
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220)
- Certificate III in Security Equipment (UEE31420)
- Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020)
- Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology (MSF30322) (Cabinet making and Wood machining)
- Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220)
- Certificate III in Flooring Technology (MSF30822)
- Certificate III in Glass and Glazing (MSF30422)
- Certificate III in Joinery (CPC31920)
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921)
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620)
- Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220)
- Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820)
- Certificate III in Shopfitting (CPC30120)
- Certificate III in Signs and Graphics (CPC30216)
- Certificate III in Solid Plastering (CPC31020)
- Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320)
- Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320)
- Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing (CPC31420)
- Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720)
- Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620)
Frequently asked questions
For eligible students, ‘Fee-Free’ means that some or all of your course costs will be covered by the Queensland Government. Although you’re paying less or nothing, the total cost of the course is the same, and you will still receive high-quality and industry-relevant training.
No. To be eligible, apprentices must commence or recommence in one of the listed apprenticeships on or after 1 July 2024 but before 30 June 2026. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please visit your nearest TAFE Queensland Customer Service Centre or ask us via our web chat function on the TAFE Queensland website.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) identifies and validates the skills you have gained through prior study (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) or previous work experience or volunteer work. If you RPL some of your units, you’ll still receive a fully-recognised qualification that you can complete in less time.
Women in trades
At TAFE Queensland we're passionate about encouraging and empowering more girls and women to consider pursuing a trade pathway.
Whether you’re finishing school, re-entering the workforce or looking for a career change, you can earn while you learn with an apprenticeship and gain the hands-on skills and experience you need to carve out a future as a tradesperson.