Free Apprenticeships help top workers skill up

The Queensland Government's Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s funding has helped many Queenslanders start their trade careers, including winners at the 2022 TAFE Queensland - SkillsTech Apprentice Awards.

Ashlee Carter (pictured, second from left) was recognised as the Construction Apprentice of the Year on the night and has accessed the funding throughout her Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220).

Her fellow finalists Puke Kukutai and Rebekah Swindells and their employers also accessed Queensland Government funding for their apprenticeships.

An outstanding apprentice and prospective industry leader within Queensland, Ashlee has been able to impress her employer and mentor younger women investigating trade careers throughout her apprenticeship thanks to funding from the Queensland Government.

Ashlee said a highlight of her apprenticeship has been acting as a NAWIC mentor to younger women.

"I got to tell the high-school girls about all the perks of being a tradie, especially a lady tradie; the possible roadblocks they may face in their careers, but also the highlights."

The Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s funding initiative targets in-demand industries across Queensland and encourages employers small and large to commit to taking on the next generation of apprentices.

Apprentices like Ashlee complete training with industry expert teachers at TAFE Queensland and are trained and mentored on the job by their employer and supervising tradesperson.

Apprentices play a key role in Queensland's trade industries and with various funding and incentives on offer for employers, there are many young Queenslanders being given the opportunity to start successful trade careers.