Free apprenticeships for under 21s offers fully subsidised training for Queensland apprentices or trainees up to 21 years of age in high priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications. Under current award provisions, employers are generally required to fund the training costs of their apprentices. This initiative allows businesses to take on young apprentices or trainees within priority skill sets without having to pay any student contribution fees.
Free apprenticeships for under 21s covers the cost of training in areas such as electrical, plumbing and engineering as well as early childhood, aged and disability care.
To be eligible for Free Apprenticeships for Under 21s you must be employed in Queensland as an apprentice or trainee under a training contract in a high priority apprenticeship and traineeship qualification and be aged under 21.
Students will receive subsidised training until they complete their apprenticeship or traineeship, including those that complete their qualification after the age of 21 years. The contribution fees go directly to the registered training provider (pre-qualified supplier), so students are not required to do anything to access subsidised training.