- New construction apprenticeships surge as the Crisafulli Government delivers programs to combat the skills shortage.
- Record number of newly qualified Queenslanders set to join workforce as completions hit all time high.
- Local initiatives boost opportunities for Sunshine Coast trainees.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a record number of newly qualified trainees and apprentices to address the massive skill shortage impacting our construction industry across Queensland.
10,381 new apprentices have begun training across Queensland so far, this financial year -almost 3,000 of those in construction - marking a 27.4% increase for the sector.
There was also a record number of apprentice completions in 2025, with nearly 13,000 more Queenslanders qualified and ready to enter the workforce.
The boost in apprentice figures is turning the tide on Labor’s skills shortage and is further proof the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP recently visited Diggerman Training in Coolum Beach to see firsthand the work being done to support workforce development within the construction and civil industries.
Mr Purdie said it was great to see the important role local businesses are playing in supporting the delivery of the major projects like The Wave we are delivering for the Sunshine Coast.
“We’re getting the workforce back on track and building a pipeline of tradies who’ll help deliver our generational infrastructure program after Labor left us a skills shortage with an estimated shortfall of 50,000 skilled workers,” said Mr Purdie.
“We are delivering the initiatives and incentives to draw more young Queenslanders into trades to help build the homes and the infrastructure we need to support our growing region.”
“It’s great to see facilities like Diggerman Training where workers begin their careers and gain the skills and licences required to work safely and competently.”
Richard Burke of Diggerman Training said that it was an exciting time for the training industry with record levels of government investment in local infrastructure projects driving the growing demand for skilled workers.
“We are currently in discussions with industry partners and local high schools to develop a Civil Academy aimed at supporting young entrants into the industry,” said Mr Burke.
“It is shaping up to be a very exciting initiative, unlike anything else currently available on the Coast and it has the potential to create future pathways into the civil and construction sectors.”
The Crisafulli Government has introduced measures like wage subsidies for small businesses to help them take on new apprentices and support them through their training.
Initiatives like the new Career Taster program are being rolled out free of charge through TAFE Queensland to give Year 10 students hands-on experience in priority job sectors like healthcare and construction and building the pipeline for future apprenticeships.
Local apprentices will also benefit from a new $78 million TAFE Centre of Excellence training hub for construction and allied trades at Caloundra.
Diggerman Training is inviting potential industry partners and anyone interested in learning more about their training options to a free industry breakfast on 11 June at 6.30am at 13 Junction Drive, Coolum Beach. For more information and to RSVP, please email Brian.Munns@csq.org.au.
ENDS
Contact: Ninderry Electorate Office 5406 9100
