Apprenticeships with QBuild

Interested in joining QBuild? Visit QBuild careers.

A QBuild apprenticeship offers variety, challenge and a chance to earn as you learn.

As a QBuild apprentice, you’ll be working for the Queensland Government’s builder and have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects as you learn how to build and maintain anything from residential homes to schools and hospitals. The opportunities are endless!

One day you could be carrying out measurements and planning for a new build, and the next could see you doing restoration work on a heritage building.

As a QBuild apprentice, you will study all aspects of your trade in both theory and practice, all while earning a salary. Your practical learning occurs on-the-job where you will have hands-on experience on a variety of construction and maintenance jobs. QBuild partners with registered training organisations (RTOs) who will provide the theoretical learning component of your apprenticeship.

There are a variety of trades to choose from:

  • carpenter
  • electrician
  • plumber
  • refrigeration mechanic
  • painter
  • stonemason.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture that promotes the skills and insights of our people irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age or disability.

Apply now for apprenticeship opportunities.

Apprenticeship requirements

To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must meet these minimum requirements:

  • be 15 years of age (at commencement)
  • have completed Year 10 (or equivalent)
  • have passed Maths and English (minimum sound/satisfactory or C level results)
  • not currently be engaged in another apprenticeship contract
  • be able to transport yourself and your tools to and from work and college (licence not mandatory).

If you have been an apprentice elsewhere, we will consider your application if:

  • you have recently been made redundant, or
  • your current employer is out of work and willing to release you from your current training and employment contract.

You must upload a redundancy notification/release from your current employer in the application form with your application.

Salary and allowances

Your take home pay each fortnight will be made up of your base salary plus your Single Fortnightly Pay (SFP) and claimable allowances you are entitled to.

Base salary range

Your base salary will range from $911.20 to $2050.40 per fortnight, based on a full-time, annual arrangement. This does not include employer superannuation contributions (up to 12.75%) and 17.5% annual leave loading, which are additional to your base salary.

Single fortnightly payment

In addition to your base salary, you will receive a trade-specific fortnightly allowance, called a Single Fortnightly Payment (SFP), of approximately $180 to $330 per fortnight.

The specific SFP rate you are entitled to depends on:

  • your trade
  • your location of work
  • whether you work from a depot
  • whether you are over 21.

In some circumstances, you may also be eligible to claim one or more of the following allowances:

  • distant work (meal and incidental)
  • remote work
  • site
  • unpleasant conditions
  • on-call
  • divisional and district parities
  • first-aid
  • motor vehicle drawing trailers
  • overtime meal
  • working in the rain
  • remote service delivery
  • excess kilometres.

More information can be found in section 3.6 Allowances and payments in the QBuild Field Staff Certified Agreement 2019

Other benefits

You will be provided with uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for work.

Travel

You may be required to undertake duties during your apprenticeships at worksites throughout both your appointed region and the state.

When undertaking distant work (work away from your usual base), there may also be a requirement for overnight stays of up to a 3-week period.

Leave entitlements

The Queensland Government website outlines leave entitlements.

Superannuation

QBuild will also contribute $25 per fortnight additional employer superannuation to your QSuper or nominated superannuation fund account. For apprentices, the payment will correspond proportionately with the year of your apprenticeship.

Work hours

Your ordinary working hours as a full-time QBuild tradesperson are 8 hours and 26 minutes per day, worked over a 9-day fortnight, between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. In working these hours, you will accrue and have access to 1 rostered day off (RDO) each 2-week period.

Testimonials

Iyesha – apprentice electrician, Far North Queensland

An apprenticeship with QBuild in the electrical field is a fantastic pathway to a rewarding career that provides great hands-on experience. And if you are a woman, there is nothing stopping you from entering a trade.

If you start an apprenticeship with QBuild, you’ll find you’re given the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of areas.

I have been working on upgrade and maintenance-related work in remote regions across Queensland such as the Far North Queensland TAFE refurbishment.

Hugh – stonemason, Brisbane (completed his apprenticeship in 2022)

During my apprenticeship I worked on heritage-listed buildings such as the Queen Alexandra Home and The Old Museum. Working on heritage-listed buildings means I’m learning and applying a mix of traditional and modern stonemasonry techniques. On the job I am lucky to see a lot of the history of Brisbane buildings which I really like.

Casey – apprentice electrician, Brisbane

The best part about my job is the variety of on-the-job training I receive. I learn something new every day.

I have done work on important buildings such as Makerston House, Brisbane City Watch House and the Police Headquarters. I have put the finishing touches on a new social housing development at Cannon Hill, Brisbane where women make up over 30% of the workforce.

James – apprentice painter, Atherton, Far North Queensland

Joining QBuild has given me a great opportunity to learn new skills and get valuable experience. During my first year, I used my new skills working in the local community. I have been given the opportunity to travel for work to remote parts of Far North Queensland too. The friendly QBuild staff are always helping me learn the skills and gain knowledge related to any part of the apprenticeship because they want to see me succeed throughout the process.

Cameron – plumber, Far North Queensland (completed his apprenticeship in 2022)

An apprenticeship with QBuild offers a lot of opportunities across the construction industry. I have learned a lot from other skilled tradies over the past few years. I haven’t had to go to university to achieve my goals and I have formed great friendships with the people I work with.

No two days are the same. I have worked on new government employee housing construction in Normanton and Cooktown, the Cairns TAFE redevelopment and Woree State High School upgrades and service maintenance.