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.
The trade roles offered through QBuild include:
- carpenter
- electrician
- plumber
- refrigeration mechanic
- painter
- stonemason.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that promotes the skills and insights of our people irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age or disability.
Search 'QBuild' on SmartJobs for current apprenticeship opportunities, or register your interest in the next intake.
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)
- be able to transport yourself and your tools to and from work and college .
Salary and allowances
Your take home pay each fortnight will include your base salary plus your Single Fortnightly Payment and any claimable allowances you are entitled to.
Base salary range
Your base salary will range from $1,003.50 to $2,257.80 per fortnight, based on a full-time employee. This does not include employer superannuation contributions (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 fortnightly allowance called a Single Fortnightly Payment (SFP), between $195.10 to $360.20 per fortnight.
The specific SFP rate will vary due to your trade, work location and age. 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 2022.
Other benefits
You will be provided with uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for work.
Travel
You may be required to travel to worksites throughout your appointed region and also across the state.
When undertaking distant work, there may also be a requirement for overnight stays up to a 3-week period.
Leave entitlements
The Queensland Government website outlines leave entitlements including annual holiday leave, personal or compassionate leave, parental leave, long service leave, and community service leave.
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 standard working hours as a full-time QBuild apprentice 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
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.
– Iyesha – apprentice electrician, Far North Queensland
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.
– Casey – apprentice electrician, Brisbane
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.