Apprenticeships with QBuild
A QBuild apprenticeship offers variety, challenge, and a chance to earn as you learn.
You’ll have the opportunity to help build and maintain anything from residential homes to schools, hospitals, and other key public infrastructure.
One day you could be carrying out measurements and planning for a new project and the next could see you undertaking restoration work on one of Queensland’s beautiful heritage buildings.
QBuild apprentices study all aspects of their trades in both theory and practice, all while earning a salary.
Your practical learning occurs on-the-job where you will gain hands-on experience with the support of qualified tradespeople.
Your theoretical learning will take place with a registered training organisation (RTO).
Visit QBuild careers.
Apprentice opportunities
The 2026 QBuild apprentice intake will open for applications in August 2025, with successful candidates starting in February 2026.
We're looking for aspiring:
- carpenters
- cabinet makers
- plumbers
- painters
- electricians
- refrigeration mechanics.
Visit SmartJobs and search ‘QBuild’ to find a full list of current apprenticeship opportunities.
You can also register your interest in joining the QBuild team and we will get in touch with you when our next apprenticeship intake is approaching.
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 study.
Salary and allowances
Each fortnight, your take-home pay will include your base salary, plus your single fortnightly payment and any claimable allowances that you are entitled to.
Base salary range
Your base salary as a fulltime apprentice will range from $1,478.10 to $2,418.50 per fortnight (excluding superannuation).
You'll also receive 17.5% annual leave loading.
Single fortnightly payment
The single fortnightly payment (SFP) is between $181.70 and $371.00 per fortnight.
The SFP rate depends on your trade, work location, and age.
In some circumstances, you may also be eligible to claim 1 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 other areas of Queensland.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be required for overnight stays for periods of up to 3 weeks.
Leave entitlements
QBuild employees can access leave entitlements, including:
- annual holiday leave
- personal or compassionate leave
- parental leave
- long service leave
- community service leave.
Superannuation
QBuild pays an employer superannuation contribution of 12.75%, plus an additional $25 per fortnight contribution for field staff.
As an apprentice, you will receive 12.75% plus an additional fortnightly contribution, which is proportionately adjusted based on your apprenticeship year level.
Work hours
Your standard working hours as a full-time QBuild apprentice are 8 hours and 26 minutes per day.
Your hours will be worked over a 9-day fortnight, between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Based on this, you’ll also have 1 rostered day off each fortnight.
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 across a wide range of areas.
I have been working on upgrade and maintenance-related work in remote regions as well as on 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 performed work on important buildings such as Makerston House, Brisbane City Watch House and the Police Headquarters.
I have put the finishing touches to a new social housing apartment complex at Cannon Hill, Brisbane where women made 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.