Trade roles with QBuild

QBuild is currently seeking qualified tradespeople to help deliver a massive pipeline of works for Queensland.

Work that matters

Whether you’re looking to build your career in a hands-on construction role or a seasoned tradie ready to transition off the tools, there’s a role at QBuild that’s right for you.

The work we do at QBuild is more than building and maintenance; QBuild tradespersons are amongst the first responders in supporting local communities during disasters.

They also shape the next generation of tradies by mentoring and supporting apprentices while completing a range of works from maintenance services to large-scale capital projects.

We make a positive impact on the lives of Queenslanders every day. No day is the same.

You’ll have the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting work and projects, across a variety of locations, no matter which role you're in.

A career with QBuild really is a rewarding way to make a positive impact for Queensland.

Visit QBuild careers.

Build your career while building Queensland

QBuild offers a variety of roles across the qualified trades spectrum.

Regional applications are open all year round; visit SmartJobs or select the following links:

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

Trade roles in South East Queensland are advertised as they become available. You can find these opportunities by searching for ‘QBuild’ on SmartJobs.

Benefits of working for QBuild

There are many benefits to working for QBuild.

Stability and balance

At QBuild, we realise the importance of catering to individual needs.

We offer:

• work-life balance
• a safe, inclusive and diverse work environment
• continuous learning
• career-growth opportunities.

Salary and allowances

QBuild pays a competitive salary plus superannuation and allowances.

On commencement, your salary will be based on your level of skills and qualifications.

After your probation period, you will have opportunities to develop more skills and qualifications and receive a higher salary classification.

Your take-home pay each fortnight will include your base salary, plus a single, fortnightly payment and any claimable allowances you are entitled to.

Base salary range

The base salary for fulltime tradespersons is between $2687.30 and $3,595.00 per fortnight (excluding superannuation).

You will also receive 17.5% annual leave loading.

Single fortnightly payment

The single fortnightly payment (SFP) is between $250.90 and $403.70 per fortnight.

The SFP rate depends on your trade, location and role.

Other claimable allowances

• distant work (meal and incidental)
• site
• working in the rain
• on-call and call-out
• remote work
• unpleasant conditions
• overtime meals
• weekend work
• excess kilometres
• First Aid
• motor vehicle drawing trailers
• divisional and district parities
• leading hand.

More information can be found in sections 3.9 and 3.11 Allowances and Payments in the QBuild Field Staff Certified Agreement 2022.

Earnings per year

The average tradesperson at QBuild (when combining their base salary and fixed allowances) can expect to earn between $77,406 and $105,179* per year, depending on the trade.

(*Actual earnings will vary based on individual circumstances, data correct as at September 2024.)

Other benefits

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

You may also have access to a QBuild vehicle to perform your 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 up to 3 weeks.

Leave entitlements

All QBuild employees can access leave entitlements. These include:

• 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.

Work hours

The standard working hours of full-time QBuild field staff 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 can enjoy 1 rostered day off each fortnight.

Women in construction

QBuild is a corporate member of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which provides access to:

• NAWIC events
• mentoring programs
• scholarships
• awards
• networking
• professional development.

We are committed to NAWIC’s 11% target of female participation in project construction trades roles.

QBuild also actively pursues initiatives to exceed this target on projects and leads the way in Queensland to help boost levels of female participation in the building and construction industry.

In July 2021, QBuild completed a 20-apartment, five-storey social housing complex exemplar project in Cannon Hill, with a strong focus on a diverse workforce.

This project saw 31% overall female participation with around 22% for the frontline workforce, spanning trades like:

• plumbing
• electrical
• fencing
• painting.

This exemplar project was a trailblazer in the industry and is a wonderful example of how we are breaking down barriers to gender diversity.

What we learn from these types of projects helps to encourage greater diversity in the future.

By increasing the visibility of women in trades, we aim to encourage even more women to take up a trade.

Testimonials

Tradepersons

Everything from social housing homes to local schools and cyclone shelters, I’ve painted it. I love the variety at QBuild where no two days are the same, and each day provides new and interesting challenges.

On any given day I can be found applying a new lick of paint to government-owned buildings or helping finish new buildings. If you’re thinking about becoming a painter - I say: 'Go for it! It’s a great trade to be a part of and you get to witness first-hand the difference your work makes to a job…and that’s really rewarding

Lincoln – painter, Far North Queensland team

Supervisors

I joined QBuild as an apprentice 14 years ago. During that time no two days or projects have been the same. So far it has been a rewarding career where different projects introduce you to different skills. I enjoy the variety of work and being able to work outside and use my hands.

I have delivered everything from government employee housing condition assessments at Thursday Island to the Townsville TAFE building fit-out as well as working on school upgrades and urgent maintenance and repairs to social housing properties.

Cheri – carpenter, leading hand, Sunshine Coast

I started out as an apprentice carpenter back in 1975 with State Works Department (now QBuild).

After I finished my apprenticeship, I progressed to leading hand and foreperson roles and spent much of my time working in remote communities in Far North Queensland. I am currently a foreperson in a maintenance team working on social homes and government employee homes in remote communities.

I have worked on everything from maintenance to major construction projects in Cape York and throughout the Torres Strait Islands.

Don (aka Wusty) – foreperson, Far North Queensland