The vital skills and job-ready training opportunities of apprenticeships are being brought to the fore during National Apprenticeships Week with Member for Burdekin Dale Last echoing the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to backing apprentices and their employers.

Boasting more than 200 enrolments in the local TAFE facility in 2025 and more than 1000 technicians and tradespeople in the district, Mr Last said the State Government’s investment in apprentices was vital in supporting essential trades and services relied on by the Burdekin’s major industries.

“Our major industries rely on our tradespeople every day in the Burdekin to keep machinery running, pumps operational and for the supply of everyday goods and services. It’s incredibly important the people who want to take up a career in sectors like manufacturing or construction are afforded every opportunity to do so,” Mr Last said.

“Having the opportunity to earn and learn through an apprenticeship without having to leave your hometown is crucial to securing the future of our local industries here in the Burdekin and that’s why the Crisafulli Government is backing them.”

Mr Last said National Apprenticeships Week ran from 9 to 15 February and marked a total investment in training the tradies of tomorrow of $270 million.

“Investing in our apprentices and the small businesses backing them means we are not only supporting our key sectors now but fostering growth for the future of our industries right across the state.”

“The Crisafulli Government knows it is a serious decision to take on an apprentice with plenty to consider, which is why we are supporting small businesses with apprentice wage costs under a $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program.”

“$40 million in 2025-2026 has been invested into programs supporting apprentices as part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader focus on strengthening skills, supporting employers and increasing workforce participation.”