Free Tools for First Years

If you are in the first year of a construction, plumbing or electrical apprenticeship, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to cover the cost of tools you purchased for the apprenticeship.

The eligibility period for the rebate is being backdated to 1 January 2024.

What we pay

If you're eligible, we can reimburse you for the purchase of tools up to $1,000.

You can't claim again if you receive a rebate of less than $1,000, so it is important to consider the tool purchases you will include in your claim.

There is $4 million available under the Free Tools for First Years program, and claims will be open until the funds are exhausted.

Eligible apprenticeships

  • AHC30921 Certificate III in Landscape Construction
  • CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
  • CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
  • CPC31420 Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
  • CPC32720 Certificate III in Gas Fitting
  • CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery
  • CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
  • CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing
  • CPC32620 Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
  • CPC30820 Certificate III in Roof Tiling
  • CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering
  • CPC32320 Certificate III in Stonemasonry
  • CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
  • CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
  • CPC30120 Certificate III in Shopfitting
  • CPC30216 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
  • MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
  • MSF30822 Certificate III in Flooring Technology
  • MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making
  • UEE32220 Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
  • UEE32120 Certificate III in Appliance Service
  • UEE30420 Certificate III in Data and Voice Communications
  • UEE33020 Certificate III in Electrical Fitting
  • UEE30920 Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
  • UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
  • UEE31220 Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
  • UEE31420 Certificate III in Security Equipment

Check your eligibility

To claim the rebate under the Free Tools for First Years program, you must:

  • have commenced from 1 January 2024
  • be an active first year apprentice in Queensland
  • be engaged in either a full-time, part-time or school-based apprenticeship
  • be registered and completing an eligible apprenticeship
  • have completed the mandatory applicable training contract probationary period
  • have purchased industry relevant tools for the apprenticeship
  • provide invoices and proof of payment or receipts for the tools purchased
  • remain active in the apprenticeship at the time of claim.

Claim your rebate

Use the online form to claim your rebate – ensure you have:

  • photo identification (proof of identity) - passport, driver licence, adult proof of age card, or photo identification card
  • your training contract registration number – the 9-digit number starting with 20 that appears on any documentation received from the department or your Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) provider
  • proof of purchase (e.g. receipts or invoices) for all tool purchases you are claiming for
  • your bank account details.

Help for online claims

For help using the online claim form:

For more information, read the Free Tools for First Years funding guidelines.