Free Tools for First Years
If you are in the first year of an eligible construction, plumbing, engineering 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 22 May 2023.
The Free Tools for First Years program has been expanded to include relevant engineering qualifications, and eligibility has been further backdated from 1 January 2024 to 22 May 2023.
What is paid
If you’re eligible, you can get reimbursed 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
- CPC32820 Certificate III in Fire Protection
- 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
- MEM30319 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- MEM30819 Certificate III in Locksmithing
- MEM31322 Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- MSF30822 Certificate III in Flooring Technology
- MSF30322 Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
- 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
- UEE31020 Certificate III in Fire Protection Control
- UEE31220 Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
- UEE31420 Certificate III in Security Equipment
- UEE40620 Certificate IV in Electrotechnology – Systems Electrician
Check your eligibility
To claim the rebate under the Free Tools for First Years program, you must:
- have commenced from 22 May 2023
- be an active 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 (generally 90 days)
- 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 Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (previously known as Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider, or AASN)
- proof of purchase (e.g. receipts or invoices) for all tool purchases you are claiming for
- your bank account details.