$1,000 Trade Tools Rebate Available For First Year Apprentices

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 22 May 2023.

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

Claims cannot be made following a rebate of less than $1,000, so it is important to consider the tool purchases included in the claim.

Check Your Eligibility

To claim the rebate under the Free Tools for First Years program, the apprentice 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 the rebate – and have:

• photo identification (proof of identity) - passport, driver licence, adult proof of age card, or photo identification card
• 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 being claimed
• bank account details.

Help for online claims

For help using the online claim form:

• refer to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• phone DESBT on 1800 210 210
• email DESBT at freetoolsforfirstyears@desbt.qld.gov.au.

For more information, read the Free Tools for First Years Funding Guidelines.