Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) has announced a record $83.5 million investment in training and workforce development, aiming to help the state capitalise on its unprecedented construction pipeline.
The 2026/2027 Training Plan lifts CSQ’s investment by $23.5 million compared with last year, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to building a skilled, resilient and sustainable construction workforce across Queensland.
The scale of the challenge ahead was laid out in the 2026 CSQ Horizon 2032 Report, which found that Queensland’s construction pipeline is set to grow from around $60 billion to a peak of roughly $75 billion in 2027 to 2028.
That surge is expected to drive strong demand for workers, reinforcing the need to attract, train and retain skilled tradespeople across the state.
Developed in partnership with industry and backed by the Queensland government, the new Training Plan is designed to strengthen workforce capability, widen participation, boost productivity and support businesses investing in their people.
CSQ Chair Sue-Ann Fresneda said the record funding reflected both the scale of the opportunity ahead and the importance of investing in the workforce that will deliver it.
“Queensland’s construction pipeline presents a generational opportunity for the state,” said Fresneda.
“By investing now in attraction, training and retention, we can build the skilled workforce needed to support growth across housing, infrastructure, energy projects and preparations for Brisbane 2032.”
She added that the plan represents a major commitment to the people, businesses and skills that will help the state build for the future, with a focus on practical support for businesses, workers, apprentices and future entrants entering the industry.
As part of the plan, CSQ has partnered with the Queensland government to invest $8.5 million in 2026-27 in employer incentives.
This includes the launch of the new TradieStart program and an expansion of the Small Business Apprenticeship Program, which together are expected to help 4,500 construction businesses employ and train apprentices.
A further $4 million has been earmarked for a new Supporting Women in Construction grants program, which will fund industry-led projects aimed at strengthening opportunities for women across Queensland’s construction sector.
“If we want a strong construction workforce tomorrow, we need to invest in apprentices today,” said Fresneda.
“We also need to attract more people into the industry and support them to build long-term, rewarding careers.”
She noted that women represent one of the greatest opportunities for workforce growth in construction, and that CSQ is making a long-term commitment to supporting participation, inclusion and career development throughout the industry.
The Training Plan also introduces more flexible and accessible training options for busy construction workers and employers.
Expanded skills assessment and training pathways, alongside new industry-led micro-credentials and skill sets, are intended to help workers build capability, gain recognised qualifications and respond to emerging needs within the sector.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said Queensland’s future would be shaped by skilled workers, strong businesses and practical partnerships between government and industry.
She pointed to the ambitious vision of the state government, noting that every home, hospital, stadium and road still to be built depends on a capable workforce.
Minister Bates said the government was working to turn around inherited skills shortages and was committed to creating pathways to work for every Queenslander wanting to contribute to the state’s growth.
She added that strong partnerships with organisations such as CSQ remain essential to rebuilding the pipeline of skilled workers by backing apprentices and the businesses that employ them.
Fresneda said the construction sector is evolving, and the new plan ensures the workforce evolves alongside it, with investment in skills, people and partnerships building the capacity needed to support Queensland’s future growth.
