Queensland Government Backs Apprenticeship Week as Queensland Partner
Director-General of the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, Mr Peter McKay speaking at the Australian Apprenticeships Stakeholder Luncheon in Brisbane.
National Apprenticeship Week Australia is a national initiative that celebrates apprentices and trainees across the country, bringing together government, industry, and training providers to recognise the vital role apprenticeships play in building Australia's future workforce.
In 2026, the Queensland Government stepped up as the official Queensland Partner for the campaign, demonstrating its commitment to championing apprenticeships and supporting an initiative that puts apprentices front and centre during the second week of February each year.
The partnership reflects more than just support for a week of celebrations. It demonstrates the Queensland Government's genuine commitment to building a stronger, more skilled future by championing apprenticeships as pathways into sustainable careers while ensuring Queensland industries have the talent they need to thrive.
A Natural Partnership
For MIGAS Chief Executive David Hoey, the Queensland Government's involvement felt like a natural progression. "We're delighted to receive the Queensland Government's support for National Apprenticeship Week and see it as a natural extension of the government's investment in building the State's skilled workforce through promoting apprenticeship pathways," Mr Hoey said.
"Our partnership highlights the Queensland Government's vision for broadening access, awareness and take-up of apprenticeships in Queensland."
That vision is being backed by real action. Through programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work, the Queensland Government is funding new and diverse pathways into apprenticeships for secondary school students, young women, and those seeking to re-enter the workforce. The investment in National Apprenticeship Week Australia reflects the government's commitment to equipping Queenslanders with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time.
Showing Up Where It Matters
The Queensland Government didn't just lend their name to National Apprenticeship Week – they showed up. Throughout the week, government representatives were actively involved in key events that brought apprentices, employers, and training providers together.
At TAFE Queensland's Cairns campus, the Department of Trade, Employment and Training partnered with TAFE Queensland to host a Give a Shout BBQ where apprentices connected with support services and industry partners. In Brisbane, they supported the vibrant Street Party at TAFE Queensland's Acacia Ridge campus, which saw hundreds of apprentices celebrate with industry exhibitors despite a 7am start. The Hon. Amanda Stoker MP joined the Acacia Ridge celebrations, demonstrating government support at the highest levels.
As a major sponsor of the Australian Apprenticeships Stakeholder Luncheon in Brisbane, the Queensland Government used the luncheon to launch the Apprenticeships Deliver campaign, reinforcing their message that apprenticeships are essential pathways to sustainable careers and economic prosperity.
Building Awareness, Creating Momentum
The Queensland Government's partnership with National Apprenticeship Week Australia achieved something powerful: it elevated the conversation about apprenticeships across the state.
By putting their weight behind the initiative, the government helped build awareness not just of National Apprenticeship Week itself, but of apprenticeships as respected, viable career pathways. Their involvement sent a clear message to young Queenslanders, their families, employers, and training providers: apprenticeships matter, and they have the full support of government.
The Queensland Government plays a vital role in connecting Queenslanders to quality training and skills development through apprenticeships and traineeships, vocational education and training programs, and strategic workforce initiatives. Their partnership with National Apprenticeship Week Australia demonstrated that commitment in action – not just through policy and funding, but through genuine participation in celebrating and championing the people who make our industries work.
Looking back at National Apprenticeship Week 2026, the Queensland Government's partnership stands out as an example of what's possible when government throws its support behind initiatives that matter to communities. It's proof that when different parts of the sector work together – government, industry, training providers, and advocacy organisations – the impact is far greater than any could achieve alone.
If you’d like to get involved or be part of National Apprenticeship Week Australia, running from 8–14 February 2027 get in touch.