Thousands of dollars are on offer for Queensland construction businesses that take on new apprentices under a fresh push to tackle the state’s tradie shortage before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The state government has launched its Tradie Start program, offering eligible small construction businesses up to $16,000 to employ their first apprentice.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Queensland launches cash incentive to encourage businesses to hire apprentices

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The base payment starts at $10,000 for eligible businesses.

Employers can receive an additional $4,000 if they hire an apprentice aged over 21, plus another $2,000 if the apprentice is a veteran, woman, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or someone living with disability.

Eligible small businesses can receive up to $16,000 to employ their first apprentice under the new Tradie Start scheme. Credit: 7NEWS

Construction workers are in high demand as Queensland races to deliver housing, hospitals and Olympic infrastructure. Credit: 7NEWS

“It costs a lot of money to train an apprentice,” Civil Contractors Federation Queensland chief executive Damien Long said.

The initiative comes as Queensland continues to look for solutions to its significant shortage of construction workers, with demand expected to increase as major projects ramp up.

Construction Skills Queensland chief executive Sue-Ann Fresneda said the state’s estimated workforce shortfall had fallen from about 50,000 workers to 35,000, but thousands more tradies were still needed.

The government also announced an extension to wage subsidies for apprentices during their training, with the package expected to support around 4,500 future tradies.

Construction businesses say the shortage is already affecting their ability to take on work.

Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates has launched a new program aimed at boosting apprentice numbers in Queensland. Credit: 7NEWS

“We’re actually turning work away at the moment because we can’t get enough construction staff and apprentices,” KALM Construct director Calum Moore said.

Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates said the program would encourage employers to give more Queenslanders a chance.

“It makes it easier for people who may not have been considered before,” she said.

With six years until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state government is also investigating a migration agreement with the Commonwealth to attract more skilled construction workers to the Sunshine State.

Apprentice Sam Chetham said there had never been a better time to enter the industry.

“Demand for work is so high — it’s a great time to get into it,” he said.