Young Queensland apprentices in nearly 140 high-demand jobs will have their training costs paid by the state government under a $32 million job creation program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged businesses to take on more apprentices and trainees, with a promise to cover the cost of workers aged under 21.

The move is expected to progress around 60,000 young people into a trade in the next four years in occupations suffering skills shortages.

It will mean savings of up to $3000 over the life of the apprenticeship for businesses who currently fund the courses.

Mark speaks to Paul Hillberg- Apprenticeships QLD General Manager and he tells Mark this announcement will mean an uplift in apprenticeships numbers which had been on a decline in recent years.

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