The US firm said the initiative would be one of the single largest intakes of adult apprentices in Australian history and would be run under the national apprenticeships program.

Experienced workers who participate in the program will be able to receive their full trade qualification in just 18 months instead of the traditional four years.

"It will help meet the demand for skilled labour and give adult workers with uncompleted apprenticeships or those working in allied industries without a trade qualification, the chance to complete an apprenticeship in a reduced amount of time," Bechtel managing director in Australia Andy Greig said.

He said he was grateful for the support received from both the federal and Queensland government on the initiative.

The advertising process will begin immediately with the focus on electrical fitter mechanics, dual trade electrical/instrumentation, metal fabrication boiler maker welders, metal fabrication, metal fabrication pipe fitters, mechanical fitters and carpentry form workers.