The first of the state government's $2 million youth boot camps for teenager offenders will be held in Cairns and the Gold Coast, Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie has announced.

Under a two-year trial, 80 juvenile offenders aged 17 or younger will be offered the opportunity to attend a sentenced youth boot camp in Cairns and an early intervention youth boot camp on the Gold Coast, instead of being imprisoned.

"The use of two models will give us a chance to determine which approach is more effective in reducing repeat offences," Mr Bleijie said.

He said young people deemed to be "high risk" can be referred to the camps by police, schools and the health facilities.

"At this boot camp staff will work with parents to help change behaviours and attitudes, identify issues in the young person's life and instil the values of self-respect and discipline," Mr Bleijie said.