Schwarten praises trade recruits

New career: Apprentice Michael Hanson talks about his career with MP Paul Hoolihan and Minister Robert Schwarten at QBuild.

Allan Reinikka AR--

MEMBER for Rockhampton and Minister for Public Works Robert Schwarten has congratulated the latest group of apprentices who commenced their trades with QBuild last week.

Mr Schwarten congratulated Brandon Smith on Friday for starting a school-based carpentry apprenticeship with QBuild. He was one of 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position in 2010 with QBuild, the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation.

Other Rockhampton-based apprentices include Ben Overton, Michael Hanson, Jeffery Bendall, Kendan Wagg and Brad Matheson.

“Starting this week, our future tradespeople start careers with QBuild across the state ranging from carpentry to shop-fitting to stonemasonry,” Mr Schwarten said.

“A QBuild apprenticeship is highly regarded in the industry and these future tradies should be proud they have been offered an apprenticeship and now they have a great opportunity to learn the vital skills to build their career in the building and construction industry.”

Mr Schwarten said QBuild was one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices in Queensland and received more than 4300 applications for this year’s apprentice intake.

“This Queensland Government training initiative is a real investment in the future of the state’s building industry as many of QBuild’s apprentices eventually find work in the private sector,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Public Works has a great track record with this apprentice program and I am proud to be able to report that since I became Minister in 1998, QBuild has employed 1339 apprentices and trainees.

“This year, in order to promote regional growth, 73 of the 100 apprenticeships are located outside the Brisbane metropolitan area.

“QBuild apprentices gain experience in the maintenance of government buildings, including schools, as well as helping construct new building projects throughout their region. All apprentices and trainees will begin their careers with safety training and the provision of work-related equipment before they start learning on site.”