Red tape reduction boosts apprenticeship and Indigenous opportunities

The Newman Government’s war on red tape has resulted in a new training policy for apprentices and trainees across Queensland from 1 July 2014.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Queensland Government Building and Construction Training Policy rolled two existing policies into one.

“This amalgamation will streamline compliance and reporting requirements and supports the Newman Government’s pledge to create 10,000 additional apprenticeships over six years,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Our new policy regulating work on government construction projects provides opportunities for new apprentices and trainees, while also supporting skills acquisition for those already employed in the construction industry.

“On government building projects worth $500,000 or more, and civil construction projects worth at least $3 million, a minimum of 10 per cent of labour hours must be undertaken by new apprentices or trainees.”

Mr Langbroek said the Newman Government was also bolstering its commitment to advancing the economic participation of Indigenous people.

“Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander apprentices, trainees and workers will be prioritised for work on projects in their local communities, or on Indigenous projects anywhere in the state that are designated by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs,” he said.

“There is also a requirement for contractors to work with Indigenous councils to maximise employment, training and business supply outcomes.”

Mr Langbroek said the new policy replaced the Queensland Government Building and Construction Contracts Structured Training Policy and the Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects.

“This new policy complements the $10 million School to Trade Pathway program and the $3 million Group Training Additional Apprentice Bonus incentives that were introduced as part of the Great Skills. Real Opportunities. action plan,” he said.

“We are working hard to reform further education and training in Queensland and this policy will give apprentices and ‘tradies’ greater flexibility and better outcomes by working on government building and construction projects.”

Mr Langbroek said consultation with key stakeholders, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and the construction industry would continue over the first six months before the policy’s implementation on 1 July 2014.

[ENDS] 16 January 2014                                        

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3237 1000