Housing and Public Works apprenticeship program returns

The Palaszczuk Labor Government are set to put more young Queenslanders into jobs – bringing back a successful apprenticeship program previously scrapped by the Queensland LNP during their last term in government.

Making the announcement in Queensland Parliament yesterday, Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the Housing and Public Works apprenticeship program will be rebuilt methodically, with 20 new apprentices to be employed annually this year and next.

“Today, you will see the first advertisements in newspapers across the state calling for applications to the program,” Mr de Brenni said.

“These apprentices will be mentored by experienced tradespeople as they learn skills to build vital infrastructure for Queensland.

“They will be the first responders when natural disasters strike, and they will do extraordinary work securing and repairing our schools, hospitals and social housing.

“In 2012, under a Labor government, QBuild had a workforce of more than 2,500 staff, including 294 apprentices,” he said.

“After the LNP took a razor to QBuild, by 2015 we were left with just 1,073 staff in the department's renamed Building and Asset Services.

“The LNP burned QBuild to the ground, and put more than half of its workers out of a job.

“And, to add insult to injury, they ended the apprentice program and stopped taking on new apprentices.

“I especially want to thank the trade unions for working with me to restart this program that will give more Queensland kids a shot.”

“The rebuild following those devastating cuts begins today.”

Minister for Employment, Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said that government employment of apprentices delivers important outcomes for young people, especially in the regions.

“Providing secure employment opportunities to Queenslanders is an integral part of creating a strong economy in our state,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Government has a critical role to play in the provision of apprenticeships for our young people, and by bringing back the Housing and Public Works apprenticeship program it’s clear the Palaszczuk Government is delivering.

“These apprenticeships mean we are working toward meeting the skill needs for the jobs for tomorrow.”

Apprentices are set to start in Atherton, Ayr, Brisbane, Caboolture, Cairns, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, Toowoomba and Townsville on July 30.

Through the program, apprentices will be employed as electricians, painters, plumbers and stonemasons.

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0410 644 113