QBuild doubles down with second jobs intake

Jobs ads are open for another 40 frontline tradies to join the iconic government construction arm, QBuild, on the same day the Palaszczuk Government welcomes 20 new apprentices at a formal reception in Parliament House.

Adverts will go out today for carpenters, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics and electricians available to work in Cairns, Caboolture, Rockhampton and the Wide Bay Region.

Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the additional 40 jobs will be the second intake under Labor’s program to ‘rebuild QBuild’.

“After the LNP gutted QBuild by sacking 1,654 workers, Labor has breathed new life into the agency including standing up four QBuild depots in Cairns, Wide Bay Burnett, Rockhampton and Caboolture,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Already the first intake of tradies and apprentices are at these depots and working on building houses, schools, community owned assets and assisting in disaster recovery,” he said.

“Today we welcome an additional 20 apprentices to the QBuild team, and we start the search for the next 40 Queenslanders to join their ranks.

“We started advertising today and tradies looking for a career with QBuild have until 13 March 2020 to apply.”

Mr de Brenni said the reinvigorated building and maintenance arm of the State Government was now in a better position to help communities in times of natural disaster.

“Having these depots back online, fully functional, and with skilled Queenslanders on hand, means we can respond more quickly and efficiently to help out whenever a natural disaster strikes,” he said.

“Re-establishing government services, such as schools and hospitals after disasters is a big part of helping communities recover and get back to a more normal life again.”

Mr de Brenni said the hiring of 60 apprentices and 240 tradies over three years meant that QBuild would once again be seen as a major training ground for the next generation of tradespeople.

“The Palaszczuk Government has been working to deliver confidence back to the building industry, and since 2015 an extra 26,000 construction jobs have been generated in Queensland.

“But we have more work to do to skill the next generation of tradies, and train up regional workforces to meet Queensland’s increasing demand for workers,” he said.

“The tradespeople we are seeking now will help train these apprentices and help ensure the future of the industry.”

Anyone wishing to apply should go to smartjobs.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Rosie Gilbert – 0466 834 330