Palaszczuk Government inducts next crew of trade apprentices

Published Tuesday, 05 March, 2019 at 04:43 PM

Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Mick de Brenni

The next twenty Queenslanders have started fulltime apprenticeships under a successful trades training program resurrected under the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni today welcomed the second cohort of Building and Asset Services apprentices who will learn skills to build vital infrastructure for Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is methodically rebuilding the apprenticeship program that was scrapped by Campbell Newman and the LNP,” said Mr de Brenni.

“In 2012, under Labor, QBuild had a workforce of more than 2500 staff, including 294 apprentices,” he said.

“Then the LNP burned it to the ground and put more than half its workers out of a job.

“It’s taken time to repair the damage done by the cut, sack and sell ideology of the LNP – it’s always more difficult to rebuild something once it’s been demolished.

“But we’re getting there – these apprentices will learn skills in painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and refrigeration mechanics.

“Aged from 17-30, they will be mentored by a team of experienced tradies who have also been apprentices in the program, learning the skills needed to build, repair and maintain our schools, hospitals and housing.

“And they will also be among the first responders when natural disasters strike.”

Mr de Brenni told the apprentices they could consider themselves the cream of the crop after nearly 900 applications were received for the 20 available positions.

“This apprentice intake reconfirms the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce for the future,” he said.

“It’s only Labor that shows it is seriously committed to giving people a helping hand to get the skills and training they need to secure a job and get ahead in life.”

Three of the apprentices are female and seven are from Far North Queensland.

Two additional students have been offered school-based apprenticeships, thanks to a positive partnership with the NRL Cowboys House in Townsville.

ENDS

Media contact: Shane Watson – 0400 859 356