SCHWARTEN CONGRATULATES BEAUDESERT QBUILD APPRENTICE

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today congratulated an up-and-coming Kalbar tradesman Wayne Chant on being offered an apprenticeship with Qbuild.

Mr Schwarten said Wayne was one of 101 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2007.

He said Wayne was selected from more than 2,500 people from across the state to take up the position.

“QBuild is one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices as part of its substantial apprenticeship program,” Mr Schwarten said.

“This State Government training initiative is a real investment in the future of our state's building industry as many QBuild apprentices eventually find work in the private sector.

”QBuild apprentices like Wayne will gain experience in the maintenance of government buildings, including schools as well as helping construct new building projects throughout their region.”

Mr Schwarten said Wayne would undertake a carpentry apprenticeship. Wayne took part in an official induction and welcome at Parliament House today with close to 40 other apprentices from across the South East Queensland region.

“Today sees our future tradespeople starting careers ranging from carpentry and plumbing to the ancient craft of stonemasonry,” Mr Schwarten said.

An additional 52 apprentices and trainees will work across the Burdekin, Cape York, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Far West, Gold Coast, Whitsunday and Wide Bay-Burnett regions.

“The program represents a large investment in our state's regional skills base by providing opportunities for young Queenslanders in areas that have limited local employment prospects,” Mr Schwarten said.

“In addition to the new intake, 11 school-based apprentices have graduated from part time to full time apprenticeships and will be located across Queensland.”

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