Published Wednesday, 13 February, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
SCHWARTEN CONGRATULATES QBUILD BURDEKIN APPRENTICES
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today congratulated 10 up-and-coming tradies from the Burdekin region on being offered an apprenticeship with QBuild.
Mr Schwarten said the 10 were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2008.
The new apprentices in the Burdekin region are:
Charters Towers - Adam Brasher, Carpenter; Adam Shaw, Electrical Mechanic.
Palm Island - Darryl Pearson, Construction Worker Trainee; Bilo Wotton, Construction Worker Trainee.
Townsville - Phillip Hardy, Carpenter; Samuel Sadd, Carpenter; Nick Geissmann, Graduating from school-based carpentry apprenticeship to a full apprenticeship; and one
Electrical Mechanic.
Ayr - Dean Harapeet, Carpenter; and one Plumber.
“This week sees our future tradespeople starting careers with QBuild across the state ranging from carpentry and plumbing to the ancient craft of stonemasonry,” Mr Schwarten said.
“QBuild is one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices in Queensland and received more than 3,000 applications for this year’s apprentice intake.
“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 gain experience in the maintenance of government buildings, including schools, as well as helping construct new building projects throughout their region.”
Mr Schwarten said this year’s QBuild apprenticeship intake was the first time an on-line system had been used to recruit both the school-based and the fulltime apprentices and trainees.
“All apprentices and trainees will begin their careers with safety training and the provision of work-related equipment before they start learning on site. QBuild provides uniforms, footwear, protective equipment and tools of trade as required.
"The skills the apprentices gain as they advance through their apprenticeships will give them a head start in the industry, equipping them with life-long trade skills that will enhance their career prospects,” he said.
Meantime, Mr Schwarten also today awarded QBuild Burdekin region apprentice electrical mechanic Tony Williams with an Apprentice of the Year award.
“Each year, QBuild recognises the achievements of outstanding apprentices through the Apprentice of the Year Awards,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Nominations come from leading hands, forepersons and supervisors.
“Awards are offered in four categories based on the year the apprentice commenced work with QBuild. Nominees are judged on criteria including quality and quantity of work, commitment, reliability, initiative and client focus.”
Tony, who joined QBuild in the 2005 apprentice intake, will tools of trade to the value of $200, as well as a framed certificate.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said the 10 were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2008.
The new apprentices in the Burdekin region are:
Charters Towers - Adam Brasher, Carpenter; Adam Shaw, Electrical Mechanic.
Palm Island - Darryl Pearson, Construction Worker Trainee; Bilo Wotton, Construction Worker Trainee.
Townsville - Phillip Hardy, Carpenter; Samuel Sadd, Carpenter; Nick Geissmann, Graduating from school-based carpentry apprenticeship to a full apprenticeship; and one
Electrical Mechanic.
Ayr - Dean Harapeet, Carpenter; and one Plumber.
“This week sees our future tradespeople starting careers with QBuild across the state ranging from carpentry and plumbing to the ancient craft of stonemasonry,” Mr Schwarten said.
“QBuild is one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices in Queensland and received more than 3,000 applications for this year’s apprentice intake.
“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 gain experience in the maintenance of government buildings, including schools, as well as helping construct new building projects throughout their region.”
Mr Schwarten said this year’s QBuild apprenticeship intake was the first time an on-line system had been used to recruit both the school-based and the fulltime apprentices and trainees.
“All apprentices and trainees will begin their careers with safety training and the provision of work-related equipment before they start learning on site. QBuild provides uniforms, footwear, protective equipment and tools of trade as required.
"The skills the apprentices gain as they advance through their apprenticeships will give them a head start in the industry, equipping them with life-long trade skills that will enhance their career prospects,” he said.
Meantime, Mr Schwarten also today awarded QBuild Burdekin region apprentice electrical mechanic Tony Williams with an Apprentice of the Year award.
“Each year, QBuild recognises the achievements of outstanding apprentices through the Apprentice of the Year Awards,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Nominations come from leading hands, forepersons and supervisors.
“Awards are offered in four categories based on the year the apprentice commenced work with QBuild. Nominees are judged on criteria including quality and quantity of work, commitment, reliability, initiative and client focus.”
Tony, who joined QBuild in the 2005 apprentice intake, will tools of trade to the value of $200, as well as a framed certificate.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832