SCHWARTEN CONGRATULATES QBUILD SUNSHINE COAST APPRENTICES
Published Wednesday, 13 February, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today congratulated four up-and-coming tradies from the Sunshine Coast region on being offered an apprenticeship with QBuild.
Mr Schwarten said the four were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2008.
New apprentices on the Sunshine Coast are: Darron Pantall, Carpenter; Samuel Saunders, Graduating from school-based carpentry apprenticeship to full apprenticeship; Brent Powell, Glazier; and one school-based plumbing apprentice
“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.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said the four were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2008.
New apprentices on the Sunshine Coast are: Darron Pantall, Carpenter; Samuel Saunders, Graduating from school-based carpentry apprenticeship to full apprenticeship; Brent Powell, Glazier; and one school-based plumbing apprentice
“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.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832