SCHWARTEN CONGRATULATES QBUILD WIDE BAY 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 10 up-and-coming tradies from the Wide Bay-Burnett 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 for the region are:
Bundaberg - Ashley Doble, Carpenter; Adam Weight, Painter; and one school-based apprentice carpenter
Gympie - Clinton Adsett, Plumber
Kingaroy - Jamain Currin, Carpenter
Maryborough - Christopher Alston, Carpenter; Brendan Hannel, Painter; Mark Ferguson, Plumber; and one school-based apprentice carpenter
Noosa - Benjamin Deans, Carpenter.

“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 Wide Bay region apprentice carpenter Ryan Fisher 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.”

Ryan, who joined QBuild in the 2007 apprentice intake, will tools of trade to the value of $200, as well as a framed certificate.

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