New QBuild apprentices for Brisbane

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten has congratulated 34 eager new tradies from Brisbane on being offered an apprenticeship with QBuild.

Mr Schwarten said the 34 were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation in 2009.

“This week sees our future tradespeople starting careers with QBuild across the state ranging from carpentry and plumbing to shop-fitting,” 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.”

“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.

New carpentry apprentices for QBuild’s Brisbane metropolitan offices are:

Brendan Owen, Cody Budgeon, Alexander Watson, Benjamin Canavan, Brendan Stevens,Mangi Sialepiata, Alex Jones, Joshua Erichsen, Kai Musgrove, Azemm Dannaoui, Dylan Wilkinson, Daniel Tupper, Nicholas Frommalt, as well as three other carpentry positions and two plumbing positions.

New apprentices for the QBuild Brisbane Facilities Service Group are:

Carpentry – Michael Gale, Taylor Pezzelato and school-based carpenter Lewis Graham.
Plumber – Cameron Jones and school-based apprentice Theran Franke
Electrical mechanic – Hamish Gillies-Peters and Trung Le
Fitter – Ashleigh O’Brien and one other
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic – Chris Hume and Christopher Kean
Shopfitter – Elias Tharenou
Horticulture – Rory O’Connor,Thomas Hughes, Glen George and one other.

Media contact: 3237 1832