New QBuild apprentices and trainees for Wide Bay

Minister for Government Services and Building Industry Simon Finn today announced eight people from the Wide Bay Burnett region will undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship as part of this year’s intake of QBuild apprentices and trainees.

Mr Finn said the eight were among 100 new apprentices and trainees taking up a position with QBuild this year, the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation.

The new apprentices in the Wide Bay Burnett region are:

• John-Paul Galea, school-based apprenticeship, Plumbing – Bundaberg
• Shaun Haywood, Painting – Bundaberg
• Anthony Hartley, Painting – Gympie
• Cameron Krogh, Carpentry – Kingaroy
• Kirsty Tigell, Carpentry – Kingaroy
• Aydyn Hendrikse, Painting – Maryborough
• Joshua Jarius, School-based apprenticeship, carpentry – Maryborough

Mr Finn said the QBuild apprenticeship scheme was an investment in not only the future of Queensland’s building industry but also an investment in the future of Queenslanders.

“QBuild is one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices in Queensland,” Mr Finn said.

“We received more than 4,800 applications for the QBuild apprentice intake this year – which goes to show just how sought after these positions are by aspiring tradespeople in Queensland.

“I’m delighted to say that of the 100 apprentices and trainees in this year’s intake, 19 are indigenous, and 8 are women,” he said.

Speaking at an induction in the Brisbane CBD for 35 of the apprentices and trainees today, Mr Finn said all apprentices and trainees would begin their careers with a similar three day intensive induction.

“The induction covers safety training and the provision of work-related equipment before they start on site,” he said.

“It's anticipated that these eager apprentices and trainees will be on work sites from mid next week.”

Mr Finn said the Bligh Government was pleased to be able to provide such an exciting career opportunity for the new QBuild apprentices and trainees.

“The skills these apprentices and trainees gain during their QBuild apprenticeships will provide them with life-long trade skills, which will translate to exciting career prospects in the building and construction industry,” he said.

Mr Finn said the new apprentices and trainees would be involved in a range of different projects.

“This will include the maintenance of government buildings such as schools, as well the construction of new building projects throughout their region,” he said.

QBuild provides uniforms, footwear, protective equipment and tools of trade as required.

Media contact: 3237 1907