Published Thursday, 16 February, 2012 at 03:03 PM
Government Services, Building Industry and ICT
The Honourable Simon Finn
A great start to working in the building and construction industry
Minister for Government Services and Building Industry Simon Finn today congratulated 100 new apprentices and trainees from across Queensland who have been selected as part of QBuild’s apprentice and trainee intake for 2012.
Speaking at an induction ceremony today in the Brisbane CBD for 35 of the apprentices and trainees, Mr Finn said QBuild, the State Government’s construction and maintenance organisation, was one of the largest employers of construction and engineering industry apprentices in the State.
“The QBuild apprenticeship scheme is an investment in not only the future of Queensland’s building industry but an investment in the future of Queenslanders,” 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.
“Approximately 400 of those applicants were shortlisted for interviews, and the 100 people that were selected should be proud of their achievements – I know their family and friends will be.
“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.
Mr Finn said the QBuild intake this year included 78 full-time apprenticeships, eight school-based apprenticeships, 11 graduate school-based apprenticeships and three construction worker trainees.
The trade categories for the apprenticeship and traineeships include:
- Carpentry;
- Plumbing;
- Painting;
- Electrical Mechanics;
- Refrigeration and Air-conditioning;
- Fitting;
- Horticulture;
- Stonemasonry and Construction Worker Traineeships.
“The apprentices and trainees will be based on project sites right around the State – from the Gold Coast to Thursday Island, Roma, St George, Innisfail, Warwick, Mt Isa, Cairns, Charters Towers, Palm Island and many other centres,” Mr Finn said.
“All apprentices and trainees will begin their careers with a similar three day intensive induction which covers safety training and the provision of work-related equipment before they start on site.
“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