QBuild was once a key deliverer of apprentices to blue collar trades in Queensland, and under the Palaszczuk Government, it will be once more.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the landmark decision to rebuild QBuild would provide secure jobs for regional Queenslanders and address declining apprenticeship rates.
“The LNP stripped more than 1,500 jobs from QBuild, they decimated it destroying its ability to provide safe, responsive trade services throughout the state,” the Premier said.
“My government is rebuilding QBuild.
“We will employ 300 QBuild tradies and apprentices over the next three years and reinvigorate regional depos – in Rockhampton, Cairns, Bundaberg and Caboolture.
“We will employ 20 apprentices and 80 qualified tradies every year, guaranteeing proper skills development in blue collar trades across Queensland.
“The reinvigorated QBuild will also boost my Government’s ability to respond fast to rebuild and repair our schools, hospitals and social housing impacted by natural disasters.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said this announcement builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to re-establish the apprenticeship program.
“We’re prioritising regional Queensland and high youth unemployment areas, delivering apprenticeships and direct employment on maintenance and upgrade programs,” he said.
“The jobs record between Labor and the LNP couldn’t be clearer.
“The Palaszczuk Government is backing our frontline workers rather than sacking them.
“We are taking direct action to address youth unemployment.
“Most importantly, we believe in decent, stable, secure jobs.
“Government trains excellent construction apprentices, and under the Palaszczuk Government, QBuild will be a modern, efficient and accountable organisation.”
