Apprenticeships in Queensland have received a boost through a new scheme aimed at getting more Indigenous people to sign up for construction-related positions.
The Newman government’s 2013 Indigenous Apprenticeship and Traineeship program will begin accepting applications from today (February 6).
Tim Mander, housing and public works minister, said the initiative is geared towards offering Indigenous employment opportunities to 20 recruits across the state.
“Each apprenticeship will run for four years and the traineeships will be for 12 months,” he explained.
“There are a range of jobs on offer including painting and carpentry, and there will be some school-based apprenticeships in these areas as well.”
Job locations for the scheme will include Normanton, Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Thursday Island, Bamaga, Cairns, Innisfail, Palm Island and Atherton.
According to Mr Mander, the school-based apprenticeships will be available to Year 11 pupils and will enable them to achieve a Certificate III trade qualification in addition to their studies.
Meanwhile, those taking traineeships in Queensland under the scheme will try to attain a Certificate III in Indigenous community housing maintenance.
Applications will close on February 27, with chosen candidates needing to pass an interview before commencing their roles on April 22.
