Transport judged as best trainers in Queensland, with industry advisory group winning top award
September 17, 2009
Transport has been judged as having the best industry training approach in Queensland, with the successful industry advisory group taking out the State’s top training award.
The Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Group (TLWAG) beat other industry sectors to win the Premier’s Innovation in Skilling Award at the Queensland Training Awards last Friday night.
The TLWAG model has long been admired by other states and was recently adopted as a benchmark under a national transport policy framework.
A group of 14 members drawn from all sectors of the transport and logistics industry sit on a board which advises the government-funded transport Industry Capability Branch within the Department of Main Roads on training and recruitment strategies.
Since being established in 2006 the unit has been responsible for successful programs like Adopt-a-School, which has high school students studying transport and logistics while working in local businesses.
The Premier’s prize is awarded to an organisation that demonstrates the “true spirit” of the State’s skills plan, “taking an innovative approach to skills development that contributes to Queensland’s economic development”.
One of the partners of the Industry Capability Branch, Brisbane-based waste management company JJ Richards Engineering, was also recognised with the Skilling for the Future Award for providing the best educational opportunities for school students.
The company has established a targeted program to train school-based apprentices and trainees in partnership with the Queensland Government, SkillsTech Australia and Mission Australia.
The initiative has provided vocational placements for 30 students and employs a former teacher as a full-time apprentice manager and mentor. Five local high schools have been partnered through the Adopt-A-School initiative to “build networks, boost communication and improve literacy and numeracy results”.
Both JJ Richards and TLWAG will now compete for national awards to be announced in Canberra on November 19.
The Queensland Training Awards have been running for 28 years and are the State’s top awards for skills initiatives.
This year 11 categories featured 48 finalists, following regional competitions across Queensland.
Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson says the awards represent a Government priority to deliver training programs.
“Our winners showcase the strength of our State’s training opportunities, which are not just enriching individual personal and professional experiences but also helping a range of industries stay at the cutting edge,” he says.