Queensland launches freight education, job creation initiatives

State transport minister Rachel Nolan announced an "Adopt-a-School" scheme on Friday which aims to link schools with freight businesses.

The move came after her department saw a state-of-the-art, demonstration semi-trailer filled with interactive displays about road safety and the trucking industry earlier this month.

Ms Nolan said the Transport and Logistics Adopt a School program linked an industry employer, a school and a training organisation to offer 15-17-year-olds recognised qualifications in logistics and warehousing and the prospect of further training or employment.

"Adopt-a-School provides the industry with a strategy to meet future skill needs, gives employers access to a diverse talent pool and allows young people to gain hands-on experience," Ms Nolan said.

"It also showcases how effective partnerships between government, industry and the education sector can produce skilled young workers and trainees."

The latest program was launched at the new Allied Pickfords facility at Richlands.

Allied Pickfords worked with Forest Lake Secondary College and the Bremer Institute of TAFE in a pilot program in 2008 and now hosts two graduates from this program – one school-based trainee and one full-time apprentice.

The company is currently working with the pilot project partners again on a second program with Forest Lake Secondary College students.

It will start in July.

So far, five school-based trainees have been offered full-time apprenticeships at two industry locations and there are currently seven school-based trainees.

Almost 60 students will be involved in the program this year.

Meanwhile, the Road Ahead Mobile Education Centre tour, which began on April 27, has visited south-east Queensland and the Toowoomba/Lockyer Valley area spreading the message of road safety and career opportunities in the trucking industry.

Built by the Australian Trucking Association and promoted by the Queensland Trucking Association and Department of Transport and Main Roads, the vehicle was fitted with expanding sides and cost the industry and its suppliers about $1.3m. 

“The exhibition involves children in safe driving behaviour and also exposes them to the range of career opportunities that the trucking industry offers,” Department of Transport and Main Roads director general Dave Stewart said.

The trailer can accommodate 30 students for a one-hour presentation and display.

There are 11 interactive stations within the trailer. They deal with safety, careers, a gear-changing exhibit and a truck packing display.